Hogmanay! 2008

I understand Hogmanay is actually a bit more raucous than this 'carol' might indicate.* Anyway, I'm a bit late putting it up, but better late than never. Happy New Year, y'all!

From the Carmina Gadelica:

I am now come to your country,
To renew to you the Hogmanay,
I need not tell you of it,
It was in the fime of our forefathers.

I ascend by the door lintel,
I descend by the doorstep,
I will sing my song becomingly,
Mannerly, slowly, mindfully.

The Hogmanay skin is in my pocket,
Great will be the smoke from it presently
The house-man will get it in his hand,
He will place its nose in the fire;
He will go sunwards round the babes,
and for seven verities round the housewife.

The housewife it is she who deserves it,
The hand to dispense to use the Hogmanay,
A small gift of the bloom of summer,
Mauch I wish it with the bread.

Give it to us if it be possible,
If you may not, do not detain us,
I am the servant of God's Son at the door,
Arise thyself and open to me.



*sorta like this:

Hogmanay of the sack
Hogmanay of the sack,
Hogmanay of the sack,
Strike the hide,
Strike the hide.

Hogmanay of the sack,
Hogmanay of the sack,
Beat the skin,
Beat the skin.

Hogmanay of the sack,
Hogmanay of the sack,
Down with it! up with it!
Strike the hide.

Hogmanay of the sack,
Hogmanay of the sack,
Down with it! up with it!
Beat the skin.

Hogmanay of the sack,
Hogmanay of the sack.

Still not sure what that has to do with running around naked carrying torches, but I'm researching it.