Scotland’s 5 Historic Christmas Traditions

I'm incredibly eager about the holiday season! Spending the next several weeks with family and friends, reflecting on the last year's events and looking ahead to the future.

We started discussing some of the old Christmas traditions that used to exist in Scotland.

The rituals have varied dramatically throughout the years, from Scotland's version of Krampus on the Isle of Islay to the festival declared illegal during the Reformation.

Christmas was only declared a public holiday in Scotland in 1958! That wasn't long ago! And, under Oliver Cromwell's reign in the 1650s, Christmas (also known as Christ's Mass) was completely forbidden!

Fortunately, that isn't the case today. So, here are five classic Scottish traditions from years ago!

Druids and the Origin of Yule Logs

Nowadays, we think of yule logs as a delightful, chocolatey, gooey Christmas delicacy (I'm drooling too). Another practice would emerge from ancient times when Druids were more common in Celtic villages across Scotland.

During the twelve days of midwinter, Druids believed that the sun stood still. Their solution to this puzzling, astronomical problem was constantly burning an oak log for 12 days.

They felt that they were restoring the sun's power and preventing the winter's darkness by doing so. Before the log was completely burned, the druids would save the rest to light next year's oak log.

The Scottish Christmas Monster

A creature on the Inner Hebridean Isle of Islay looked a lot like Krampus in Europe. In the run-up to Christmas, youngsters who misbehaved were warned that Crom Dubh na Nollaig (translated as the Dark Crooked One of Christmas) might pay them a visit.

How would you know if he paid you a visit? If screams were heard from the chimney, the monster was nearby. In fact, you'd be hearing the wind coming down the chimneys.

As you might guess, the children on the Isle of Islay were exceptionally well-behaved throughout the year.

Fertile Celts and Mistletoe

This ancient ritual originated in old Celtic communities during the Winter Solstice celebrations. Mistletoe is thought to represent fertility and vitality because it blooms throughout the dark, cold winter months.

Druids from Celtic communities would remove the stem of this lovely tiny plant from a sacred oak tree, believing it would bring good luck. Mistletoe was also considered a lucky symbol.

It became a ritual for a male to kiss any woman who stood beneath the hanging plant. They would then remove a berry.

The kissing had to stop once all of the berries had been taken. So, if you're going to hang mistletoe in your home this year, make sure it's a branch with berries.

Burning Rowan to relieve tension.

We've heard about oak logs being burned over the winter. However, rowan branches were also burned during this time of year, and this ritual is still observed in certain houses.

Why? Burning a Rowan twig removes negative feelings between friends, relatives, and neighbors. Burning away any jealousy and mistrust that may be brewing in the household.

So, if you have mistrust, jealousy, or negative thoughts toward any friends, relatives, or neighbors this year, burn a twig from a Rowan tree to purify the air.

Some individuals may require assistance from the entire Rowan tree.

First Christmas Tree Lights

Christmas tree lights originate from an ancient Yuletide ritual. During the winter, Celtic people would hang candles from pine trees and other decorations.

These candles would represent the sun, moon, and stars, providing illumination during the darker months. The lights also symbolized loved ones who had died within the previous year.

Offerings were also hung in the trees for their Gods, which evolved into the modern swapping that we all love. Another light ritual has Celtic origins.

People would put candles in their windows to greet guests. Scotland gradually became more Christian, and this tradition evolved into blazing the path for the Holy Family.

Scotland's Traditions Today

Nowadays, our traditions include a variety of activities and feasts. From a traditional Scottish fry-up for breakfast to Christmas jumpers. Another Scottish tradition is the Christmas Markets, which are held in cities throughout the country.

Every year on Christmas morning, John goes to his mother's house with the rest of his family for a traditional Scottish fry-up. What a great way to start the morning.

My family has always had a tradition of serving steak pie alongside a large turkey for Christmas dinner. Some of our Scottish readers may be thinking, "Steak Pie at Christmas?!" but it's what we've always done, and I wouldn't have it any other way.