Several of Isabel's birthday greetings from Scottish kith and kin reminded her that today is Hogmanay -- the Scottish festival day to usher out the old year and welcome in the new. The turning of the old used-up year into a fresh new one is all about the hope of new beginnings. Part of the Dec 31 tradition is cleaning one's house including the ashes from the fire, and paying off one's debts to neighbours and friends.
Mum reminded us of her father Charlie's Hogmanay traditions of "first footing" very early on January 1. "First-footing" refers to who is the first person to cross the threshold on New Year's Day. The tradition is that a first-footer should be a dark-haired person from outside the household who brings a "handsel" -- a token of good fortune to the house. He or She is welcomed and provided hospitality. Charlie's handsel was always to carry a lump of new coal in his pocket for the freshly cleaned hearth of a neighbour or friend.
The Hogmanay tradition of taking coal to a neighbour is not to be confused with receiving a lump of coal in one's Christmas stocking!
Wishing all family, friends, and neighbours the warmest of greetings as you cross the threshold into a new year! May it be a joy-filled one!
With best wishes for a happy new year from
Isabel and the Gang
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