A Very Scottish Hogmanay: Infuse Tea Into Tradition

Discover a very Scottish Hogmanay and infuse tea into tradition… 

In Scotland we welcome in a New Year like nowhere else, let’s explore our age-old customs and traditions with community at the heart of our uniquely Scottish Celebrations. Why not take the opportunity to explore our Scottish blends and refresh our folk customs with a cuppa.

First-Footing

A Scottish Hogmanay features first-footing and is one of the most iconic of Hogmanay traditions. Shortly after midnight on New Year’s Eve, the first person to enter a household in the new year, known as the “first-footer,” is believed to bring good luck for the coming year. Traditionally, the first-footer should come bearing symbolic gifts such as coal to represent warmth, shortbread for sustenance, whisky for cheer, or a black bun, a rich fruit cake. This visitor should ideally be a tall, dark-haired male, though these criteria are not as strictly followed nowadays. Make sure you have a steaming mug of cheer in the form of Tomatin Whisky Tea to warm your ‘first-footer’ in from the cold.

Auld Lang Syne

Singing “Auld Lang Syne” is an integral part of Scottish New Year’s Eve celebrations. This beloved song, penned by the famous Scottish poet Robert Burns, is sung at the stroke of midnight. The phrase “auld lang syne” translates to “old long since” or “days gone by,” and the song is a poignant reflection on friendship and reminiscence for times past.

Fire Festivals

In some parts of Scotland, particularly in Shetland – ‘Up Helly Aa’ and Stonehaven, fire festivals take place during Hogmanay. These events involve torchlight processions, the swinging of fireballs, and other fiery displays meant to symbolize the burning away of the old year’s troubles and welcoming the new year’s light. Drink a fire element Black Tea like our Edinburgh Blend and welcome in a fresh new year.

Cleansing Rituals

To symbolize a fresh start, there are cleansing rituals practiced during Hogmanay. Some people clean their homes thoroughly before the new year, sweeping out the old to make way for the new. This act is thought to rid the house of any lingering negativity or bad luck. Turning to our cleansing & calming infusions teas like our alcohol-free Isle of Harris Gin Tea and keep the head & body fresh for New Years Day.

Hogmanay Ceilidh

A traditional Scottish Hogmanay often involves a lively ceilidh—a social gathering with music, dancing, and entertainment. Ceilidhs provide an opportunity for friends and family to come together, dance to traditional tunes, and celebrate the arrival of the new year with joy and merriment. Try our Fad & Meadows cocktail for your perfect ceilidh accompaniment

Fád & Meadows – Isle of Harris Gin Cocktail Recipe 

An ode to the peat fire that burns at the heart of the Isle of Harris Distillery daily in Tarbert, symbolising the warmth of an Outer Hebridean welcome and the life they are bringing to the wider community.

25ml Keep The Heid Syrup

50ml Isle of Harris Gin

20ml fresh lemon juice

½ tsp food grade activated charcoal

Ground cinnamon to garnish

Method.

Fill your martini glass with ice and water to the brim and leave to chill the glass. In a mixing glass combine all the ingredients, top with ice and vigorously shake for 15-20 seconds. Double strain into a martini glass. Garnish with a grapefruit twist and a sprinkling of cinnamon.

To create a tea syrup

Dissolve sugar in boiling water to a 1:1 ratio. Stir until dissolved then add in 1tsp. per 150ml to syrup of tea and allow to fully infuse; For black, green and oolong teas a 15-30 minute steep will release the flavours, for full for herbal and fruit infusions you can leave overnight.

The Loony Dook

On New Year’s Day, particularly in South Queensferry near Edinburgh, some brave souls participate in the “Loony Dook.” This involves taking a plunge into freezing cold waters, often dressed in eccentric costumes, as a symbol of cleansing and starting the year afresh. You’ll often find our founder, Erica wild swimming as a hobby – this past time is growing in popularity and has multiple reported health benefits! Be brave and take a dook.

Wishing you all the very best for 2024, whether you’ll be sharing a Scottish Hogmanay or celebrating around the globe in your own unique and wonderful way we’ll be raising a steaming mug of gratitude to you – our customers for another wonderful year filled with tea!