Scotland: Redding of the house and “Auld Lang Syne”

In Scotland, Hogmanay is an end-of-year New Year’s Eve party that starts on December 30 and ends on New Year’s Day. There are many variations of Hogmanay celebrations throughout the country, but the most common tradition is that of “first footing,” which involves being the first to visit friends and neighbors, often with a symbolic gift in hand.

People gather to sing “Auld Lang Syne” (a song about friends recalling their adventures from long ago) as the clock strikes midnight, but one of the most important New Year’s Eve traditions is the redding of the house. This is essentially a deep clean around your home, from the cabinets to the front door. One spot that’s focused on is the fireplace—all old ashes are cleaned out so everyone in the house can start the year off fresh.

If you happen to be in Edinburgh for the festivities, expect to see pipers and drummers leading torch-wielding locals on a procession throughout the city (scheduled for December 29 in 2024). And on New Year’s Day, the party ends with a bracing swim in the chilly waters of the Firth of Forth. Like any festive occasion, Hogmanay is a time to enjoy food and drink, and has its own gastronomic traditions. Fruitcake, shortbread and black bun are the customary dishes to offer guests, and to present to hosts when first footing. A flute of champagne lends a celebratory sparkle to any occasion, but the only drink with which to toast the bells at Hogmanay is of course Scotch whisky.