Hogmanay

The word is pronounced “hogmanáy”, with the accent on the last syllable.  The source of the word is obscure, coming possibly from French, Gaelic or Nordic origins.  But the meaning is clear.  It is the word used in Scotland for “New Year’s Eve”.

Tonight, all over the planet, people will be using another Scots phrase, “auld lang syne”, as they say good-bye to the year that is ending, and welcome in the New Year.  Taken singly the words mean “old”, “long”, “since”; taken together they can be freely translated as “for old times’ sake”.

“Auld Lang Syne” is a poem attributed to the Scots poet Robert Burns (1759-1796), and later put to music.  I remember as a child hearing it sung lustily late on New Year’s Eve, as everyone stood in a circle holding hands. The words I remember were,

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind

“Should auld acquaintance be forgot in the days of auld lang syne.

“For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne

“We’ll drink a cup of wine my dear for the sake of auld lang syne”.

After welcoming the New Year, the next important event was “first-footing”.   A first-footer was the first person to enter a home after the New Year began.  Who the person was, and what gift they brought were important, for this visit was considered to set the tone for the entire year.  So if you were planning to visit a family early in the New Year, you would be wise to consider if they would be happy to see you and to welcome you as a “first-footer”.

For those who believe in repentance and new beginnings, it is a time to review the old year, to give thanks for the blessings received and to repent of personal mistakes. Then it is time to make a new beginning, to listen to the word of the Lord and resolve to walk in his ways, trusting in him who says to you, “Behold I make all things new”. (Revelations 21, 5)