Moray Picture Special: Burghead and The Burning of the Clavie
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How old is the custom of Burning the Clavie?
It's widely suspected that the fire festival dates back at least 1500 years to when Vikings and Picts inhabited the Moray coastline.
However, nobody knows for sure.
One certain thing though is that the Burning of the Clavie was already being referred to as "old" nearly 350 years ago
A church legal document dated January 20, 1689, rebukes the people of Burghead for "having made a burning clavie, paying it superstitious worship, and blessing the boats after the old heathen custom".
The Northern Scot doesn't have any photos dating back quite as far as 1689, but here's a good selection from yesteryear:
The Burning of the Clavie will take place in Burghead on Wednesday, January 11.
Things are set to begin at 6pm when the barrel will be set alight on Granary Street.
It will then be carried around the village in a clockwise direction by the Clavie Crew.
The procession will stop at specific houses so that smouldering staves, representing good luck for the New Year, can be handed over.
The barrel will then be taken to the top of Doorie Hill where it will burn out.
Related article: Burghead gets ready for Burning of the Clavie
