A century ago, one in 10 Vancouverites was of Scottish origin. Depending on what stereotype you want to adhere to, youve either found the root cause of why 麻豆传媒映画became known as the no-fun city or you wish youd been around to raise a glass with them.
Evidence of Scottish dourness could be found in the 1560 dictate to abolish Christmas. The celebration reminded the Presbyterian church too much of both Catholicism and the solstice traditions of Yule.
But you cant keep the need for a good celebration down. And thus the celebration of Hogmanay was perfected.
When the bells toll midnight on December 31, the partying begins, sometimes lasting two days, but there are a few things on your to-do list first. You have to start the new year with a clean slate. The simplest way is with a thorough housecleaning, including emptying all the ashes from the hearth. You also pay off your debts. The first person to walk through your door should be a dark-haired man (a protection against the marauding blond-headed Vikings.) After that youre free to travel from home to home bringing gifts and, one assumes, sharing a cup of kindness as you sing Auld Lang Syne.
In the spirit of cultural-appropriation, I celebrate Hogmanay, although not with the same fervour when it comes to both the no-debt rule and the all-night drinking. On December 31, I abolish excuses about that pile of laundry or dusting underneath the bed. I vow to not use my credit card as I channel my parents Depression-era frugality. (Lord knows I had to put it into practice enough when I was a child.) And, for one day at least, I feel that Im first-footing my way into a cleaner, debt-free future.
