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Edinburgh Napier University

Month: December 2025 (Page 1 of 2)

New year military tattoo at the castle: Scottish New Year Traditions

Scottish New Year Traditions

31/12/2025 / / 1 Comment

Scottish New Year Traditions

An old Scottish New Year tradition was First Footing – all you had to do was grab a lump of coal and a bottle of whisky and visit your neighbour to “see in” the New Year. This tradition is thought to date back to the Viking times and is quite quaint and sedate, but in modern times some of our New Year traditions have become a little bit crazy…..

Stonehaven Fireballs

This spectacular display takes place in the town of Stonehaven in Aberdeenshire. Roughly 40 people take part and at the stroke of midnight, the fireballs are lit and are whirled around by those brave enough to take part in the procession along the High Street. The balls are made from wood and fabric soaked in paraffin and then enclosed in wire mesh. The procession takes around half an hour and the balls are hurled into the sea at the end. The origins of the tradition are unclear, but it has now become a popular tourist attraction. If you can’t attend the procession, there has been a webcam allowing remote viewing in the past which will hopefully be running again this year and the link is here. You can check out previous processions online by clicking here.

The Ba’, Kirkwall, Orkney

The game begins at 1pm on New Year’s Day when the Ba’ is thrown up from the Mercat Cross outside St. Magnus Cathedral. Two teams, Uppies and Doonies try to get the Ba’- a leather ball filled with cork handmade by local craftsmen- to their respective home goals. For Uppies it’s at the far end of the main street opposite the catholic church, and for Doonies it’s Kirkwall Harbour. If the Ba’ “gaas doon” then the players are expected to jump into the harbour. It’s a contest of scrums, pushing, shoving, fast sprints and sneaky smuggles. Where your allegiance lies used to depend on where you were born with Uppies being born south of the cathedral and Doonies born north of it. Now with many women being sent to Aberdeen to give birth, most men play on the side their father or grandfather played on. The game mostly takes place on the town’s main streets with businesses and homes boarding up their properties to prevent damage.

Rules of The Game

There are no rules, and a game can last for many hours with little movement of the scrum. Only when a team member manages to get the Ba’ to the outer players can a fast break or smuggle (up a player’s jumper) take place. It is then chaotic with those in possession of the Ba’ trying to get as close as possible to their goal whilst throwing the opposition off the trail by using the winding lanes in Kirkwall’s streets.

Once the winning team has reached their goal, the Ba’ is presented to a member of the team-usually someone who has participated for many years. It’s a lot easier to watch than take part in-click here to watch the Ba’ from a previous year.

The Loony Dook, South Queensferry

Held on New Year’s Day, The Loony Dook is a charity event requiring the participants to dip into the freezing cold waters of the Firth of Forth. The name comes from two Scots words, loony (a crazy person) and dook (to bathe or take a dip).

The first Loony Dook took place in 1986 when some friends suggested it would be a good hangover cure. The following year it became a charity event with proceeds going to local charities such as RNLI Queensferry. Over the years the event grew to include a fancy dress parade and became so large it had to become an organized event. Each year thousands of onlookers come to watch participants who are greeted by pipers and offered hot porridge before taking the plunge.

The event has caught on in other Scottish seaside towns along the Firth such as North Berwick, Kirkcaldy and St. Andrews so if you can’t make it to South Queensferry, then you may be able to catch the action at a different venue. If you prefer to stay warm and dry at New Year then click here to view a previous Loony Dook from the comfort of your home!

By Vivienne Hamilton

Find amazing resources on Scotland in LibrarySearch.napier.ac.uk

Read more about Scottish Traditions with this post on Burns Night.

Boxing Day

Boxing Day Facts

26/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Boxing Day Facts

Happy Boxing Day, Readers!

Boxing Day, celebrated on the 26th of December, has become a natural extension of Christmas for many people. It’s often a chill day involving eating leftovers, watching telly (usually a day filled with football) or taking advantage of all the Boxing Day sales. It is a public holiday in the United Kingdom and is celebrated in other countries.

Interestingly, because of this, if Boxing Day falls on a weekend, then the public holiday is moved on Monday and if it falls on a Sunday, then the public holiday if on a Tuesday, making sure that people get their day off.

But have you ever wondered about the day itself?

For example, the origins of Boxing Day have been widely debated,d and the history might date further back than people might realise.

The Origins of Boxing Day Facts

Boxing Day is a public bank holiday in the day, which was officially recognised during the Victorian Era. However, some historians have pointed out that it might go further back as far as medieval times.

