Mental Floss shares six new year traditions from around the world in their latest newsletter. Since my grandparents came from Scotland, I was particularly drawn to the mention of Hogmanay, which Scotland marks today. Tonight is also called Auld Year’s Night.
One of the customs associated with the new year is that of the first-footer: the first person to visit your home after midnight (and therefore New Year’s Day). It is good luck if the first-footer is a tall handsome man with dark hair, preferably bringing a gift. The traditional gifts are symbolic, such as salt, shortbread or whisky, two of which are certainly considered good luck in many a house! I wonder if it counts if the tall handsome man who lives in the house goes out the door and comes back in?
Apparently, traditional Hogmanay parties involve singing, dancing, eating of steak pie or stew, storytelling and consumption of copious amounts of alcohol. Scots or not, many people will be carrying on a lot of those traditional activities tonight. So be careful out there, and please don’t drink and drive!