“Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never though upon;… That
thou canst never once reflect on old long syne.” – Robert Burns
A season full of celebration and yuletide cheer!
Although it is argued that no one can do the festive season quite like the
Scots. As a result of this theory, which as a traditional Scottish food manufacturing
company we fully support, we have put together some top tips in how to have a
most traditional Scottish Christmas & New Year:
Christmas Eve
Christmas was
traditionally banned in Scotland for nearly 400 years. It wasn’t until the
1950’s that Christmas was actually declared a national holiday! Since then
Christmas has exploded in popularity, with people traditionally burning the
branches of a rowan tree on Christmas Eve (24th December) to signify
getting rid of any bad feeling towards friends and relatives.
In some parts of
the country people will also eat a traditional dish of oats, fine meal and
water called ‘sowans’ and even call Christmas Eve ‘Sowans Nicht’.
Christmas Day
Celebrated
on the 25th December, Christmas day of course centers round family
and dinner. We Scots will most likely have the
winter favourite of soup for a starter - cock a leekie, spicy parsnip and
carrot and coriander are popular choices. However, if you’re not a fan of soup,
freshly caught smoked salmon is never in short supply, and is chiefly served
with caviar as a salmon & caviar rilette.
For
the main meal, roast turkey with cranberry jelly, roast potatoes, parsnips and
brussel sprouts are customarily on the menu. Many families may also have
multiple meats as part of the spread; Aberdeen Angus beef, pheasant, pork,
goose and venison are top picks.
The
Scots love our stuffing – whether it’s in the turkey or on the side. Kilted
chipolata sausages (sausages wrapped in bacon), gravy and even steak pie are
also included in a traditional spread.
A
delicious and rich traditional Scottish Christmas pudding will usually be the
dessert. This is served with brandy butter, rum sauce, custard or fresh cream.
Boxing Day
‘Boxing Day’
derived its name in Scotland and the rest of the UK centuries ago when the
Lords & Ladies would distribute boxes of gifts and supplies to workers and
families residing on their land.
In a modern Scotland, Boxing Day triggers the
start of the Winter Sales where bargain hunters can expect to pick up great
deals! Shops are usually busier than even black Friday!
Hogmany
Hogmany in
Scotland is like no other - from singing and dancing to the world famous Auld
Lang Syne to traditional fire festivals. Must see fire festivals in Scotland
are Stonehaven, Comrie and Biggar.
First footing is also a popular Scottish
traditions where friends and neighbors visit each other bearing gifts. The
first person to enter a house can either bring good luck or bad luck. A tall,
dark and handsome man is the luckiest, whereas a red head or fair-haired person
is unlucky!
What’s your favourite festive tradition?
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