Also known as "The Veiled One" is a Celtic winter goddess of the cold and the wind. She was a creator and a destroyer, and would determine how long the winter would last. She was neither good nor evil, an immortal being, she would return to her youth in the spring, ageing again in the winter. The Celts would pile up stones for her, to give her shelter, and in return, she would bring fertility to the land.Also known as "The Veiled One" is a Celtic winter goddess of the cold and the wind. She was a creator and a destroyer, and would determine how long the winter would last. She was neither good nor evil, an immortal being, she would return to her youth in the spring, ageing again in the winter. The Celts would pile up stones for her, to give her shelter, and in return, she would bring fertility to the land.
Also known as "The Veiled One" is a Celtic winter goddess of the cold and the wind. She was a creator and a destroyer, and would determine how long the winter would last. She was neither good nor evil, an immortal being, she would return to her youth in the spring, ageing again in the winter. The Celts would pile up stones for her, to give her shelter, and in return, she would bring fertility to the land.

Scottish Christmas traditions: Here are 6 Scottish traditions and folklore at Christmas time

By Rachel Mackie
Published 24th Dec 2022, 04:45 BST
From marking the winter solstice to scaring children with a sinister creature come to punish them for being naughty – here are some historic Christmas traditions from Scotland.

Tis the season to be jolly, and we have many traditions to bring us all closer together, from sharing turkey dinners to singing Christmas songs.

Here are a few interesting Scottish traditions and festive folklore that you might, or might not, know about.

Edinburgh City Bypass crash: Man dies after collision on A720 near Sheriffhall roundabout

Edinburgh City Bypass crash: Man dies after collision on A720 near Sheriffhall roundabout

Also known as "The Veiled One" is a Celtic winter goddess of the cold and the wind. She was a creator and a destroyer, and would determine how long the winter would last. She was neither good nor evil, an immortal being, she would return to her youth in the spring, ageing again in the winter. The Celts would pile up stones for her, to give her shelter, and in return, she would bring fertility to the land.

. The Cailleach

Also known as "The Veiled One" is a Celtic winter goddess of the cold and the wind. She was a creator and a destroyer, and would determine how long the winter would last. She was neither good nor evil, an immortal being, she would return to her youth in the spring, ageing again in the winter. The Celts would pile up stones for her, to give her shelter, and in return, she would bring fertility to the land. Photo: Wiki Commons

Photo Sales
A long-held tradition amongst Scottish families is burning a branch from a Rowan Tree during the festive season. They did this as it was said to clear away bad feelings, mistrust or jealousy between family and friends.

. Burning a Rowan twig

A long-held tradition amongst Scottish families is burning a branch from a Rowan Tree during the festive season. They did this as it was said to clear away bad feelings, mistrust or jealousy between family and friends. Photo: ttretjak via Canva Pro

Photo Sales
The arrival of ‘Crom Dubh na Nollaig’ or ‘the dark crooked one of Christmas’ was marked by the sound of wind howling in the chimney. It would come to terrorise children who had misbehaved. This legend is not dissimilar to the European myth of the Krampus.

. Crom Dubh na Nollaig - The dark Christmas spirit

The arrival of ‘Crom Dubh na Nollaig’ or ‘the dark crooked one of Christmas’ was marked by the sound of wind howling in the chimney. It would come to terrorise children who had misbehaved. This legend is not dissimilar to the European myth of the Krampus. Photo: via WikiCommons

Photo Sales
Neolithic Scotland would mark the winter solstice - usually around December 21-22 - with bonfires, animal sacrifice and drinking fermented drinks. The shortest day would mark the end of the encroaching darkness and the beginning of the slow return of the light. It was a time of hope and rebirth.

5. Winter Solstice

Neolithic Scotland would mark the winter solstice - usually around December 21-22 - with bonfires, animal sacrifice and drinking fermented drinks. The shortest day would mark the end of the encroaching darkness and the beginning of the slow return of the light. It was a time of hope and rebirth. Photo: NW

Photo Sales
When the Vikins landed in Scotland in 700 AD, they brought a lot of their Norse traditions with them, including that of Jol, a Midwinter festival. It was a time of dancing, singing and celebrating, as well as the season where trows - small, winter creatures who cause mischief, and who love fiddle music - are most active.

6. Vikings

When the Vikins landed in Scotland in 700 AD, they brought a lot of their Norse traditions with them, including that of Jol, a Midwinter festival. It was a time of dancing, singing and celebrating, as well as the season where trows - small, winter creatures who cause mischief, and who love fiddle music - are most active. Photo: Wiki Commons

Photo Sales
OK, so first footing is more of a New Year tradition rather than Christmas, but it's a nice one. The first person to cross the threshold of your house after midnight on Hogmanay should be a dark-haired male. He should bring with him some coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and some whisky. This is thought to date back to the Viking invasions of the 8th Century.

7. First Footing

OK, so first footing is more of a New Year tradition rather than Christmas, but it's a nice one. The first person to cross the threshold of your house after midnight on Hogmanay should be a dark-haired male. He should bring with him some coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and some whisky. This is thought to date back to the Viking invasions of the 8th Century. Photo: Wikicommons

Photo Sales
Christmas wasn't really celebrated in Scotland for a long time, with Hogmanay receiving all the attention. In fact, it wasn't until the 1950's that it was even made into a public holiday.

8. Public Holiday

Christmas wasn't really celebrated in Scotland for a long time, with Hogmanay receiving all the attention. In fact, it wasn't until the 1950's that it was even made into a public holiday. Photo: Wikicommons

Photo Sales
Previous
2 / 3
Next Page
Related topics:A720Edinburgh City Bypass