.«Customs and traditions of English-Speaking countries. Holidays in Scotland.»

National holidays in Scotland

     In order to better understand the characteristics of a particular country, it is necessary to study its traditions and national features, the most important of which are the local holidays, as a reflection of the old beliefs, significant events for the people, as well as interesting cultural differences. Holidays in Scotland are strong cultural mix specific anniversaries (including, for example, the birthday of the great Scottish poet), traditional Celtic holidays (this includes Walpurgis Night), and other unexpected incidents.

December 31 - January 1 - New Year

   New Year in Scotland referred to as Hogmanay. There is widespread tradition of "admission of the New Year." This tradition is a symbolic milestone, in which the transition from a past life to come. The very admission of the New Year custom is as follows. At midnight, when the clock strikes twelve, you need to open the back door of the house. And at this time of year old, who ends his time should come out of the house. As soon as a final blow hours, open the front door of the house to let in the New Year.

According to ancient custom, all the inhabitants of Scotland set fire barrels filled with pitch, and roll them through the streets of the city. This tradition of residents burned passing year, and give way to the new year. Also, many Scots believe that the new year will depend on exactly who enters the house with its offensive. If the house will first man with dark hair, it will ensure good luck, happiness, a lot of gifts in the coming year. This tradition is referred to as "First futing."

The people of Scotland to celebrate the New Year there are many traditions that must be observed. So, hours before the fight the whole family should gather at prediluted fireplace. The fire should burn very brightly. As soon as the clock hand closer to midnight, it was the owner of the house must stand to hold the old year.

         More recently, in Scotland, New Year's Day all the doors were open to guests. On New Year's Day feast prepared plentiful. According to popular belief, it is the large number of treats shows how will the next year. And if the New Year on the table a lot of food, during the year will be provided with plenty of food so owners. During the New Year, when all the doors were opened, every visitor should always eat a spoonful of food on the table hosts. It should be a barley or oatmeal.

January - Aphelio

      No less interesting is the national holiday of the Viking Age, who often raided the islands of Scotland. Bright and spectacular festival, called Aphelio, usually carried out at the end of January in Lerwick, is a theatrical performance, which involved forty men disguised as Vikings, lighted torches, all residents of the city and visiting guests, as well as purpose-built boat of Vikings symbolically burned in the end! 

April 6 - Day tartan

The history of this festival dates back to 1320. When the Papacy supported by the English conquest of Scotland and excommunicated King Robert the Bruce and his supporters, the clergy and the barons of Scotland led by the abbot of the monastery Arbrotskogo Bernard de Linton issued addressed to Pope John XXII declaration of sovereignty of Scotland

Tartan - woolen fabric with a pattern of lines of different widths and colors that cross each other at right angles. There are many different tartans, each associated with a particular Scottish clan. Each clan in the Highlands (Highlands - mountainous, the upper part of Scotland) has associated with it a certain color and a certain proven pattern that clan members are on the kilt and plaid. And to put other people's color is a social disorder, and it is also unacceptable to raise the ship as a foreign flag on the mast.

June 24 - Independence Day. 

       The relationship between the Scots and the English for the duration of their coexistence characterized by periodic outbreaks of tension. Scotland regularly for a long time to defend their freedom and returned to their independence.

History of Scottish independence dates back June 24, 1314, when the Scottish King Robert the Bruce were finally destroyed all enemies, namely the army of King Edward II. Scotland's independence movement began in 1296, when King Edward the First was seized power in the country, by the conclusion of the Scottish king in jail. Then his right to the throne and showed Robert the Bruce, who was a descendant of the first king of Scotland. In 1306, at a meeting of the country's nobility was he was proclaimed king.

June 24 - Independence Day

The relationship between the Scots and the English for the duration of their coexistence characterized by periodic outbreaks of tension. Scotland regularly for a long time to defend their freedom and returned to their independence.

History of Scottish independence dates back June 24, 1314, when the Scottish King Robert the Bruce were finally destroyed all enemies, namely the army of King Edward II. Scotland's independence movement began in 1296, when King Edward the First was seized power in the country, by the conclusion of the Scottish king in jail. Then his right to the throne and showed Robert the Bruce, who was a descendant of the first king of Scotland. In 1306, at a meeting of the country's nobility was he was proclaimed king.