One popular theory of Boxing Day origins is that the name comes from Church traditions. After Christmas Day, the Church would open donation boxes, which were also known as Alms boxes and distribute them to low-income families.

On the same line, during the Industrial Revolution, employers often gave their workers gifts or money in “Christmas Boxes” on December 26th as a thank you. This was also found in wealthier households; servants were required to work Christmas Day while their employers celebrated. As compensation, servants were given Boxing Day off to be with their families and were presented gifts on December 26th (Mental Floss.com)

Boxing Day as a Public Holiday: Boxing Day became an official public holiday in 1871 with the passage of the Bank Holiday Act. This legislation established four bank holidays throughout the year, with Boxing Day being one. Since then, it has been recognised as a day of national day of rest and celebration.

Boxing Day Shopping Traditions

Over time, Boxing Day evolved into one of the busiest shopping days in the UK, due to the post-Christmas sales. Shoppers would queue for ages to get the best bargains or scroll for hours online. However, this has largely become less significant due to Black Friday and Cyber Monday in recent years.

Boxing Day Around the world

 

Boxing Day coincides with St. Stephen’s Day, which is celebrated in many countries across Europe. Although traditions may differ from those of Boxing Day, December 26th is clearly a day to mark on your calendar.

The

New Year is coming, read about some facts and traditions in our blog posts

Winter Solstice Around the World: Celebrating the Longest Night

Winter Solstice: How Different Cultures Celebrate the Longest Night

21/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Winter Solstice: How Different Cultures Celebrate the Longest Night

The Winter Solstice marks the shortest day and longest night of the year. It usually falls around December 21 in the Northern Hemisphere and June 21 in the Southern Hemisphere. For thousands of years, people have celebrated this turning point when darkness fades and light returns. Across the world, different cultures honour the Solstice with unique traditions. Let’s explore how people celebrate it from Scandinavia to Scotland, China, and beyond.

 Northern Europe

In Northern Europe, the ancient Norse celebrated Yule, a festival of fire, feasting, and light. During the long, cold winters, the return of the Sun was cause for rejoicing. Families lit massive Yule logs that burned for twelve days. The fire symbolised warmth and the promise of brighter days. Today, Scandinavians still honour these customs. Homes glow with candles and evergreen wreaths. In Norway, people share rice pudding and leave a bowl for the household spirit, the nisse. In Sweden, Saint Lucia’s Day on December 13 celebrates light. Girls wear crowns of candles, leading processions that brighten the darkest nights.

China

In China, the Dongzhi Festival marks the arrival of winter. The name means “winter’s extreme.” It dates back more than 2,000 years to the Han Dynasty. Families gather to share tangyuan, sweet rice balls served in warm soup. The round shape stands for reunion and harmony. In northern China, people eat dumplings to stay warm. Dongzhi celebrates balance and renewal. It reflects the belief in yin and yang, the idea that darkness and light shift in eternal rhythm. After the longest night, light begins to return.

Iran

In Iran, people celebrate Shab-e Yalda, or “Night of Birth.” It honours the victory of light over darkness and the birth of Mithra, the ancient Sun god. Families stay up late to welcome the dawn. They eat red fruits like pomegranates and watermelons, symbols of life and warmth. Many read poetry by Hafez, sharing verses and stories through the night. Yalda reminds Iranians that even in deep darkness, light always returns. It’s a night of warmth, laughter, and hope.

United States

Among the Hopi and Zuni in the southwestern United States, the Winter Solstice is called Soyal. It’s a sacred time to welcome the Sun’s return. People clean their homes, make offerings, and perform dances and ceremonies. The Hopi create kachina dolls that represent spirits that bring blessings and rain. Soyal strengthens the bond between people, nature, and the spiritual world. It’s a moment to express gratitude and prepare for renewal.

Ireland

In Ireland, the ancient tomb of Newgrange reveals humanity’s long fascination with the Solstice. Built more than 5,000 years ago, it predates the pyramids. On the morning of the Solstice, sunlight enters a small roof box above the doorway. It lights up the stone chamber inside for just a few minutes. This moment symbolised rebirth and hope for ancient people. Today, thousands watch it in person or online. The Solstice sunrise at Newgrange still stirs awe and connection with the past.

England

In southern England, Stonehenge draws visitors from around the world. Its massive stones align with the rising and setting Sun during the Solstices. Every year, crowds gather to watch the Winter Solstice sunrise. Druids, pagans, and travellers celebrate with music, dance, and cheer. It’s a powerful symbol of the link between humanity and nature. Stonehenge reminds us that the cycles of the Earth continue, no matter how modern life becomes.

