What is the Scottish name for 31st December?
Hogmanay is the Scottish word for the last day of the year, or New Year's Eve. The celebration of Hogmanay is a huge part of Scottish culture, dating back to pagan winter festivals. It's thought to have Norse and Gaelic origins, with traditions like cleansing the house, paying first-foot visits, and lighting bonfires to ward off evil spirits and welcome the new year. These traditions have evolved over centuries, blending with Christian influences. The name itself is a bit of a mystery, with theories linking it to Norse, Gaelic, and even French words. What's important is that Hogmanay is much more than just New Year's Eve in Scotland; it's a unique cultural event filled with history and tradition. So, while "Hogsback" might sound vaguely Scottish, it's actually a geographical term, and "Hogwarts" is, of course, from the Harry Potter series, Hogmanay is the only answer that reflects the Scottish celebration of the New Year.
Imagine ringing in the New Year surrounded by Scottish celebrations at 'hogmanay'.