Scottish special occasions
SPECIAL OCCASIONS
The Presbyterian Church of Scotland has more than a million followers. The
Roman Catholic Church is second in importance with other denominations
following in much lesser numbers.
Christmas in Scotland is a one-day holiday highlighted with a festive
family dinner at noon featuring roast chicken, mashed potatoes and turnips
and climaxed with a flaming steamed fruit pudding.
But the merriest days on the Scottish calendar are Hogmanay and
Robbie Burns' Night. Hogmanay is the day before New Year's and
probably the only day in the year when everyone takes a holiday. This is
the time for gifts and merrymaking, for nibbling nuts and eating juicy
imported oranges. It is also the time for the finest bakery from the
kitchen – black bun, fragrant cherry and currant cakes, crispy delicate
shortbreads – all to be accompanied with port wine, ginger wine or Scotch
whiskey. Later in the evening after midnight, all present enjoy a buffet
meal of cold ham, roasted fowl and other meats, scones, bannocks and sweet
butter to be followed yet again by the array of cakes and buns till all
are happily sated.
Robbie Burns' Night is the celebration marking the birth of the great
Scottish poet. It is celebrated on January 25 and is only slightly less
important than Hogmanay. For public banquets both occasions may be marked
with the almost-mystical preparation of the haggis, served with
great ceremony to the accompaniment of the pipes and many a nip of Scotch
whiskey.