Scottish Country Dance of the Day

Farewell to the old year with hopes for health and courage to face the new! This strathspey was published by Thomas Wilson in 1816 and interpreted by the RSCDS Book 27 in 1975. With an inverse allemande and a poussette, there is ample opportunity to greet all members of the set. Thomas Wilson, a prominent dance master and author from the early 19th century, was based in London and is best known for his extensive writings on dance, including several manuals that described the dances, etiquette, and techniques of the time.

Originally enjoyed on Christmas and Twelfth Night, Black Bun is now consumed year round, but most traditionally on Hogmanay Night. The great Scottish folklorist F. Marian McNeill writes: “Black bun is the old Scottish Twelfth Night Cake which was transferred to Hogmanay after the banning of Christmas and its subsidiary festival, Uphalieday, or Twelfth Night, by the Reformers.” So, enjoy your fierce raisin devils and gay currant sprites with impunity - recipe included!

The word Hogmanay has taken on various meanings at one time, and has meant a new year’s gift for children, usually of fruit, bread, or oatcakes. “First footing” (or the “first foot” in the house after midnight) is a still common tradition across Scotland. In general, to ensure good luck for the house the first foot should be a dark-haired male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of a silver coin, bread or black bun, salt, coal, and a wee dram of whisky to represent financial prosperity, food, flavour, warmth, and good cheer respectively. However, historically, regional variations for the preferred first foot varied widely. in parts of Fife, for example, red-haired men with flat feet were preferred, while in parts of Victorian England, a first-footed ginger-haired man (or one whose eyebrows joined), was considered a bad omen!

The classic Hogmanay greeting, "Lang May Your Lum Reek," literally meaning "long may your chimney smoke," is a heartfelt way to wish someone enduring prosperity, warmth, and health. The imagery of a smoking chimney reflects a home filled with warmth and life, symbolizing comfort and abundance. For an added touch of humor and tradition, you can enhance this iconic phrase with the cheeky add-on, "Wi' ither folks' coal!" (With other people's coal!). This playful addition is said to have originated in Edinburgh! This namesake 32 bar jig includes a chain leading into a fun "smoking chimney" figure with rotating pas de basques and smoky circles! Happy Hogmanay and wishes for a Guid New Year! 🥳 🎉 🎆 🏠🔥