Japan

In Japan, the Winter Solstice is called Toji. It’s not an official holiday, but people observe customs for good health and luck. The most famous is the yuzu bath, where people soak in hot water with floating citrus fruits. The bath wards off colds and refreshes the spirit. Many also eat pumpkin soup or noodles to build strength for winter. Toji is a quiet celebration. It’s about caring for the body, welcoming the light, and preparing for renewal.

Peru

In Peru, the Winter Solstice falls in June, since it’s in the Southern Hemisphere. The Inti Raymi festival honours Inti, the Incan Sun god. In ancient Cusco, people offered food, dance, and prayers to ensure the Sun’s return. The Spanish later banned the festival, but it was revived in the 20th century. Now thousands gather at Sacsayhuamán, near Cusco, to witness the grand reenactments. It’s a celebration of faith, heritage, and the power of the Sun.

Scotland

In Scotland, the Winter Solstice has ancient roots and modern celebrations. The country’s northern latitude means long, dark winters—perfect for celebrating the return of the light. In Orkney, the Maeshowe chambered cairn, built over 5,000 years ago, aligns with the Solstice sunset. For a few days each December, the setting Sun shines straight into the stone passage, lighting up the inner chamber. It’s one of Europe’s most stunning Solstice sites. Modern Scots also celebrate in lively ways. Edinburgh’s Winter Solstice fire festivals, such as the Up Helly Aa torchlight processions in Shetland, echo the old Norse Yule spirit. Fire dancers, drummers, and costumed marchers fill the streets, symbolising the burning away of darkness. Whether ancient or modern, Scotland’s Solstice celebrations share one theme—the triumph of light and community over winter’s long shadow.

Across continents, people celebrate the Winter Solstice in their own way. Fire, food, poetry, or dance—every tradition carries the same message: darkness never lasts. The Solstice reminds us of the Sun’s promise. It marks a new beginning, a return of warmth, and the strength of the human spirit. No matter where we live, we all look to the same light—and every year, it rises again.

By Juliet Kinsey

Read more about Festive traditions here on the blog with our post on Spanish Christmas Traditions

Check out more information on the Winter Solstice on Librarysearch.napier.ac.uk

Christmas in historical Edinburgh

Historical Christmas

18/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Historical Christmas

We’re just about ready to close up for the Christmas holidays and it’s all we’ve been able to talk about here at the library. Besides thinking about our Christmas shopping, having to meet up with the family. And getting ready for Christmas dinner. We’ve also gave a bit of thought about how Christmas became what it is today, and the different ways that it has changed over the century. So we decided to have a quick look into it today.

Midwinter and the period stretching from the winter solstice (which usually falls around the week of the 21st) up to early January has long been a time of celebration and festivities across many cultures and faiths. Archaeological evidence indicates such celebrations were being held as far back as the Neolithic period (almost nine thousand years ago!) with the speculation being that ancient sites such as Stonehenge served as places to conduct such ceremonies and festivities.

Many religions have used this time as a period to commemorate the births of their respective deities as well, with the ancient Egyptians using this time to mark the birth of their god Horus.
In addition to religious connotations, holding festive celebrations during the period also served a practical purpose of lifting community spirits during the darkest and coldest time of year.

Roman Christmas

It is in such early winter celebrations that we can find the origins of Christmas, with early Christians in the Roman Empire likely drawing inspiration from the Roman festival of Dies Natalis Solis Invicti, (held on the 25th of December), and the Roman holiday of Saturnalia, which was a gift giving holiday in the week up to the 25th of December in honour of Saturn.
At the same time, Christians living to the East of Rome primarily celebrated Jesus on the 6th of January, on an occasion known as Theophany, or The Epiphany, believed to be the date the three wise men visited Jesus.

Medieval Christmas

By the medieval period, the Catholic Church decided to unite both traditions by officially declaring the period of the 25th of December to the 6th of January as being Christmastide, or the Twelve Days of Christmas, with the weeks leading up to Christmas being marked as the Advent period. Which would serve as a time of preparation and anticipation for the upcoming Christmas celebrations.

Early Christmas celebrations would usually involve traditions associated with local pre-Christian winter festivals, especially the festival of Yuletide observed by the Norse and Anglo-Saxon people. To the point that today the name Yuletide is considered synonymous with Christmastime. It’s from these Yuletide celebrations that we get the Christmas traditions of decorating homes using seasonal fruits and plants and Yule log. It is even speculated that Christmas Carols have their roots in Yuletide singing, where it was custom to go door-to-door singing in exchange for gifts and alcohol. Although Yuletide singing is recorded as being a much rowdier affair than Christmas carolling usually is!

