Historical Costuming: Let the Hogmanay Begin!
Similar to the start of the Olympics, this seasonal celebration begins with a walk of Flame, a “river of light” that marks the start of the Edinburgh based festival and signals the start of the new year. Today we have a special look inside this unique cultural event!
Last year, we discovered a unique festival whose name is thought to be derived from the French word ‘hoginane’, meaning ‘gala day’. Its connection reaches back at least to the days of Mary Queen of Scots, and was a celebration of her homecoming to Scotland from France. Today, the tradition lives on and thrives, each year becoming bigger and brighter, while hailing back to several different cultures that make up the regions inhabitants. Elements of Scandinavian Yule, the Anglo-Saxon ‘haleg monath’ meaning ‘holy month’, and others. Every year, people gather together to light their torches and revel, donning historical garb and gathering in the streets.
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The route, which illuminates the Royal Mile in a ‘river of light’ culminated at Holyrood Park in this year’s celebration, where torchbearers created a symbol of friendship with the flames.
Image credit to Getty Images
The city of Edinburg hosts the event every year, and more information about it can be found on their website.
Image credit to Edinburgh Guide
Image Ian Georgeson
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