Handsel Monday facts for kids

Handsel Monday is a special day celebrated in Scotland. It's usually the first Monday of the new year. On this day, people traditionally gave small gifts, called Hansels, to others. These gifts were meant to bring good luck for the year ahead.

Sometimes, people in rural parts of Scotland celebrated Auld Hansel Monday. This happened on the first Monday after January 12th. This tradition shows how some people were slow to switch from the old Julian calendar to the newer Gregorian calendar.

History of Handsel Monday

The word "handsel" comes from an old Saxon word. It means "to deliver into the hand." It refers to small gifts or tips, often money. These gifts were given as a sign of good luck. This was especially true at the start of something new. Think of it like a modern-day house-warming gift.

In 1825, a dictionary explained Handsel Monday. It said it was a day "when it is customary to make children and servants a present." On this day, servants, postmen, newspaper deliverers, and others who helped around the house expected small tips or gifts.

This custom is a bit like Boxing Day. Boxing Day also involves giving gifts or tips to people who provide services. If a handsel was an object, not money, there was a rule. The tradition said the object should not be sharp. A sharp object was thought to "cut" the friendship between the giver and receiver. In Scottish Gaelic, this day is called Diluain Traoighte, which means "drained Monday."

Another custom was "handseling a purse." If you gave someone a new purse, you would always put some money inside it. This was done for good luck. People believed that money received on Handsel Monday would bring good financial luck for the whole year.

The Daft Days

The time of year from Christmas to Handsel Monday is known as the Daft Days. This festive period includes Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) and Ne'erday (New Year's Day). It's a time for celebrations and fun in Scotland.