Over the centuries Christmas began to grow in popularity as many kings and emperors of Europe chose to be crowned on Christmas Day, and it soon became custom for monarchs and nobles to host lavish Christmas feasts every year.
It was from these Christmas feasts that we start to see some of the modern Christmas cuisine start to emerge, with King Henry VIII beginning the tradition of serving turkey for Christmas dinner shortly after the bird was imported to Britain, as a way of showing off his great wealth. Expensive birds soon became a staple of royal Christmas dinners, although many normal households would struggle to afford such food until many centuries later, instead usually settling for more affordable meat like duck.

As part of these feasts, it was expected that the host would hire a troupe of actors (called Mummers) to stage a play for the entertainment of guests. These plays would usually involve crude humour and stage fights, and would over time evolve into Christmas pantomimes that are still popular in Britain today. Of course, these wouldn’t be the only plays associated with Christmas time. The staging of a Christmas Nativity play depicting the birth of Jesus is a tradition that goes back even further to around the early 1200s when Saint Francis of Assisi oversaw the staging of such a play in Italy, with the practice spreading overtime to other Christian countries.

Back in the day, Christmas celebrations in Britain put a great emphasis on partying and “misrule”, with a member of the party being appointed the Lord of Misrule (called the Abbot of Unreason up here in Scotland) who was responsible for overseeing the party and encouraging drunkenness and unruly behaviour. This tradition was controversial at the time as it was seen as sinful and was outlawed in Britain by the 17th century. The tradition would be forgotten overtime as Christmas changed to become more centred on family and religious observance. This push to change Christmas from a time of drunken revelry to a time of faith and family is also part of the reason why we give each other gifts on Christmas.

1800s Christmas

Because early Christmas celebrations were more focused on partying and feasting, there wasn’t much time spent on the gift giving that we associated Christmas with today. Instead, gift giving was typically split between two different days. On the 6th of December presents would be given to the children in a community in celebration of St Nicholas Day, with adults being given gifts at New Years. The shift of gift-giving to Christmas Eve or Christmas Day came partially due to the Protestant reformation resulting in much of Europe stopping observing most Saint days, and partially the result of the aforementioned push to change Christmas from a period of drunken celebration to a more wholesome time.

One of the few countries in Europe that continued to give gifts on St Nicholas Day was the Netherlands, who brought the tradition over to North America along with stories of Sinterklass, which was what they called St Nick. This would become our idea of Santa Claus by the 19th century, with American poems such as Old Santeclaus with Much Delight and A Visit from St. Nicholas (both published in the 1820s) creating a lot of the popular imagery around Santa and cemented the night before Christmas as being the day he would arrive to give presents to children. The popularity of both of these poems is what helped normalise Christmas Eve or Christmas Day as being the days gifts would be given and opened.

Queen Victoria and Prince Albert Influence

The 1800s would see the popularisation of many other common Christmas traditions still in use today. With Christmas trees first seeing use in Britain in the early 1800s thanks to Queen Charlotte, who brought the tradition over from her home country of Germany. The royal family would continue to decorate a Christmas tree every year and the 1840s saw the publication of an illustration ofQueen Victoria and Prince Albert decorating a tree with their children. This illustration was very popular and is believed to have helped popular Christmas trees in Britain, spurred on by the industrialisation of Britain allowing for decorations to be made quickly and cheaply in large numbers. This same decade also saw the beginnings of the first Christmas cards
The Victorian era also saw the establishment of Christmas as a holiday period from work and education, with workers being granted Christmas and Boxing Day off work, thanks to industrialisation allowing for more time off work and the labour movement of the era pushing for greater reform in work laws.

That took some explaining, but from all this you can see how Christmas evolved into what we have today. It really makes you wonder what new Christmas traditions we might see emerge over the coming years (we’ve already had the Elf on a Shelf start to gain popularity over the past twenty years) and what it will look like centuries from now!

By Matthew Ferrie

We have lots of festive posts to keep you entertain this Christmas.

 

 

 

 

Image for blog post The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

16/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

The 12 Days of Festive Library Resources Part Two

Part Two

Here is part two of our Festive Library Resources List.

Day 7: Libguides

Libguides are subject guides created by our Librarians. They help you to find the right information for your area of study and provide you with links to appropriate resources. You can find them here: libguides.napier.ac.uk

You can read a more in-depth guide from our Library blog here.

Day 8: Books and Journals 

Have you wondered how many books are on our shelves? How many Ebooks on our digital shelves? Well wonder no more. We have 105,301 books in stock. And over 273,000 Ebooks. And they are all available on LibrarySearch for you to enjoy.

