 Opinions differ as to the roots of the ancient festival of the
Burning of the Clavie, condemned in the eighteenth century
as "an abominable heathenish practice". But even
in the third millennium it still goes on...
11th January, 6-7.30pm
Burghead
Pictish, Celtic, Viking or Roman in origin, the Burning of
the Clavie, which takes place at Burghead, in Moray.
The Ritual
The event takes place on the night of January 11
(the original Hogmanay before the calendar changed in 1660).
The "Clavie" is
a half barrel filled with wood shavings and tar. In the past,
it would have been a herring barrel. Today, iron-hooped whisky
barrels daubed with creosote are used.
The barrel is nailed onto a carrying post - the same nail
is ritually used every year - which is hoisted onto the shoulders
of a local villager.
The clavie is then lit, traditionally by a peat from the hearth
of an old Burghead Provost and from there carried by the elected
Clavie King.
Each of the ten or so men (traditionally fishermen) take
it in turn to carry the burning clavie clockwise around the
streets of Burghead, occasionally stopping at the houses
of former eminent citizens to present a smouldering faggot
of the clavie in the doorway to bring the household good
luck for the year ahead.
The men proceed to the stone altar of an old fort on the ancient
Doorie Hill, the clavie is set down here and more fuel is added
until the hillside is ablaze with a beacon of fire.
The flaming embers are snatched up by onlookers and used to
kindle a special New Year fire at home, kept for luck or are
even sent to relations or friends who have moved away from
Burghead.
 Origins?
As
well as drawing comparisons with the Celtic festival of Samhain,
various theories link its origins to the Picts (there was once
a Pictish fort at Burghead) and the Romans. The word Clavie
may have originated from the Latin Clavus meaning "nail" and
it is speculated that the fort at Doorie Hill may have been
an ancient Roman altar. However, contrary views suggest that
there is not enough evidence to prove that the Romans came
this far North. The festival also has many similarities with
ancient Norse culture.
Whatever the origins, the practice of Clavie burning probably
took place at many villages in the North East centuries ago,
but was not always tolerated by the powers-that-be. It was
condemned by the strict presbyterian establishment as "superstitious,
idolatrous and sinfule, an abominable heathenish practice".
In 1704 a law was passed against Clavies. But the ritual practice
of Clavie burning still continues each January 11th...
For more information contact Elgin Tourist Information Centre,
01343 542666 |
