Olde Towne Scottish Walk: A Walk of Friendship and Hope

Each year, a crowd will gather to mark the coming New Year in Olde Towne Portsmouth.   It's a unique way to welcome in the new year with family and friends.  You can participate by taking part in the 13th Annual Olde Towne Scottish Walk on Friday, December 31, 2010. 

The Olde Towne Scottish Walk is modeled after Scotland's Hogmanay Festival, a day when townspeople honor their community and merchants and offer blessings for prosperity in the coming year.

The Olde Towne Scottish Walk, a procession of  locals, family, friends an visitors led by pipe-and-drum bands.  It starts at Queen and Washington streets and ends at High Street Landing in Olde Towne Portsmouth. 

At High Street Landing, there will be a flag raising ceremony honoring George Washington's raising of the first flag "the Grand Union" on New Year's Day. 

Participants in the walk will all join hands and sing ‘Auld Lang Syne’ as a way to thank the local merchants for their work in the holiday season and to wish the community ‘good luck’ in 2011.

 

The Story Behind the Music: ‘Auld Lang Syne’

Many people are familiar with ‘Auld Lang Syne’ yet few may actually know what 'Auld Lang Syne' is all about.  Of course, many people will instantly associate the words with "Scotland" or perhaps ‘New Year’.  Some people consider it to be an international expression of friendship, fellowship and hope.  Others perceive it to be a simple song, presented at the conclusion of a social gathering, remembering the past and re-affirming the importance of our future, and those important to us.  Of course ‘Auld Lang Syne’ is ALL of these things! 

"Auld Lang Syne" is a Scottish poem that was written by Robert Burns in 1788 and set to the tune of a traditional folk song.  It is well known in many English-speaking (and other) countries and is often sung to celebrate the start of the New Year at the stroke of midnight.  Canadian band leader Guy Lombardo is often credited with popularizing the use of the song at New Year’s celebrations in America, through his annual broadcasts on radio and television, beginning in 1929. The song became his trademark.

 

And, what actually is the Hogmanay Festival? 

Hogmanay Night, celebrated on December 31st every year, is still strong in Scotland and comprises several deep-winter activities, many of which, like Hogmanay, derive from early pagan rituals.

This celebration dates back as far as the Vikings. Its roots are found in the pagan practice of fire and sun worship during the dark months of winter. Later this became the Roman celebration of 'Saturnalia' where the people celebrated without any inhibitions or restraint. The Vikings celebrated a variation of this festival and called it 'Yule' which later became the 12 days of Christmas or 'Daft Days'.

Although Hogmanay is a great reason for merriment one must not forget the more benevolent values that represent the soul of Hogmanay.  Hogmanay is a time for charitable goodwill and acts of kindness to one’s neighbors, a night to renew old acquaintances and to reflect on lessons learned from the past year and to make the following year a success. 

So, come wear your warmest woolens and plaids and join in the fun. 

 

If you plan to go:

Participants will gather at 3:30 p.m. in the parking lot of Monumental United Methodist Church.  After the tuning of the pipes (about 4 p.m.) the walk will make its way through the streets of Olde Towne to the foot of High Street. 

For more information, contact Susan Heeley Cocke at 757.650.3052. 

Click here to join the Olde Towne Scottish Walk on Facebook.

Click here, to see a complete collection of photos by local photographer Clyde Nordan, Jr.

 

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Thanks, for reading and sharing...'A New Day in Olde Towne'.

Have a great day!

David Cartier

757.478.0056 | David.Cartier@ANewDayInOldeTowne.com

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