Day 9: Relaxation Zones

We have Relaxation Zones at all our campus Libraries, with games, comfy seating and relaxing activities for you to enjoy. Also, check out our Virtual Relaxation Zone on the Library Blog with links to meditation, videos and online relaxing activities. Read more about our relaxation zones here.

Day 10: Repository

An Open Access showcase for our research outputs. We have journal articles, conference papers and theses, data sets, programs, images, scores, music, and exhibition catalogues in digital format. The Repository helps us

  • Increase the impact of the University’s research by making it more visible thus improving the citation rate
  • Encourage collaboration and raise academic profiles
  • Meet with funder and REF requirements

You can all that the Repository has to offer here.

Day 11: Heritage collections

Edinburgh Napier University has a number of outstanding collections which explore, explain and engage with the cultural history of Edinburgh and beyond.

Our Heritage collections:

  • War Poets Collection

  • Mehew Robert Louis Stevenson

  • Jim Haynes

  • Edward Clark Collection

For information about any of our special collections and archives, please email heritage@napier.ac.uk

Day 12: The Librarians…we are here 

We have made it to the final day. And on the 12th day of festive resources gave to me: Librarians. The most valuable resource the Library offers is its Library Staff. Remember, we are here to help. You can contact us via the help desks, email library@napier.ac.uk or phone 0131 455 3500. We may be closed over the festive break but we have out-of-hours service if you need assistance.

Enjoy your holidays and we look forward to seeing everyone back in January.

By Maya Green and Juliet Kinsey

Christmastime Edinburgh

Christmastime in the City of Edinburgh

14/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Christmastime in the City of Edinburgh

 

 

 

It’s that time of year again where Edinburgh City Centre becomes a bustling hive of activity as well as a glorious winter wonderland. With it’s yearly Christmas markets, festive food and drink stalls, live outdoor events and the dazzling light trails being showcased within the Castle of Light and Botanic Gardens, the City of Edinburgh an ideal place to spend to get into the festive spirits and make wonderful Christmas memories with family, friends and partners. Read on if we have sparked your curiosity regarding what EdWinterFest has to offer this year!

 

Edinburgh’s Famous Christmas Markets…

 

Edinburgh’s world-renowned Christmas Markets are back this year! Stalls ran by various independent retailers and artists will have now filled the east side of Princes Street Gardens, as well as many festive food and drink stalls, fairground rides and of course, the iconic big wheel will be lit up and running for the occasion! A wide range of items and gifts are sold yearly at Edinburgh’s Christmas Markets including woolly scarves, hats, gloves, bags as well as hand-crafted jewellery, ornaments, toys and various other miscellany. Hungry, or have a thirst that needs quenched? The food and drink stalls also serve a variety of hearty options including mac and cheese, haggis, Yorkshire pudding wraps, and loaded fries, as well as mulled wines and ciders, hot drinks including hot chocolates, and soft drinks. Room for dessert? Some of the stalls also giant stuffed cookies, waffles, pancakes and warm churros as well.

 

The west side of Princes Street Gardens also hosts the yearly Santas Stories event – a magical experience for both children and their parents to meet Santa and have the magic of Christmas brought to life with stories of the North Pole as well as other festive tales. This event takes place inside a small cabin, with warm blankets and hot chocolates also provided! All sessions last for up to 20 minutes in total. The Starflyer ride is also close by and located in the west side of Princes Street Gardens, making this end of the Christmas markets very family-focused and orientated.

 

Christmas Lights and Light Trails…

 

One of the most magical parts of Christmas is indeed when the Christmas lights come on all throughout different cities and local towns – including the City of Edinburgh! Victoria Street in particular is famous for it’s dazzling Christmas lights and the picturesque way they look against the charming, architecturally unique cobblestone buildings. It provides the perfect scenic background for festive photos and strolling through shops whilst doing your Christmas shopping. Edinburgh also hosts dazzling light trails in both the Royal Botanical Gardens and Edinburgh Castle with illuminated and colourful walkways which also provide scenic backgrounds for photos or simply walking through to take in the festive magic. Festive music is played and food is also provided at the Royal Botanical Gardens Christmas lights trail.

 

The Torchlight Procession…

 

The festivities do not end after Christmas Day! Hogmanay approaches not long after and as part of this, the City of Edinburgh hosts both a Torchlight Procession on the 29th of December and Street Party on the 31st just before the New Year kicks in! The Torchlight Procession is a family-friendly event which takes place annually on the 29th of December where at least 15,000 torches are lit and carried through the streets of Edinburgh. It is also a charitable event as the torches are carried in aid of national and local charities such as Social Bite and One City Trust. Street theatre and fire performers also fill the streets of Edinburgh as well, ultimately establishing a carnival-like atmosphere.

