Bliadhna Mhath Ùr
Bliadhna Mhath Ùr is the Gaelic phrase for happy new year.
You may also use more descriptive variations to wish someone a prosperous or happy new year.
Meaning: Happy New Year (phrase)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase is composed of bliadhna (year), mhath (good) and ùr (new).
Did you know?
- In some Gaelic regions, it is traditional to accompany New Year wishes with a 'first footing' visit, where the first person to cross the threshold brings luck for the coming bliadhna.
- While Bliadhna Mhath Ùr is used for the calendar year, Gaelic culture historically celebrated the 'new year' at Samhain, the beginning of winter.
- The word ùr does not just mean 'new' in a chronological sense, but originally carries the connotation of being 'clean' or 'pure'.
Examples in context
- Bliadhna Mhath Ùr dhut!Happy New Year to you!
Example conversation
Mairead and Angus meet on January 1st.
- MaireadHalo, Angus! Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!Hello, Angus! Happy New Year!
- AngusTapadh leat, Mairead! Bliadhna Mhath Ùr!Thank you, Mairead! Happy New Year!
- MaireadAn do hould thu spàis an oidhche?Did you have fun last night?
- AngusSeo, bha e sgoinneil!Yes, it was brilliant!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “happy new year” translations and entries Bliadhna Mhath Ùr, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries bliadhna, ùr, CC BY-SA 4.0.
