For Auld Lang Syne

Well Gentle Readers, tis the 31 of December and I am well prepared to say, "Fare thee bloody well," to 2007. And if I may paraphrase Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, 2007 is not a year on which I shall look back with undiluted pleasure, it has turned out to be an Annus Horribilis. So, tis a time to celebrate the passing of the old into the new.

My family background is Anglo-Scots. My Gran is from Scotland and my Grandpa's parents were likewise from Alba. I have taken much interest and pride in my Scottish heritage over the years and have a great interest in the customs and traditions of the "auld country." New Year is one such occasion. In Scotland, the new year is celebrated as Hogmanay (hug-m'NAY), which is a Scots word for the last day of the year. Generally, celebrations last through the night until morning.

It is believed that Hogmanay evolved from the combination of the Norse (one of the past invaders of Scotland) celebration of the winter solstice and the Gaelic celebration of Samhain (the celebration of the end of the harvest season and the Gaelic New Year).

Although there are regional variations on how Hogmanay is celebrated, generally the custom of "first footing" is observed. First footing is a practise that begins after midnight where the first person through a friend or neighbour's door sets the household's luck for the rest of the year. A tall, dark-haired man is believed to bring good luck. A blonde or red-haired man would bring the opposite. It was assumed that a dark-haired man was a fellow Scot whereas a blonde or red-head was an unwelcome Norseman. In the tradition of my family, the bad luck of a blonde or a red-head could be avoided if said person was carrying a lump of coal. Visitors are offered food and drink and Auld Lang Syne is sang at midnight after which everyone is hugged, kissed and just generally greeted warmly.

Whatever your tradition for the arrival of the New Year may it be safe and filled with joy and may we all have peace and happiness in 2008.

Slàinte