For those of you who don't know what Hogmanay is... it is the Scottish holiday celebrated on New Year's Eve and up to the second day of January. This holiday tradition goes back hundreds of years. One of the first times the word Hogmanay was recorded was in 1604, but most sources think the holiday is much older, perhaps going back to ancient Norse traditions. The Norse Vikings invaded and settled in parts of Scotland over a thousand years ago.
Each area of Scotland celebrates Hogmanay in its own way. Edinburgh has a huge street party, live music, fireworks, etc. Tens of thousands of people visit Scotland at Hogmanay to join in the celebration. Stonehaven in eastern Scotland has its own unique way to celebrate Hogmanay too--The Fireball Ceremony. Local people walk down High Street swinging huge fireballs.
Other Hogmanay customs include "first-footing", which means the first person to cross your threshold in the new year, usually a neighbor. If a tall, dark-haired man is the first across your threshold after midnight of the new year, this is considered lucky. Definitely sounds lucky to me! LOL This "first-footer" is supposed to come bearing symbolic gifts of (traditionally) salt, coal, shortbread, whisky, or black bun (a type of Scottish fruit cake.) These gifts are considered lucky. The host then gives food and refreshment to the "first-footer." This visiting may happen throughout the night and into the next day.
Back to Stonehaven and their Fireball Ceremony... I've found a video to show you what it's like.
I've never been to Scotland in winter, but we were fortunate to get to stay four days in Stonehaven during September. Here are some views of the town.
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| The view from the front of the hotel where we stayed and the pub where we ate a few times. |
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| Market Buildings on Allardice Street |
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| Stonehaven Harbor |
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| Shore Head Street that faces the Harbor |
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| Beautiful flowers in front of The Granary, an old, historic building |
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| The Royal Hotel where we stayed |
Vonda
www.vondasinclair.com
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12 comments:
Loved the fireballs!
:)
Rose
We loved our time in Stonehaven five years ago. It's fun to see the fire balls and all the people out enjoying themselves. Thanks for starting the new year off with some of your great photos, Vonda.
We had one of the best meals here. I don't think I'll have any trouble getting hubby back to that restaurant.
Happy New Year to you.
Thanks for checking it out, Rose! I like them too.
Isn't Stonehaven wonderful, Paisley? I love it there. Even though it's a big town it is still nice and relaxing. I love towns that are right on the ocean too. I'm glad you had a wonderful meal! Happy New Year!
Oh, wow, I'd love to be there to see that in person! It looks like so much fun. But I'd also like to see the town. So quaint. Thanks for posting, Vonda! I'd heard of Hogmanay but didn't really know what it was.
I agree, it looks like great fun, Vanessa! It's an amazing town too. Thanks for checking it out! Happy New Year!
Great pictures, as always! I want to go to Scotland this year, but my New Year's resolution is to do no traveling. hmmmm Mutually exclusive goals I guess. I'll have to be an armchair traveler.
Wonderful!
Marvelous photos, Vonda. I visited Scotland several years ago and thoroughly loved the country. Didn't make it to Stonehaven, maybe next time. Loved the video!
I've never heard of that before. It's so cool.
Carly, thanks! Glad you like the pics! Oh no, I wouldn't want a resolution of no traveling. LOL I love travel!
Maeve, thanks! It is a wonderful place!
Lyn, thanks! I hope you get to go to Stonehaven soon. It's fun to just walk around the town. Plus there are lots of interesting sites and castles in the area.
Clover, It is an unusual ceremony. I'd love to watch it in person.
We lived in Aberdeen when I was a child so I've been to the fireball ceremony... but I wish I could remember it better and would love to go again.
The town looks much prettier than I recall! It's a lovely part of Scotland.
Hi Pauline, how cool that you lived in Aberdeen! We found most of Stonehaven to be really pretty and picturesque. Thanks for commenting!
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