You'll notice that I didn't wish you a happy New Year in the title of this post. That's because it's unlucky to wish somebody a happy New Year until after the Bells on January 1st. The Bells, for those of you who aren't familiar with the expression, are not referring to the whisky but are the bells that ring out the old year and ring in the new at midnight between December 31st (Hogmanay) and January 1st (Ne'erday).
Hogmanay is traditionally associated with memories and endings. Ne'erday is associated with new beginnings. This is why people try to pay off any debts and attempt to finish any ongoing projects before the Bells; it allows them to begin the New Year with a clean slate. In most towns people will gather at the Mercat (Market) Cross while a piper prepares to "pipe in" 2013. After that has been done the crowd will wish each other a happy new year before dispersing to visit friends.
In Scotland we prepare for the New Year by cleaning the house. That might be because it's considered unlucky to welcome the new year with a messy house but, more pragmatically, it's more likely to be because of the First Foots. No, I don't mean First Feet; I mean First Foot. The First Foot is the first person to set foot across your threshold after the Bells,bringing the New Year and its luck in with him or her. The luckiest First Foot will be a dark-haired man, the least lucky a red-haired woman. Don't get annoyed with me about that; I don't make up these superstitions.
Tradition says that your First Foot should bring you a gift of oatmeal, coal or herring to bring plenty into your household and, for the same reason, you should ensure that all purses and pockets have a coin in them and that your food cupboards are stuffed full. This symbolises a year of plenty ahead and makes sure that you have something to offer to family or friends who visit you during the New Year period.
Your First Foot will also bring gold (in the form of whisky) into your house and it is only good manners to accept a drink from them and offer one back, which, of course, leads to a party with singing and, occasionally, dancing. This party may last an hour or may go on for a day, but the first song sung is usually "Auld Lang Syne".
Foodstuffs offered to First Foots may well include oatcakes, shortbread and Black Bun. You may be familiar with the first two but not with Black Bun. It is a very heavy and rich fruit cake encased in a pastry crust which may be used to sop up excessive alcohol or, alternatively, makes a useful doorstop. It is an acquired taste...
New Year celebrations may well go on for a couple of days and you will be wished a "Happy new year" by strangers you pass in the street. Don't worry too much about traditions or superstitions (or even resolutions). Just have a happy new year... when it comes.