 

The City of Edinburgh certainly knows how to celebrate Christmas and get everyone in the festive spirit!

 

By Rachel Downie

It’s festive time at the library blog

 

John Napier bronze bust at Merchsiton.

History of Napier

09/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

History of Napier

Ever wonder how the name Napier in Edinburgh Napier University? Ever wonder about the old tower on Merchiston Campus? Or the statue placed by the tower? Well, wonder no more.  We are going to look at the History of Napier.

John Napier

John Napier, eighth Laird of Merchiston, was born in Merchiston Tower in Edinburgh in 1550. He died in Merchiston Tower in 1617, the very tower that stands in the centre of Merchiston Campus.

John Napier is most ‘famous for his contributions to the world of Mathematics. His invention of logarithms decoded previously unexplored complexities within mathematics and inspired contemporaries, as well as future generations, to pursue and realise their own academic achievements in many fields of scientific inquiry. His later introduction of a series of calculating devices ensured mathematics was applied to common use and enabled the development of entrepreneurialism’ (Napier.ac.uk/ourHistory)

Today, logarithms are an internal part of Science, Engineering and Computing.

Napier’s dedication to the Protestant Faith is well-documented and it is suggested by some historians that he considered his book Plaine Discovery of the Whole Revelation of St John as his finest work.  It is his interpretation of the Protestant Christian Bible’s Book Revelation.  A time of change in Scotland including the dethronement of Mary, Queen of Scots and the coronation of James VI.

John Napier also had a number of other inventions including Machines of War and Archimedes Screw (one of the earliest hydraulic machines) and Common Salts.

John Napier died in 1617, nearly 350 years later, Edinburgh Napier University began it’s journey.

Edinburgh Napier University

Our foundations go all the way back to the 16th century. But in the last five decades has seen us grow into a globally renowned institution. Opened our doors as Napier Technical College in 1964, welcoming 800 students. To now, home to over 19500 students from over 140 countries. In 1992, Napier is officially inaugurated as a University. Lord James Douglas Hamilton and Principal William Turmeau unveil the new University sign at Merchiston.

In 2024, Edinburgh Napier wins the 2024 Higher Educational Institution of the Year.

At Edinburgh Napier University, we believe in the importance of making a difference. While we’ve risen in rankings and grown in scope over the years, we’ve stayed true to our heritage as an applied technical institution. For our students and researchers, this means that learning and discovery don’t just take place in the lab or the classroom, it happen in the real world.

We’ve come a long way from 1550.

A timetable of Edinburgh Napier University.

Read about our Heritage

 

Christmas authors

Christmas Authors

06/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Christmas Authors

 

The festive season is upon us! Christmas markets are bustling as the Christmas shopping rush begins. Christmas lights are filling the streets of Edinburgh City Centre, and many of us are getting ready. And also very excited for the festive season and holidays to commence. The lead-up to Christmas time and the festive holiday season evokes thoughts and excitement for many things and special moments. Moments of festive foods and treats, Christmas decorations put up throughout the city streets, Christmas movies, as well as Christmas shows at the theatre and pantomime, and of course, time with our loved ones.

Nevertheless, the commencing weeks of December also often consist of assignment deadlines and exams for much of our student and staff community. It can be easy to forget during this stressful and overwhelming time. In this blog post, to possibly encourage some of you to rekindle a love of reading again. We are going to list some famous and popular Christmas authors and their works. Some of which you may be tempted to read in front of the fireplace with a hot drink this year!

 

Charles Dickens (1812-1870) …

 

Charles Dickens is a 19th-century novelist and journalist who is also the author of many famous works. His works include Oliver Twist (1838) and Great Expectations (1861). One of his most famous and popular novels is also A Christmas Carol, which tells the story of Ebeneezer Scrooge. A penny-pinching and bitter businessman who believes Christmas to be like every other day of the year, even saying he “despises Christmas.” One evening, the spirit of an old business partner of his, named Jacob Marley, pays Scrooge a visit to warn him of the need to change his ways. And that he will be visited by three different spirits during the night: the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present and Yet to Come.

Each spirit takes him on a journey through various scenes from Scrooge’s childhood, when he was a young, adolescent man, a present-day Christmas party hosted by his nephew Fred and then a Christmas dinner hosted at his employee Bob Cratchett’s house. Lastly, he is shown his future by the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come – all these journeys through the past, present and future end up having a significant influence on Scrooge and essentially encourage him to reflect and change his ways, as well as his perception of Christmas overall.

