Next: 11 Jan 2027
Burning of the Clavie
A burning tar barrel carried round Burghead on the old new-year night, said to cleanse the town of evil spirits and bring luck.
About Burning of the Clavie
In Burghead on the Moray coast of Scotland, the Clavie, a half barrel filled with tar and wood, is lit and carried through the town on 11 January, the Julian New Year's Eve. It is taken to the Doorie hill and set on a stone altar, and when it breaks, burning embers are given to townspeople to take home, where they were believed to bring luck and protect against evil. The custom is held to cleanse the town and begin the year well. Its ancient origins are claimed but not documented, and the first accounts are from the eighteenth century. It is run by a local group, the Clavie Crew, and takes place without outside promotion.
Also part of it, and being written: Burghead (The town and its fire ceremony.), Hogmanay (The new-year season it falls in.), Bonfire (The fire custom.).
Written by the EveryJaadu desk with AI assistance. Background: "Burghead" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family, and are described as belief and practice. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.