Shetland Yule & Auld New Year

December 30, 2023 3:41 AM

The celebration of Yule used to start in mid-winter throughout Shetland and last a total of 24 days with unique traditions.

Old New Year has been celebrated many ways in many places. Hen Galan is not a fortnight late. Hogmanay has many a custom.

posted by cupcakeninja (8 comments total)

I wasn't aware New Year was over for anyone.
Or that 1800 was a leap year.
Confusing, but interesting.
posted by MtDewd at 3:57 AM on December 30, 2023 [2 favorites]

Good point; I’ll put in for a change to that text.
posted by cupcakeninja at 4:02 AM on December 30, 2023

But it's the opening line of the article. I don't think you did anything wrong.
posted by MtDewd at 4:14 AM on December 30, 2023 [1 favorite]

Somewhat confusingly, the article is flagged LIVE with a pulsating red orb, but was published on 5 January 2023.
posted by Klipspringer at 4:29 AM on December 30, 2023 [2 favorites]

Also if we're nitpicking, it's Hogmanay with two a's.
posted by Klipspringer at 4:30 AM on December 30, 2023 [1 favorite]

I posted this while watching an episode of Shetland (the inspiration), and I do agree there are some confusing framing things here.
posted by cupcakeninja at 4:31 AM on December 30, 2023

Mod note: Fixed a typo and changed the text at the OPs request. Carry on and happy winter season.
posted by jessamyn (staff) at 8:07 AM on December 30, 2023 [1 favorite]

MtDewd: Or that 1800 was a leap year.

In the Gregorian calendar 1800 wasn’t a leap year, but in the Julian calendar it was. Which makes the Foula timeline kind of confusing, because if they switched at the beginning of 1800, then it wouldn’t matter. But if they did halfway through the year, it would make sense.
posted by Kattullus at 3:00 PM on December 30, 2023 [1 favorite]