December 31 - Day of Excessive Wiggling
Mali: End of the Crossing of the Cattle
Norse: End of Jul
Scotland: Hogmanay
Pagan: Flaming Barrels
Said to mean a night of slaughter or kiss me now, Hogmanay is Scotland’s most important traditional festive night. Redding (cleaning) the house should be done today and at midnight bells are rung and songs are sung to bring in the New Year.
Men welcome in the New Year by carrying flaming barrels of tar on their heads, these can weigh up to 15kg. Their aim is to reach the unlit bonfire which they will each throw their barrel onto and at midnight everyone dances and sings around this bonfire.
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