Hogmanay

Hogmanay
Fireworks for Edinburgh's Hogmanay
Official nameHogmanay
Also called"Daft days" [1]
Observed byScots
TypeNational
SignificanceThe final day of the Gregorian calendar year
CelebrationsReflection; late-night partying; family gatherings; feasting; gift exchanges; fireworks; countdowns; watchnight services; social gatherings, during which participants may dance, eat, consume alcoholic beverages, and watch or light fireworks
Begins31 December
Ends1 January
Date31 December
FrequencyAnnual
Related toNew Year's Eve

Hogmanay (/ˈhɒɡmən, ˌhɒɡməˈn/ HOG-mə-nay, -⁠NAY,[2] Scots: [ˌhɔɡməˈneː][3]) is the Scots word for the last day of the old year and is synonymous with the celebration of the New Year in the Scottish manner. It is normally followed by further celebration on the morning of New Year's Day (1 January) and, in some cases, 2 January—a Scottish bank holiday. In a few contexts, the word Hogmanay is used more loosely to describe the entire period consisting of the last few days of the old year and the first few days of the new year. For instance, not all events held under the banner of Edinburgh's Hogmanay take place on 31 December.

The origins of Hogmanay are unclear, but it may be derived from Norse and Gaelic observances of the winter solstice. Customs vary throughout Scotland and usually include gift-giving and visiting the homes of friends and neighbours, with particular attention given to the first-foot, the first guest of the new year.

  1. ^ "What is Hogmanay?". BBC. BBC Newsround. Retrieved 29 December 2023.
  2. ^ "Hogmanay". Lexico UK English Dictionary. Oxford University Press. Archived from the original on 22 March 2020.
  3. ^ The Concise Scots Dictionary Cambers (1985) ISBN 0-08-028491-4