TICKET REFUNDS
There will be a full refund for ticket holders.
All credit and debit card sales will be refunded automatically within the next 7 to 10 days. Please check your statements for confirmation.
Those who purchased with cash or cheque, please contact the point of sale to arrange your refund.
EVENT IS CANCELLED!
Stirling’s Hogmanay event had to be cancelled due to the severe weather.
The health and safety of staff and revellers is always our first concern and the forecast for severe weather meant that we had to cancel the event.
We wish you a happy New Year and all the best for 2007!
Hogmanay, the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration, is deeply rooted in history and tradition, making it a significant and cherished event in Scotland. The origins of Hogmanay can be traced back through centuries, blending a mix of Norse and Gaelic customs, and it has evolved into a unique and vibrant celebration that showcases the resilience and spirit of the Scottish people.
One theory about the etymology of “Hogmanay” suggests a connection to the French phrase “hoguinané,” which means a gift given at the New Year. Another possibility is the Norse “hoggo-nott,” which refers to the feast preceding the Yule festival. Regardless of its linguistic roots, Hogmanay has become synonymous with festivity, goodwill, and the welcoming of a new beginning.
Historically, the celebration of the New Year in Scotland faced various challenges due to the influence of the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. Christmas was not widely celebrated, and the Church of Scotland discouraged festivities around this time. Consequently, Scots turned their attention to New Year’s Eve, making Hogmanay a more significant and boisterous event.
One prominent aspect of Hogmanay is the “First-Footing” tradition. Shortly after midnight, the first person to enter a home is known as the “first-footer.” It is believed that the first-footer brings good fortune for the coming year. Tradition holds that this person should be a tall, dark-haired man, symbolizing prosperity. The first-footer often brings symbolic gifts like a coin, bread, salt, whisky, and sometimes even a piece of coal, each carrying its own auspicious meaning.
Fire plays a central role in many Hogmanay celebrations across Scotland. Large bonfires are lit to symbolize the burning of the old year and the welcoming of the new. The spectacular displays of fireworks that light up the skies above cities like Edinburgh and Glasgow are modern expressions of this ancient tradition, captivating locals and visitors alike.
Auld Lang Syne, perhaps the most famous New Year’s song globally, was penned by the Scottish poet Robert Burns. The tradition of singing Auld Lang Syne as the clock strikes midnight is an integral part of Hogmanay celebrations, symbolizing the passage of time and the importance of maintaining connections with old friends.
The celebration of Hogmanay also extends to various local customs and regional festivities. For example, in Stonehaven, a coastal town in northeast Scotland, the annual Fireball Festival sees locals swinging fireballs in the streets to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year with a fiery spectacle.
Hogmanay is not merely a party; it is a profound expression of Scottish identity and cultural pride. It encapsulates the resilience and camaraderie of the Scottish people, providing a moment to reflect on the challenges of the past year and look forward to the possibilities of the future. In essence, Hogmanay in Scotland is a celebration of continuity, community, and the enduring spirit of a nation that welcomes each new year with open hearts and a lively embrace of tradition.
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