First-footing
The Scottish and northern English custom of the first visitor of the new year bringing luck.
Also: first foot
First-footing is the custom that the first person to cross the threshold after midnight on New Year's Eve brings luck to the house for the year. The ideal first-footer is a tall, dark-haired man, who brings gifts: coal for warmth, shortbread or black bun for food, salt for flavour and whisky for good cheer. Fair-haired visitors were once thought to be unlucky, as a memory of Viking raiders. The visitor is welcomed with a drink and a bite, and neighbours go from house to house. The tradition is found throughout Scotland and northern England and is strongest at Hogmanay.
Region: Europe