 

The first edition of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol was published in the year 1843 on the 19th of December by Chapman & Hall in London. It ended up being a sell-out story by Christmas Eve, and since then, thirteen other editions have been published. It can be viewed as a reflection and essentially a reminder of the most important and valuable aspects of Christmas: festive magnanimity, kindness, celebration and time with our loved ones.

 

Chris Van Allsburg…

 

Chris Van Allsburg is the author of the award-winning The Polar Express novel – another Christmas classic which won the reputable Caldecott Medal in the year 1986 not long after it was published on the 28th of October 1985. It has gone on to become a well-loved Christmas movie, as well as being adapted into various stage productions during the festive season.

It tells the story of a young boy who boards a train at night, which takes him to the North Pole, where he meets Santa, who then offers him any Christmas present of his choice. He chooses a bell from one of the reindeer harnesses, but on his journey back home, he loses the bell. Nevertheless, he finds it underneath the Christmas tree on Christmas morning – only he and his younger sister can hear it ring in their household, though. Their parents cannot, as they are deemed not to fully believe in the magic of Christmas.

 

Hidden messages in books can often be subject to interpretation. One of the most famous, well-known quotes from this book is “seeing is believing, but sometimes the most real things in the world are the things we can’t see.” This can be interpreted as a hidden message regarding how the magic and essentially the joy of Christmas becomes ‘real’ to those who truly believe in it – and who actively try to make it magical for themselves and others around them.

 

Jenny Colgan…

 

Jenny Colgan is a Scottish author who has written books ranging from genres such as science fiction and romantic comedy. She is also the author of many Christmas-themed books and stories. These include An Island Christmas, The Christmas Surprise, The Secret Christmas Library and The Christmas Bookshop series.

All of these Christmassy reads are very light-hearted and equally heart-warming, with The Christmas Bookshop being one of her most popular festive novels. It tells the story of two estranged sisters who reunite to work together in running an old bookshop over the Christmas period. The Secret Christmas Library features two antiquarian book hunters on the search for a rare book held within a library inside a huge, archaic castle. With a hint of both romance and mystery as well as much festive spirit, this also makes an ideal Christmas read for the holiday season!

 

Recommendations…

 

At Edinburgh Napier University libraries, we have A Christmas Carol available to read as an eBook for our student community and staff. This eBook can be accessed via our LibrarySearch catalogue. Check out our other Christmas reads and also DVDs including Dr Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! in our catalogue as well.

 

All other books mentioned in this blog article can be found in and borrowed.

 

By Rachel Downie

We love Christmas here at the library blog. Get in the festive spirit with us.

 

 

 

Krampusnacht image of Krampus beside a xmas tree. ai generated

Krampusnacht

05/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

Krampusnacht

If you just can’t get enough of Halloween, then Krampusnacht may be for you! It’s celebrated on 5th December. Taking place the night before the Feast of St. Nicholas (the patron saint of children). Krampus is very different to Saint Nicholas – he’s a devil like creature compared with the saintly Nicholas. Krampusnacht is celebrated in Alpine regions of countries such as Germany and Austria, also throughout central European countries. Due to it taking place at night and the creepy costumes worn Krampusnacht mirrors the scary vibes of Halloween.

Background

Krampus is said to be the son of Hel, the Norse god of the underworld, and he may have originally been part of a pagan winter solstice ritual to drive out the spirits of winter. Farmers believed that he protected their cattle in winter as they thought that evil spirits made their animals sick. He is now depicted as a horned devil and derives his name from the German word Krampen, which means claw. Horned devils were often in medieval plays, and in the 12th century, the Catholic Church tried to ban Krampus celebrations due to his resemblance to the devil. The celebration survived and evolved into the modern era and is often an organised event in town squares or at festive markets.

How is Krampusnacht celebrated

While the Christmas season is a time of festivity and joy, Krampusnacht is a darker tradition that involves scary costumes, chasing children and prodding people with sticks during the Krampuslauf or Krampusrun. For this, adults dress up in fur costumes, masks and giant horns and wear cow bells as they chase people through streets. They run and jump menacingly, gently prodding spectators with bunches of twigs or sticks as they pass by, creating a lively but creepy atmosphere.

Krampus is the very opposite of Saint Nicholas. It is said he punishes children for being bad, whereas Saint Nicholas rewards children for being good. On the night, children leave a boot outside their bedroom, and they will get a reward for being good or a rod for being naughty.

Modern developments

Whether due to social media or an increased interest in their ancestral homelands, in recent years Krampusnacht has also become a popular celebration in parts of the United States. Some cities, such as Seattle, Philadelphia, and New Orleans, hold Krampus parades. These parades often signify the beginning of the Christmas season.

