Scotland: New Year's Holiday

Scotland: New Year's Holiday History

Scotland: New Year’s Holiday seeks to celebrate the last day of the year and the passing of the Winter Solstice.

Scotland: New Year’s Holiday is celebrated with many traditions. These include the traditional song Auld Lane Syne and a tradition called first footing in which darker-haired males are to be the first ones to enter a home after midnight. Another tradition is the fire ceremony in Stonehaven where giant fireballs are swung around on long metal poles.

Scotland: New Year’s Holiday is believed to have been brought to Scotland by Vikings in the 8th and 9th centuries. It is observed annually on 1 January.