Hogmanay is the Scots word for New Year, and is of course celebrated on New Year�s Eve. Hogmanay is
the traditional Scottish New Year�s Festival and commemorates the solar divinity, Hogmagog, the
combination of Gog and Magog, the spiritual guardians of Edinburgh. It is a more important occasion in
Scotland than England, Ireland or Wales. The name Hogmanay has its roots in the Gaelic oge maidne
meaning "new morning," Celtic Hogunnus meaning "new year" and Anglo-Saxon Haleg Monath meaning
"holy month." Hogmanay in Scotland was more celebrated than Christmas, and centered around the new
year. Some think this is an old Celtic tradition, but it most probably started after the Covenanters held
sway and viewed celebrating Christmas as superstitious. Traditional Hogmanay ceremonies involved
dressing in cow hides and running around the village being hit with sticks; this was called guising. There
was also the custom of first footing which entailed certain individuals calling on friends and relatives
and bringing the gift of uiseage beath, the water of life, better known as whisky! This had to be
accomplished preferably before midnight. Other acceptable gifts were pieces of coal symbolizing the
wish for a warm and happy dwelling in the coming year. The old saying lang may ye�re lum reek wi� ither
foolks� coal comes from this old tradition of giving coal. Translated, that little saying goes "long may
your chimney smoke from other folks� coal." Bannocks (a kind of kaiser bun) and oatcakes were also
welcome gifts, but scotch was by far the favorite gift. Last year the newsletter published an article on
Hogmanay written by The Beldame of Ayre. As an addendum, I wrote a piece on first footing from a
personal point of view. If members have access to the web they can get to the
Shasta Celtic Society�s web page and read the article in the archives section.
Last year, several members of the Society met at C.R. Gibbs and held an impromptu Hogmanay
celebration. The "Twa Bawbies" (Skinner and myself) played pipes, joined by Gerry Smida who
accompanied us on various instruments. I think it safe to say that a great time was had by members and
nonmembers alike. This year will most probably be the same -- a very impromptu gathering at C.R. Gibbs
on New Year�s Eve. This will be the last time a Hogmanay will ever be held at Gibbs� old establishment as
it will close down for three months of re-modeling after New Year�s Day. Hopefully it will be open in
time for St. Patrick�s Day celebration.
