New Years Eve

[midnight_moon]

I spent most of last night being mocked by my boyfriend for celebrating New Years Eve in our family's traditional way. He reckons nobody else does it, has no idea why we do it and declares it completely sexist. He also showed me his baffled face

Comments

[amydissolution]

I've never heard of that done, but I really like the sound of it. Seems like it makes New Year that bit more special, rather than just getting drunk and grabbing people to snog at midnight.

[diglett]

No. I never do that any no-one in my family or that I have ever heard of does such a thing. It is either made up or northern. Probably both.

My New Year ritual is to drink too much vodka, sign Auld Lang Syne, hug and snog everyone in the room, say "happy new year" a lot and then fall over.

[fluffydave]

Never heard of it, but its cool. Sounds like it has its roots in some deep pagan traditions. Not really something I know much about though.

[sarcaustik]

I know this is a traditional New Years Eve ritual and I've known several people who have done that sort of thing. The 'First Footer' is also supposed to carry a lump of coal with them, I think. Traditionally the lights are also switched off and the First Footer brings the light back in with them. The idea is to bring light and fortune to the household for the new year. IIRC the custom originated in Scotland, although variations on the theme are found in Scandinavia.

[deeteeuk]

It's the Scots again. Yes, we, the nation that gave you skirts for men and the term "wee jobbies" have been coming up with odd Hogmanay rituals for years. The little ritual you describe is First Footing. The idea being that the first foot across the threshold of your house should be that of a tall dark man, to bring you luck.

[deeteeuk]

Yes, that does actually. Although I was never exactly sure why the coal was important.