Scotland is part of Great Britain - also England and Welsh-. The name of Scotland is “Alba” in Scots Gaelic.

This is the Scotish banner:

The weather in Scotland is usually cold because of the geographic situation.

Before Christmas night, the scots used to burn sebal´s branches to symbolize that any annoyement between friends should be taken away those days. These days before Christmas are called: Swans Nicht.

Christmas is celebrated the 2ª of December. The “celtas” had celebrations during the winter in order to get brighter the dark days and in order to ask the godess let the sun return.

In those traditions, “Odin” went around the sky in a carriage and giving toys to children.

During the protestant reform, Christmas wasn´t celebrated and it was a normal work day.

Its celebration began because of the pince Alberto- husband of the queen Victoria- so that Scotland adopted the same traditions than England: Christmas trees, San Nicolas´presents, socks near the bed, Christmas cards- it´s said that Christmas cards were invented at Edimburgo-.

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The 26 th of December is the day where presents are exchanged. This is the Boxing Day.

The day before New Year it´s called: Hogmanay.

Some people say that the origin of this word is “hoggunott” wich means “the slaughter night” when the animals were sacrificed. Others say that the origin is “huhme-naay” that means “kiss me now”, because everyone kissed and hugged –even the strangers-.

Nowadays in Scotland, Hogmanay is a celebration more important than Christmas.

During this day bells sound and the song Bums “for the old times” is sing.

Also, there is a tradition wich is make cleaning at home and take away the ashes of the fireplace – this tradition was done when coal was used for the fire-.

On Tuesday the 30 th of December, the party continues with “Night Afore Fiesta”, where the “gaiteros” sing at the Royal Mile. There are also theater and there are dancings in order to get the Guinnes record of the crowdest dance in the world.