Burning of the Clavie, Burghead, Moray, Scotland
Burning of the Clavie in Burghead, Moray takes place every year on 11 January (unless the 11th falls on a Sunday, in which case it occurs on the 10th) and marks the first day of the Julian Calender. The Clavie is a whisky cask which has been split in two and joined together again using a massive nail. It is filled with tar and barrel staves and once lit it is carried around the village before making its way to Doorie Hill where it is placed on an alter. Pieces of other casks are rammed into the flames and everyone cheers as the barrel burns and eventually falls apart. Superstition says that if you can collect some charred pieces and put them up your chimney it will bring good luck and stop witches and bad spirits from entering your house. It is frequently a cold night but about 4,000 people turn up to enjoy the celebrations which go on well into the night.
Size: 2821px × 2821px
Location: Burghead, Moray, Scotland, United Kingdom
Photo credit: © SO-Photography / Alamy / Afripics
License: Royalty Free
Model Released: No
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