Travel and culture 131
In Scotland, which is a part of Great Britain, New Year
has a special name: Hogmanay. There is a tradition at
Hogmanay that is called first footing. The first person
to come into the house in the new year is the first foot.
If this stranger brings a piece of coal, then he brings
luck for the new year. The piece of coal is a symbol of
warmth for the next year. If he brings a piece of biscuit it
represents food for the new year. And if the stranger is a
tall, dark man he will bring a lot of luck.
People in Scotland often eat special food at this time.
Traditional Scottish festival food is haggis which is a
large sausage made from sheep’s heart, liver and lungs.
Some people also gather around a big bonfire. Some
people throw old things at the fire to symbolize burning
the old year away.
Denmark
In Denmark people count down the new year standing
on their sofas and when the new year comes they jump
from the sofa and into the new year.
In Copenhagen, people gather on the square of
Amalienborg, the Royal Palace. There people meet and
wish each other Happy New Year. Fireworks are also a
part of the Danish new year’s traditions, but not nearly
as much as in Iceland.
As you can see there are many different traditions
around the world on New Year’s Eve. What other
traditions do you know? What does your family do
on that evening?
lantern
: lukt
parade
: skrúðganga
vegetarian
: grænmetisæta
wave
: alda
candle
: kerti
toast
: skála
fireworks
: flugeldar
piece of coal
: kolamoli
biscuit
: kexkaka
bonfire
: varðeldur, brenna
