Wishing you all the best for 2008.
Despite ongoing protests from South Lanarkshire Council we celebrated Hogmanay in the usual way in Biggar. The ritual burning of witches has been carried out in this small Scottish town for almost 300 years. Locals disguise the event as a simple bonfire outside the Corn Exchange.
The celebrations begin with a march up the High Street. Torch bearers follow a pipe band.
Torch bearers surround the bonfire. This year's sacrificies are a witch from Symington and two hapless warlocks who claimed to be tourists from Kent, all now tucked safely away in a wicker cage in the heart of the pyre. Burning will commence shortly.
Charlie, one of the Biggar elders, lights the fire to the tune of "There's a Burning Tonight here in Biggar." Subtle hand gestures can be seen among the local policemen and town leaders.
The pipers blare out "Scotland the Brave" to mask the screaming. Later, the bus shelter will melt from the heat, two windows will crack, and the smell of roasted meat will send droves of people to the chippy in search of king rib suppers. Much fun is had by all.
There you have it. Not only a great tradition here in the Scottish Borders, but a practical way of ridding the land of evil.
Despite ongoing protests from South Lanarkshire Council we celebrated Hogmanay in the usual way in Biggar. The ritual burning of witches has been carried out in this small Scottish town for almost 300 years. Locals disguise the event as a simple bonfire outside the Corn Exchange.
The celebrations begin with a march up the High Street. Torch bearers follow a pipe band.
Torch bearers surround the bonfire. This year's sacrificies are a witch from Symington and two hapless warlocks who claimed to be tourists from Kent, all now tucked safely away in a wicker cage in the heart of the pyre. Burning will commence shortly.
Charlie, one of the Biggar elders, lights the fire to the tune of "There's a Burning Tonight here in Biggar." Subtle hand gestures can be seen among the local policemen and town leaders.
The pipers blare out "Scotland the Brave" to mask the screaming. Later, the bus shelter will melt from the heat, two windows will crack, and the smell of roasted meat will send droves of people to the chippy in search of king rib suppers. Much fun is had by all.
There you have it. Not only a great tradition here in the Scottish Borders, but a practical way of ridding the land of evil.
posted by Alan Campbell | 4:09 PM
1 Comments:
Almost makes one nostalgic for the days when Presbyterianism actually meant something. Witch burnings, the scold's bridle, unflinching suppression of idolatrous practices and works...
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