Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year celebrations and their associated traditions.
Hogmanay begins on New Year’s Eve but can extend into New Year’s Day and January 2, which has historically been a public holiday in Scotland. Its customs combine older winter and midwinter practices with later Christian and social traditions. The exact origin of the word “Hogmanay” remains uncertain, and several competing linguistic explanations have been proposed.
A famous custom is first-footing: the first person to enter a household after midnight is expected to bring symbolic gifts such as shortbread, whisky, coal, or salt. In traditional belief, the appearance and gifts of the first-footer could influence the household’s luck.
Edinburgh’s large street celebration, torchlight events, concerts, and the singing of “Auld Lang Syne” are internationally famous. Hogmanay is broader than a single party or song; it is the name for Scotland’s New Year observance as a whole.