Message #76829

[Jackie G]

well you'll need a first foot if you're coming for the turn of the year!

** First footing is a custom in Scotland on Hogmanay (New Year's Eve) where the first person to cross the threshold after midnight and the new year turns (after you open a window briefly to let the old year out) is considered to bring good luck - provided he/she is tall and dark (and handsome).  Lots of people have pretty much 'open house' for neighbours and friends.  If lights are on after midnight and you're out and about in the area, you're fair game for visitors.

Traditionally a first footer would bring with them a lump of coal for the fire, some black bun, a dense fruit cake, for the table, and a bottle of whisky, to drink a toast to the new year.  These days where people organise a party, you'd be there before hand, and someone gets chosen to get their coat on and is put outside at a minute to midnight and then not readmitted until the bells have gone.  It's traditional to shake hands (and / or kiss) at New Year and wish someone all the best for the year ahead.

There are lots of local customs (see the Stonehaven Fireball ceremony) and some grow into the new year (the Shetlanders have some great stuff which links to Viking times, where they burn a Viking longboat after they've built it)