Hogmany is the Scottish end of the year celebration. Hogmany it's a party, it's fun, so is obviously not of Scottish origin. Most likely, wandering Norse tour guides searching for warmer winters happened upon the south of Scotland not long after a winter solstice. Believing they were in Miami, the Norse donned masks to protect their fair skin from the harsh Florida sun and took to drink. Masks, drink....lasses. Word got back home and the annual migration and bacchanal became custom. Never did figure out they weren't in the US.
The festival is as ancient as the hills. While custom and tradition have evolved, Hogmany celebrations derive from human's need to occasionally let loose. Deep within the DNA of humans everywhere is the need to break the solitude of the cold months, restoring mental health to those who live close to the land. The Church of Scotland, which for over 400 years gave Christmas celebrations a miss, reluctantly turned a blind eye to a holiday celebrated on a state holiday.
My family, a bit to the west of Scotland, didn't need such a flimsy excuse to celebrate. They partied just because. The masks, drink...lasses were a lagniappe.
Celebrate hard my friends, you've earned it, we'll leave the light on for ya. AND WATCH FOR DEER!!!!!!
Happy end of 2M12 and welcome 2M13.
Toad
Posts
