In Scotland and the northern part of England, the last day of the year is known as Hogmanay. Scottish children used to call at the homes of the wealthy on this day and ask for their traditional gift of an oatmeal cake. They would call out, “Hogmanay!” and recite traditional rhymes or sing songs in return for which they’d be given their cakes to take home. Today, Hogmanay is celebrated much as is New Year’s Eve around the rest of the Western world, with street and house parties. Such fire ceremonies as torchlight processions and lighting New Year’s fires are popular traditions as well. Discuss
Source: The Free Dictionary