In folklore, the first-foot is the first person to enter the home of a household on New Year’s Day.
Stemming back to the time of the invading Vikings in the 8th and 9th century, it is believed that the first person to enter a house, the “first foot” can bring luck or misfortune, for the year ahead.
? Scottish tradition good luck comes in the form of a tall, dark-haired man being the first footer.
The first-footer must not have already crossed the threshold before midnight, meaning they must be a brand new visitor to the house.
On the other hand, women, light-haired men and redheads were seen as harbingers of ill fate…..
? The unluckiness of fair hair is thought to stem from the viking invasions.
A big blonde stranger arriving on your door step with a big axe meant big trouble, and probably not a very happy New Year!
The fearfulness of women may stem back to the notion of the Cailleach, a crone goddess of winter and death, who took the form of an old woman.
If she should come knocking, it would undoubtedly mean peril for those inside.
? The first footer would traditionally arrive bearing gifts to bring good fortune and health to the home.
Gifts generally took the form of a coin, shortbread or a fruit cake wrapped in pastry, known as a black bun or Scotch bun, a lump of coal or wood for the fire – and a drink of whisky to represent prosperity, food, warmth and good cheer.
? Home-owners would put on entertainment for their guests after the first-footer arrives, and in some histories of the event, the first-footer could claim a kiss from every woman in the house!
? While first footing is predominantly a Scottish Hogmanay tradition, it also used to be carried out in the north of England.
In Yorkshire there is a similar tradition, though fair-haired men are preferred as first-footers.
A similar tradition also exists in Sweden, where inviting a stranger into your house after midnight is said to bring good luck for the new year.
However, the Swedish ritual observes it is only considered lucky to invite in a light-haired visitor as your first footer.
? Personally, the thought of a tall dark haired man in a kilt – knocking on my door with food and alcohol, sounds like a fabulous way to bring in the new year!! ?
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