Box of Broadcasts

Krampus has now entered popular culture far beyond its European roots and you may want to participate yourself, so why not settle down to watch a Krampus movie such as Krampus, A Christmas Horror Story starring Adam Scott and Toni Collete, or Tv show episodes of Grimm, American Da,d and this episode of the UK series Inside No.9 called The Devil of Christmas.

These are available using  Box of Broadcasts. It is an online service that allows you to stream and access a treasure trove of audiovisual content for free if you are a member of Edinburgh Napier University. It includes broadcast TV shows and radio programs, plus you can make playlists and edit videos.

Here are instructions on how to access Box of Broadcasts:

  1. Sign into Library Search.
  2. Select the Databases tab.
  3. Click on the letter B.
  4. Scroll down to Box of Broadcasts and click on the title.
  5. You can now use the Search function to look for programmes you would like to watch or for subjects you are interested in.
  6. Click on Guide to see the list of upcoming programmes, which you can request simply by selecting the request programme function underneath each listed programme. When the programme is ready to watch you will receive an email in your student or staff email inbox.
  7. The My BOB section gives access to your requested programmes and allows the creation of playlists.

We would like to wish all our German, Austrian and Central European staff and students a happy Krampusnacht!

Don’t forget: You can use Library Search to find books and articles on folklore, celebrations, heritage and events.

By Vivienne Hamilton

Read more on the blog with articles like: World Television Day

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

03/12/2025 / / 0 Comments

International Day of Persons with Disabilities

 

Within the UK alone, approximately 16.8 million individuals were recorded as having a disability in a research briefing published on the House of Commons Library webpages. This makes up a quarter of the UK population. This is also a 41% increase from the number of persons reporting a disability within the last decade.  Anyone can, at any point in time, develop and be diagnosed with a disability. A disability is recognised under the Equality Act 2010 as being a physical or mental impairment which has a prolonged and substantially negative impact on their ability to carry out regular tasks and day-to-day activities.

 

Living with a disability can come with many challenges and hardships. And can have a profound effect on the physical and mental well-being. International Day of Persons with Disabilities takes place annually on the 3rd of December. And is a UN-led, global observance and advocacy of the rights of persons with disabilities in the workplace and society. As well as a promotion of their achievements and contributions worldwide.

 

The Equality Act 2010…

 

The International Day of Disabled Persons was proclaimed in 1992 by the UN.  Since served as an important reminder to government bodies, organisations and public institutions to regularly evaluate and enhance their policies and practices to promote inclusion and accessibility. As well as ensuring that their rights are respected and that they are not discriminated against. This is also something which the Equality Act 2010 adheres to, particularly in workplace practices and employment law. It ensures that everyone, regardless of disability and other protected characteristics, has legal protections in the workplace. This makes it unlawful for someone else or their overall employer to discriminate against them. It also ensures that employers put accommodations in place to meet the needs of employees regarded as having a disability or disabling condition.

 

Not every disability is visible, and not every disability presents the same way. The Sunflower Lanyard scheme was launched in the UK in 2016 to help those with hidden disabilities voluntarily indicate that they may require assistance at work, on transport, in public places, and in shops. It also encourages others to be mindful.

The sunflower lanyard scheme has achieved great success, to the point that it has been implemented across many airlines globally and in the UK, as well as in the NHS and other public services. Many private organisations have implemented the scheme as well. Overall, it has allowed for patrons with hidden disabilities and conditions to easily access support and help from the outset of the journey, trip or experience.

 

How can our libraries support

 

Accessibility and inclusion are very important to us at our Edinburgh Napier campus libraries. We aim to support patrons with disabilities or disabling conditions as much as we can and create a welcoming, inclusive and accessible environment and service for all. In terms of e-resource accessibility, we have a variety of tools and digital features, including:

  • Our Read-Aloud Functionality. This allows patrons to listen to online resources being read aloud to them. They can also adjust the speed, tone and pitch of the voiceover to suit their own individual preferences and needs. The Edge browser feature allows for PDFs to be read aloud as well.
  • The HelperBird Extension. This browser extension allows patrons to choose between a range of text colours, sizes and spacings, as well as the option to add overlays and innovative ruler overlay technology. Colour contrasts can also be edited.
  • Reader View Browser Extension. This helps to enhance intelligibility in different webpages as well as clearing sidebars, adverts and menus – anything which can be deemed to be distracting.

 

You can find more information about our accessibility tools in our Eresource Accessibility Tools My Napier webpage.

 

By Rachel Downie

Photo by Julius Carmine

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