The James T. Callow Folklore Archive

CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEARS CUSTOMS IN SCOTLAND

THERE IS MUCH REVELRY IN SCOTLAND AT HOGMANY (NEW YEAR) AND LITTLE
FESTIVITY AT CHRISTMAS. THE ORIGINS OF THIS PRACTICE ARE NOT AS
HEATHENISH AS THEY MIGHT FIRST APPEAR. SCOTLAND WAS ONE OF THE
FORTIFICATIONS OF THE PROTESTANT REFORMATION AND THE REFORMERS WERE
APPALLED AT THE CARNIVAL ATMOSPHERE THAT PERVADED THE CELEBRATION OF
CHRISTMAS. AS A RESULT, THE FESTIVITIES WERE PUSHED AHEAD ONE WEEK
AND CHRISTMAS CELEBRATED WITH MORE SOLEMNITY. UP UNTIL THE END OF
WORLD WAR 2 IT WAS UNUSUAL FOR WORKING MEN TO GET A DAY OFF FOR CHRISTMAS.
INSTEAD, SEVERAL DAYS HOLIDAY WERE GIVEN AT NEW YEAR'S.

Where learned: AT WORK

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