What Was a 1837 Scottish Christmas Like?

Dec 25, 2024

The year 1837, the start of Queen Victoria’s reign, saw Scotland celebrating Christmas in a way that reflected its unique blend of faith, family, and longstanding traditions. While the holiday was not yet widely observed as the grand affair it would become in the Victorian era, it was marked by meaningful rituals across the country. However, the way Christmas was celebrated varied significantly between Scotland’s regions, particularly between the Highlands and the Lowlands. These differences reflected the cultural and historical diversity of the nation. Let’s take a closer look at Christmas traditions in 1837 Scotland and how they differed across its landscapes.

A Hearth at the Center of Celebration

In both the Highlands and Lowlands, the hearth was a focal point of Christmas celebrations. Families would gather around the fire to share stories, sing songs, and engage in prayer. The hearth symbolized warmth, unity, and the continuity of family life, particularly during the cold Scottish winters. A back-log, carefully selected and prepared, was the foundation of the Christmas fire. This enduring log represented the steadfastness of family bonds and was meant to burn throughout the season.

In the Highlands, this act often took on a ritualistic element. It wasn’t just about creating warmth; it was also seen as a way to ward off evil spirits and ensure prosperity for the household. Meanwhile, in the Lowlands, the hearth fire was more likely to be a practical necessity tied to the preparation of the Christmas meal. In both regions, however, it served as the heart of family life during the festive season.

Faith and Religious Observance

Christmas in 1837 Scotland was deeply rooted in religious observance, but the nature of that observance varied. In the Lowlands, which were predominantly Presbyterian, Christmas was often marked with restraint. The Church of Scotland did not place a strong emphasis on Christmas during this time, considering it to have Roman Catholic roots. As a result, many families focused on New Year’s celebrations, or Hogmanay, as their primary festive occasion. When Christmas was observed, it was done with solemnity, centering on family prayers, the reading of scripture, and simple meals.

By contrast, in the Highlands, Christmas carried echoes of older, pre-Reformation traditions. Catholicism and remnants of Celtic pagan customs were more prevalent in the Highlands, and these influences lent Christmas celebrations a more festive air. In some Highland communities, Mass was attended, and feasts were held, often accompanied by music, dancing, and storytelling. For Catholic families in the Highlands, the day held deeper religious significance and was celebrated with a sense of joy and reverence.

Feasting and Festive Foods

The foods associated with Christmas varied across regions. In the Lowlands, meals tended to be simpler, reflecting the Presbyterian ethos of modesty. Traditional dishes included roasted meats such as beef or goose, oatcakes, and seasonal vegetables like carrots and turnips. The clootie dumpling, a steamed pudding made with dried fruits and spices, was a common festive dessert.

In the Highlands, feasts were often more elaborate and tied to communal gatherings. Venison, game birds, and fish might feature on the table, reflecting the abundance of natural resources in the region. Families in Highland communities might also prepare bannocks (a type of flatbread) or festive pies. Alcoholic beverages like whisky or ale were more commonly shared in the Highlands, often as part of toasts to health and prosperity.

Songs, Stories, and Superstitions

Music and storytelling were central to Christmas celebrations across Scotland, but the types of songs and tales told often reflected regional identities. In the Lowlands, caroling and singing of hymns like "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen" were common, and these songs carried a distinctly Christian message.

Highland celebrations often featured traditional Gaelic songs and folk tales. These stories might include elements of Celtic mythology, blending Christian themes with older beliefs. For instance, tales of spirits or fairies appearing on Christmas Eve were not uncommon, reflecting the mystical aura that surrounded the season in the Highlands.

Superstitions also played a role, particularly in the Highlands, where older traditions persisted. For example, it was believed that lighting a candle in the window on Christmas Eve would guide wandering spirits or travelers. Another belief was that the behavior of animals on Christmas night could foretell the future, a superstition linked to the idea that animals could speak at midnight on holy occasions.

Decorations and Greenery

Decorating homes with greenery was a widespread tradition across Scotland, though the materials and their significance varied by region. In the Lowlands, holly, ivy, and mistletoe were gathered and used to adorn homes. These evergreens symbolized hope, renewal, and the triumph of life over winter’s barrenness.

In the Highlands, greenery might also include native plants like rowan or heather, which were believed to have protective properties. Rowan branches were often placed above doorways or near the hearth to ward off evil spirits and ensure good fortune for the coming year. Decorations in the Highlands also tended to reflect the natural beauty of the surrounding landscape, incorporating local flowers, pinecones, and berries.

Community Celebrations and Hogmanay Influence

One of the most striking differences between Christmas celebrations in the Highlands and Lowlands was the emphasis on community. In the Lowlands, Christmas was primarily a family-focused holiday, with Hogmanay taking on the role of a larger communal celebration.

In the Highlands, however, Christmas often involved gatherings of extended families and neighbors. Music, dancing, and shared feasts created a festive atmosphere, with traditions blending elements of both Christmas and Hogmanay. The influence of Hogmanay could still be seen in some Christmas customs, such as the giving of small gifts or the “first-footing” tradition, where the first person to cross a home’s threshold after midnight was believed to bring luck for the year ahead.

A Tale of Two Traditions

An 1837 Scottish Christmas was a holiday of contrasts. In the Highlands, it was vibrant and steeped in older traditions, blending faith with folklore and communal festivity. In the Lowlands, it was simpler and more reserved, shaped by Presbyterian values and a focus on New Year celebrations.

These regional differences illustrate the cultural richness of Scotland and the way its people adapted Christmas traditions to suit their beliefs and lifestyles. Whether through solemn prayer around a Lowland hearth or joyful singing and feasting in a Highland village, the spirit of Christmas brought families together in warmth, faith, and hope.