It’s midnight, New Years Day, Hogmanay is just about done and the real party is about to start!
First-footing takes place in Scotland and by some people in northern England. Roots to this tradition go as back as Viking invasions and have changed little. How it works is that the first person to enter a home after midnight starting the new year should be a man with dark hair and carrying tokens cementing good luck for the residents. The most common tokens are a lump of coal, whisky and an oat cake and in return, uisge beatha, water of life (whisky), and food are shared.
Sound fun? It is because throughout the night, as long as the chilled limbs can move, and one more dram can be shared, first-footing continues, house to house, party to party.
By the way, all the parties are not finished after a few days. In case you find yourself in Scotland during January, then you have about three weeks to get rid of the Hogmanay and First-footing hangovers to prepare for Burn’s Night on the 25th. What does one do in memoriam for Robert Burns besides quote a poem or two? Drink whisky and address the haggis, of course. Serious stuff and yes, there will also be men wearing kilts and pipers at these festivities as well.
If you can’t make it to Scotland, then don’t despair, recreate the fun in your own home with a little help from the internet. Search out recipes, cook some simple things, and share with your family and friends along with a wee dram or three of whisky. A new experience is a great way to launch a new year with a bang!
My latest release is Horse, a historical western erotic romance, and the first book in The Bloody Bucket series. Jack Murphy, Horse, is straight off the boat from Ireland. The American Civil War was finished, rebuilding was starting and he made the trip. There was no way he could follow tradition and dedicate his life to the church as a second son normally does. That was his path in life if he stayed. He started out in New York City, but soon realized it wasn’t for him and moved to Texas. Life in Cowler was exciting, never quiet and serene, and he loved every moment because of her, MaryKate Thompson. You can pick a copy of Horse by Tilly Greene up at All Romance, Amazon, BN, iBooks and Smashwords.
Thank you, Delilah, for giving me the time and space to share my love for Scotland and its history, and my Irishman in Horse. Having just returned from spending the holidays in England, it’s all about that place across the pond for me today.
Tilly Greene
Scorching romances full of twists, turns and ties.
www.tillygreene.com
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Whether traveling or sitting in her office, Tilly Greene researches and writes erotica and erotic romance novels in a variety of genres and sub-genres like shape shifter, paranormal, contemporary and futuristics, and themes such as BDSM, multiculturalism and ménages. Every day she looks forward to writing about women who are independent and confident, the men who love them, and their twisting passionate path to each other.
