Happy New Year
Hello again
In two days’ time on Sunday 31st, my fellow countryman will be giving it “laldy” for Hogmanay. Laldy is Scot’s slang for doing something with lots of energy and vigour.
Nobody really knows the origin of the word, but Hogmanay is the Scottish word for New Year’s Eve and I thought I would share with you some of the local traditions that will be taking place this Sunday evening.
The first one is “Redding the House,” where houseproud Scots traditionally clean their homes from top to bottom, as it is said to be unlucky to go into the New year with a dirty house. Next up is singing Auld Lang Syne to “bring in the bells”, a custom that now seems to have spread around much of the world. Finally, there’s the practice of “First Footing” – a first footer being the first person to visit your house after midnight, bringing a lump of coal for warmth. Traditionally, the first footer should be a dark haired male as this is said to bring good fortune for the coming year.
If you are considering adopting any of these traditions, can I encourage you try the last one. And can I suggest that the dark-haired male you invite in is Jesus. Invite him into your home and into your heart. Make him feel welcome, not just on New Year’s day but the whole year round. Better still, make him the focal point your whole life revolves around.
Have a Happy New Year. Open the door to Jesus.
Peter Mill
About the Writer:
Peter Mill is a Minister and Regional Pastor for Scotland, Ireland and the North of England.