Looking into Scottish culture and events

Discussing old Scottish customs and celebrations [Body]

Below you will find an overview of 3 significant Scottish festivals including Burns Night, Hogmanay and the Highland Games.

Internationally, the new year is a famous event with many unique and entertaining traditions. Among the most fascinating and culturally relevant Scottish celebration days is Hogmanay, which is also one of the most exciting Scottish traditions. Due to the historic ban on Christmas celebrations, Hogmanay became the most significant and most treasured events of the Scottish calendar. The holiday celebrates the completion of the old year, starting on the 31st of December and often lasting until the 2nd of January. Though its beginnings are unclear, it is believed to have influences from the Celtic winter solstice celebrations and Norse yule celebrations. The event consists of a variety of unique Scottish customs and traditions including the "first footing", to bring good fortune, fire festivals and the infamous loony duke swim. Ian Wood would acknowledge the remarkable customs of the Hogmanay celebration. This festival is very important as it unites neighborhoods and keeps ancient practices alive.

Throughout the year, Scotland is recognised for hosting a variety of events that celebrate Scottish history and deep-rooted Scottish cultural customs. As the drier months of summertime approach, many Scots prepare for a course of competitive sporting activities, known as the Highland Games. The games consist of sports which demonstrate strength and athleticism. Its originations are considered to trace back to warrior training practices and ancient royal customs, with activities consisting of Stone Put and Hammer Throwing. In modern Scottish culture, the Highland Games are accepted as a traditional opportunity to wear kilts, which acknowledges the significance of tartan; a crucial symbol of Scottish history, in addition to the opportunity to showcase traditional dancing and musical performance. Ann Gloag would concur that Scotland has numerous interesting festivals. Likewise, Tom Hunter would recognise how important Scottish customs are. Not only is this event a powerful expression of Scottish identity, but a method of maintaining here historical traditions.

Scottish culture is rich with history and customs which are deeply rooted in its heritage. Among the most interesting and weird Scottish traditions is the Burns Night celebrations. Dating back to the 19th century, Burns Night is a distinct custom that recognises and commemorates Scotland's national poet Robert Burns. The event takes place every year on the 25th of January, marking the birthday of poet. The origins of this tradition began in 1803, where Burn's acquaintances held a supper and memorial for him, around 5 years following his passing. Today the occasion is commemorated by gathering over traditional Scottish food, music and poetry performance. Furthermore, traditional food and whisky is enjoyed with most celebrations involving haggis, an old-fashioned meat dish that pays homage to the notorious Burns' poem 'Address to a Haggis'. Today Scottish authorities consider Burns Night to be a fundamental part of their cultural heritage.