In Scotland

Scotland is a country that is part of the
United Kingdom and covers the northern
third of the island of Great Britain.
Edinburgh, which transformed Scotland
into a major commercial, intellectual and
industrial powerhouse of Europe, is the
capital of the country.

The Kingdom of Scotland emerged as an
independent sovereign state in the Middle
Ages and continued to exist until 1707.
Scotland, subsequently, entered into a
political union with England on 1st May
1707 to create the new Kingdom of Great
Britain. Later, Britain entered into a political
union with Ireland, to create the United
Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

Scotland is a country member of the British
Irish Council and the British-Irish
Parliamentary Assembly. It is represented in
the European Union and the European
Parliament with six members.

The name comes from the
Scandinavians, for whom 'Yultid' was
the festival celebrated in the twelfth
month, being the twelfth name of
Odin. He was supposed to come to
Earth in December, disguised in a
hooded cloak. He would sit for a
while at the firesides, listening to the
people. He would leave a gift of
bread or coins where there were
people in need.

The custom was to celebrate the
Birth of Christ with all solemnity, the
festivities began a few days later, and
spilled into New Year and Twelfth
Night, which was known as “Little
Christmas”.

Known as Hogmanay, the New Year in Scotland
has a very special meaning: "new morning".

The Scottish New Year is known worldwide by
the strong presence of traditions. Some of these
customs are part of the culture of other
countries, but get different directions in Scotland.

To start the new year with everything in order
and positive energies the most traditional
families in the country spend the day of 31 st
December cleaning the house, paying special
attention to removing ashes in the fireplace.
Furthermore, it is important to start the year
with all paid off debts, to achieve prosperity and
success.

Another custom which marks the date is called
"First Footing". During the first minutes of the
New Year, people leave their homes to visit
neighbours and deliver gifts.

The most expected moment is the fireworks at
Edinburgh Castle when the sky gets different
colours and people greet each other, toasting
and wishing happiness for the New Year.
Gammon & Pea Soup
Roast Turkey
Burns Night
Cromar Valley
Alexandra César
nº2
8ºA
Bárbara Castro
nº4
8ºA
Eva Oliveira
nº10
8ºA