【精英翻譯】的部落格

Celebrating Hogmanay　 　　歡慶霍格莫內

精英翻譯社轉自http://paper.udn.com/udnpaper/POH0062/321884/web/

Join in the fun during the biggest Scottish holiday of the year.

到蘇格蘭一年之中最盛大的節日湊湊熱鬧吧。

　　 Scottish people have always done things their own way, and the holiday of Hogmanay is no exception. Most countries begin New Year's celebrations on December 31. The Scots start theirs on December 30, but then keep going until January 2 with Hogmanay. This holiday is said to have been adopted from Viking traditions in the 8th and 9th centuries. Later, celebrating Christmas was not allowed for a period of time in that country, so Hogmanay became the most important holiday in Scotland.

　　 蘇格蘭人做事總是有自己的一套方法，霍格莫內這個節日當然也不例外。多數的國家在十二月三十一日開始新年的慶祝活動。蘇格蘭人在十二月三十日就開始慶祝了，但是霍格莫內會一直持續到一月二日。據說這個節日採納了八至九世紀時維京人的傳統。後來，這個國家有一段時間被禁止慶祝聖誕節，霍格莫內才因此成為蘇格蘭最重要的節日。

　　 There are a lot of special traditions during Hogmanay for bringing luck and fortune to your family for the coming year. One of the most unique is called first-footing. First-footing is when the first person that comes into your house during the holiday brings a lucky gift, such as coal, a black bun, shortbread, or sometimes whiskey.

　　 霍格莫內有許多特殊的傳統為一般家庭在新的一年帶來好運和財富。其中一個最獨特的傳統叫作「第一隻腳」。它指的是在這個節日中第一個踏入你家的人會帶來一份幸運的禮物，像是木炭、一個黑圓麵包、奶油酥餅，或者有時候是威士忌。

　　 Fire and fireworks are another big part of Hogmanay celebrations. This was traditionally a way to chase away evil spirits. In many cities like Edinburgh, partygoers carry torches through the street, and some even dress up in Viking clothing. Then, when the clock strikes midnight, people hold hands and sing "Auld Lang Syne" to ring in the New Year before continuing the party until January 2.

　　 霍格莫內慶典中另一個很重要的角色是火和煙火。這是傳統上驅逐惡靈的一個方法。在許多城市如愛丁堡裡，派對咖們拿著火把穿過街道，有些人甚至會穿上維京人的服裝。然後，當午夜鐘響，眾人會牽手齊唱《友誼萬歲》迎接新年並狂歡至一月二日。