Hogmanay is the name of Scotland's New Year's Eve celebration, a word traditionally associated with the last day of the year.
The term covers more than one party or location. It refers broadly to Scottish customs marking the transition into the new year, including singing, fire traditions, public gatherings and first-footing. The word's exact linguistic origin remains uncertain, with proposed connections to French, Norse, Scots and other language influences.
First-footing is one of the best-known customs. After midnight, the first visitor to enter a home may bring symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread or whisky. In traditional interpretations, a tall, dark-haired visitor was considered especially lucky.
Hogmanay is sometimes mistaken for the name of Edinburgh's street event only. Edinburgh hosts a famous festival, but Hogmanay is the wider Scottish New Year tradition. Burns Night, held on January 25, is a separate celebration honoring poet Robert Burns.