In the current issue of Maxim...

[Kirkwood]

... there's an article on "The 10 best parties in the world" and on page 124 Hogmanay in Edinburgh is featured. Pictured is a kilted man whirling a ball of fire around his head. The caption reads, "Call it a skirt again, tough guy."
If anyone has seen this, could they identify the tartan? I think it looks pretty sharp. Also anyone know what the deal is with swinging fire around your head?

[MacMullen]

... there's an article on "The 10 best parties in the world" and on page 124 Hogmanay in Edinburgh is featured. Pictured is a kilted man whirling a ball of fire around his head. The caption reads, "Call it a skirt again, tough guy."
If anyone has seen this, could they identify the tartan? I think it looks pretty sharp. Also anyone know what the deal is with swinging fire around your head?

This is from the FAQ over at Hogmanay.net

What is the symbolism of fire at Hogmanay?

The flame and fire at Hogmanay symbolises many things. The bringing of the light of knowledge from one year to the next, lighting the way into the next uncharted century, putting behind you the darkness past, but carrying forward its sacred flame of hope and enlightenment to a better parish, and in this day, world.

For centuries, fire ceremonies -- torch light processions, fireball swinging and lighting of New Year fires -- played an important part in the Hogmanay celebrations. And they still do.

I thought this one was funny:

What is First Footing?

Traditionally, it has been held that your new year will be a prosperous one if, at the strike of midnight, a "tall, dark stranger" appears at your door with a lump of coal for the fire, or a cake or coin. In exchange, you offered him food, wine or a wee dram of whisky, or the traditional Het Pint, which is a combination of ale, nutmeg and whisky.

It'd be like trick-or-treating. I could go around town and hand out coal and see how many people give me a wee dram.

[Bob C]

The article also warns you, "Don't wear a kilt unless you're experienced - it's a long, cold day, and you'll end up with a bleedin' boaby!"

The Scot they quoted in the magazine chose not to translate. Would any of you care to?

[Colin]

It'd be like trick-or-treating. I could go around town and hand out coal and see how many people give me a wee dram.

Just make sure other people know the custom. We did the First footing thing last year and than continued to finish off the bottle of whisky :0

[chasem]

The article also warns you, "Don't wear a kilt unless you're experienced - it's a long, cold day, and you'll end up with a bleedin' boaby!"

The Scot they quoted in the magazine chose not to translate. Would any of you care to?

I would like to know the translation as well. The guy just laughed when asked.

[Sherry]

ahem...You've probably already have it figured out, but it refers to the male member.

You might enjoy the Scottish vernacular dictionary at http://www.firstfoot.com/php/glossar...x.php?letter=a

...speaking of the first foot...

Sherry

[Archangel]

ahem...You've probably already have it figured out, but it refers to the male member.

You might enjoy the Scottish vernacular dictionary at http://www.firstfoot.com/php/glossar...x.php?letter=a

...speaking of the first foot...

Sherry

Let me add that Firstfoot is probably the best Scottish reference site on the web, and probably the only with "the attitude".

[motorman4life]

I found it on their website in their "ring in the new year with style" section. No photos, but they had this:
HOGMANAY
Where: Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland
What’s going down: Massive street fairs abound as the Scots eat, drink, and…light **** on fire? Much of the Hogmanay festival involves “lighting of New Year’s fires” and the tradition of “fireball swinging.” That’s right—drunken Highlanders lugging fireballs down narrow streets. Hell, yeah! Par-tay!
Most likely to overhear: “Ah telt ye, ah’ve goht tae fuckin’ piss!”
Probable morning-after scenario: Regretting not wearing flame-retardant underwear under your kilt. Or any underwear at all.

http://www.maximonline.com/articles/...aspx?a_id=5007

[Colin]

There are articles in Maxim?!? I didn't get past the cover picture of Cindy Crawford.