In Scotland, New Year is called Hogmanay and they go all out in celebrating it. The celebration lasts for three days with a street party, live entertainment, torchlight processions, bagpipes, and of course a firework display with the castle as the backdrop.
Hagmanay traditions include that after midnight the first footer should be a dark-haired male. Fair-haired first footers were not particularly welcome after the Viking invasions of ancient times. Traditional gifts include a lump of coal to lovingly place on the host's fire, along with shortbread, a black bun and whisky to toast to a Happy New Year.
An important element of Hogmanay celebrations is to welcome friends and strangers, with warm hospitality and of course a kiss to wish everyone a 'Guid New Year'. The underlying belief is to clear out the vestiges of the old year, have a clean break and welcome in a young, New Year on a happy note. After the energetic Hogmanay celebration, Scots cure their hangovers by an icy plunge in the River Forth.
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