In a fascinating display of tradition and cultural uniqueness, the Shetland island of Foula celebrates its New Year on January 13, a notable departure from the globally recognized Gregorian calendar. This remote island, with a population of fewer than 40 residents, has chosen to retain elements of the Julian calendar, which culminates in a distinct celebration of Christmas on January 6 and New Year’s Day a week later. According to a local resident, “It is how we have always done it,” reflecting the community’s commitment to their historical practices.
Foula stands out as one of the most isolated inhabited islands in Britain, located approximately 16 miles from the Shetland mainland. It spans less than five miles in length and is powered by sustainable energy sources, including wind turbines, hydro energy, and solar panels, supplemented by generators. Despite its small size, the island features a ferry service connecting it to Shetland and regular flights from Tingwall Airport near Lerwick.
The difference in calendar systems is rooted in historical adjustments, notably instigated more than 400 years ago when Pope Gregory XIII introduced the current Gregorian calendar. While the residents of Foula don’t strictly adhere to the Julian calendar for everyday scheduling—often needing to align with transportation schedules—they maintain the original dates for significant celebrations like Christmas and New Year’s Day.
As New Year’s Day approaches on the island, locals engage in vibrant celebrations that mirror traditions widespread in Scotland, known as “first-footing.” This involves visiting neighbors’ homes, sharing a drink, catching up, and celebrating into the early hours. One islander, Robert Smith, noted, “In Foula it’s family-focussed; it’s more intimate, and we are always playing music together,” showcasing the close-knit nature of the community. Musically inclined residents often gather for impromptu performances, further enriching the holiday atmosphere.
Traditions on Foula maintain their originality, underlined by communal gatherings that encourage music, singing, and close interactions. Smith elaborated on this, indicating that during Christmas, families remain at home opening presents and spending quality time together, though remnants of older customs, such as hunting for birds to prepare for meals, have faded with time.
Smith, a multi-functional islander, participates in various roles including ferry crew, water treatment plant worker, and tour guide. Sharing his experience of moving between the mainland and Foula, he expressed how it enabled him to enjoy the unique aspect of celebrating two different New Year’s days within the span of a year.
For the New Year’s festivities specifically, islanders embrace the notion of performing a task or activity that they aspire to excel in throughout the coming year. This aligns with their beliefs in intent and tradition as contributors to good fortune. For Smith, this means focusing on his croft house renovation as part of his start to the year.
Beyond the lights and music, some Foula residents engage in collecting driftwood along the beaches as a symbol of luck for the upcoming year. This practice is steeped in local lore and serves as a bridge connecting residents to their rich history and the natural environment.
In summary, while many around the world mark the New Year with fireworks and countdowns on December 31, the island of Foula offers a captivating alternative celebrating on January 13. With traditions deeply rooted in history, communal gatherings that focus on family, music, and ideals for good fortune shape this unique annual celebration, illustrating the resilience and charm of this remote community. The island’s commitment to maintaining its traditions against contemporary societal shifts is both admirable and instructive, reminding us of the significance of heritage in the modern age.
