Happy Hogmany!

Happy Hogmany everyone!

Hogmany is the Scottish word for the last day of the year and it is the start of what can end up being a three day party.

A tall dark man is supposed to be the first person to cross the threshold into a home in the New Year. They bring coal, salt and other items to bring luck to the family of the house.

The traditional song for this time of year is Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns.

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and never brought to mind ?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
and auld lang syne* ?

CHORUS:
For auld lang syne, my jo,
for auld lang syne,
we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

And surely ye’ll be your pint-stowp !
and surely I’ll be mine !
And we’ll tak a cup o’ kindness yet,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae run about the braes,
and pu’d the gowans fine ;
But we’ve wander’d mony a weary fit,
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

We twa hae paidl’d i’ the burn,
frae morning sun till dine ;
But seas between us braid hae roar’d
sin auld lang syne.

CHORUS

And there’s a hand, my trusty fiere !
and gie’s a hand o’ thine !
And we’ll tak a right gude-willy waught,
for auld lang syne.

CHORUS

This version of the song came from Wikipedia and you can find out more about the history of Auld Lang Syne here.

If you are interested in finding out more about the history of Hogmany in Scotland look here.

All the best for 2011!