Scots Celebrate
Hogmanay, Day
Of First-Footing

What's Hogmanay? It’s
the Scottish name for New
year's 's Eve — and first foot~
ing is what they call the
tradition that dictates Scot-
tish hospitality for the New
Year celebration.

The first person to cross
the threshold of any house
on that occasion. sup-
posed to do so bringing gifts
30 his or her hast — gifts of
food or coal, both tokens of
warmth and friendliness. In
return, the first-footer re-
celves a drink.

But that’s not all. People
‘used to compete vigorously
for the honor of being a
first-footer, and ran races
from door to door, Their
hosts might or might not be
happy to welcome the visi-
tors. If the first-footer were
a woman, it meant bad luck
for the year. Butit was good
luck if the first person
across the threshold were a
man, especially one known
to have been born feet fore-
most—still better 1f he hap-

ened to be dark rather
han fair. '

Why the word Hogma-
nay? That's a mystery still
—similar words occur else-

The Herald Christma Supplement

GRECHE and its makers, all three boys heing students a at.
the Harlem Art Carnival. Their materials were double-
weight cardboard, paint, and glue. A bit of collage was

part of their technique in creating this traditional:

Our wish, is simple but sincere ... ar
May you enjoy a Merry Christmas.

AL AND TENA OF

- Aten Electric

where, but origins are un-
certain, at best.

Know What

“Wassail’? Means?

This anclent word, famil-
jar to us from song and
story, comes from the An-
glo-Saxon words “Wes hal”
— which means “be whole,”
or in more modern terms, -
"Good Health.” It was used
as a toast, before lifting
one's glass —- and by exten.
sion came to mean a drink-
ing song.

’ Christmas decoration. Photo fram Harlem Art Carnival

Yay your holiday be filled with ‘|
wonder. and all your wishes come
true. Many. thanks for your Joyal, .
continued support. .
BEST WISHES =) >
FROM THE’ MANAGEMENT AND STAFF.

‘DON HAWRYLUK - ‘PRESIDENT
-" JACK:BECK - LOCAL MANAGER
- | ALLAN WESTBROOK). SALES; ;

LARRY GANLEY » SALES

STEVEN BECK . SALES: ,

(CANADIAN
BANK OF: COMMERCE.

YoU AND THE COMMERCE,.
‘TOGETHER WE’RE BOTH STRONGER.