What is Hogmanay?

New Year's Eve is a big celebration for millions of people all over the world.

But it is a particularly big deal in Scotland, where it is called Hogmanay.

Festivities such as fireworks and street parties take place all over Scotland and last for three days, beginning at the end of December and ending on 2 January.

But how did the tradition start, and what happens during Hogmanay? Keep reading to find out.

Hogmanay is the Scottish name for New Year celebrations.

It is not known exactly where the word comes from, although it is believed to come from the French word 'hoginane' meaning 'gala day'.

It is thought to have first been used widely following Mary, Queen of Scots' return to Scotland from France in 1561.

Dr Donna Heddle, an expert from the University of the Highlands and Islands, explained: "The name could also come from the Anglo-Saxon 'haleg monath' meaning 'holy month'."

Some say it could come from the Scandinavian 'hoggo-nott' meaning 'yule'.

But Dr Heddle says: "The most likely source seems to be French. In Normandy, presents given at Hogmanay were 'hoguignetes'."

The main focus of celebrations takes place in Scotland's capital, Edinburgh, which is known as the 'home of Hogmanay.'

Tens of thousands of people from around the world come to the city to join the huge street party celebrating the new year.

Celebrations begin on 29 December with a torchlight procession, creating a "river of fire" during the parade from the Meadows through the Old Town towards Edinburgh Castle.

For many the huge New Year's street party is the highlight of Hogmanay itself, when Edinburgh city centre is transformed into a massive outdoor party with live music, DJs, street theatre and a carnival atmosphere for thousands of people.

For those who prefer a more traditional celebration, special Scottish parties - known as ceilidhs - also take place in the city - where people come together for country dancing and folk music.

At the strike of midnight, fireworks light up the sky above Edinburgh Castle, and people link arms to sing Auld Lang Syne as the new year begins.

The words to Auld Lang Syne were written by famous Scottish poet Robert Burns.

First footing is a traditional part of Hogmanay celebrations in Scotland, although it doesn't happen now as much as it used to.

First footing is when you visit friends or family immediately after midnight in order to become the first person to visit them and go into their house in the new year.

Your very first foot - the first person to visit you in the new year - should traditionally be a tall, dark-haired man. That is said to date back to the Viking invasions, as Vikings were typically fairer haired, so it was thought the arrival of a blonde man could have meant imminent danger.

Black bun - a dark rye bread - is traditionally given as a first footing gift to ensure that the people living in the house you're visiting don't go hungry in the year ahead.

First footers also traditionally bring a lump of coal to ensure the house remains warm in the coming months.

Ahead of the new year, it is also traditional for people to clean their house and remove any old ashes in the fire. This symbolises clearing out the old year to welcome in the new one.