Hogmanay is the name of Scotland’s New Year celebration, traditionally associated with fireworks and torchlight processions.
Hogmanay begins on New Year’s Eve and can continue into January 1 and January 2, which are public holidays in Scotland. Celebrations range from household customs to large city events, especially in Edinburgh. The modern Edinburgh festival is known for concerts, street gatherings, fireworks, and a torchlight procession.
A central custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a home after midnight is traditionally expected to bring symbolic gifts such as shortbread, whisky, or coal. In some traditions, a tall, dark-haired first-footer is considered especially lucky.
The word Hogmanay has uncertain origins. Proposed explanations connect it with Scots, Gaelic, French, or Norse influences, but no single derivation is universally accepted. Hogmanay also helped preserve the popularity of singing Auld Lang Syne in New Year celebrations around the world.