Dear readers and friends,
One of the greatest joys that brings us this end of the year is the opportunity to wish you a very joyful holiday season and a happy and healthy New Year!
Let’s welcome 2019 together.
We are approaching the big night that marks the arrival of the New Year and in Scotiana’s team native countries, France, Quebec and Scotland, the excitement is in the air!
Especially in Scotland with the preparation of New Year’s Eve that Scots have named Hogmanay. Its origins reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings with wild parties in late December.
Here are a some traditional activities :
The Torchlight Procession
It kicks off Hogmanay on December 30 at 7 p.m. Thousands of people carry flaming, wax based torches in a procession that winds its way through the city of Edinburgh. In previous years, as many as 50,000 people took part. And, despite all that fire, the event is safe and child friendly.
The Ceilidh Under the Castle – The Street Party – Concert in the Gardens – The Loony Dook – Bairns Afore
The Burning of the Clavie
The Clavie from Recite Films on Vimeo.
Ye Olde Christmas Shoppe © 2012 Scotiana
Christmas in Scotland was traditionally observed very quietly, because the Church of Scotland – a Presbyterian church – for various reasons never placed much emphasis on the Christmas festival.
Christmas Day only became a public holiday in 1967, and Boxing Day in 1974. The New Year’s Eve festivity, Hogmanay, was by far the largest celebration in Scotland. The gift-giving, public holidays and feasting associated with mid-winter were traditionally held between 11 December and 6 January.
However, since the 1980’s, the fading of the Church’s influence and the increased influences from the rest of the UK and elsewhere, Christmas and its related festivities are now nearly on a par with Hogmanay and “Ne’erday”. Edinburgh, Glasgow and other cities now have traditional German Christmas market from late November until Christmas Eve. (Wikipedia)
May happiness be yours during this season of goodwill and may the New Year bring peace on Earth.
Bonne Année!
Scotiana’s Team
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