First-footing, an age-old tradition observed throughout the Scottish borders, carries with it a sense of superstition, cultural pride, and the joy of new beginnings. This custom, which revolves around the idea of the first person to step into a house after midnight on New Year’s Eve, is deeply rooted in Scottish folklore and has transcended generations. While it has evolved over the years, its core principles of luck, hospitality, and superstition remain, making it one of the most cherished and enduring aspects of Scottish New Year celebrations.

A Brief History of First-Footing

First-footing likely finds its roots in the ancient Hogmanay celebration, a Scottish festival marking the end of the old year and the beginning of the new. Hogmanay itself is thought to stem from Viking and Norse traditions, where midwinter festivals celebrated the rebirth of the sun and honored the gods in hopes of favorable outcomes in the new year. Over time, this evolved into the distinct Scottish custom of Hogmanay, with first-footing being one of its central practices.

As the clock strikes midnight on December 31st, the anticipation of the first-foot rises in many Scottish households. The belief that the first person to enter a house after the new year begins will set the tone for the family’s luck in the coming year is central to the custom. This person, often referred to as the “first-foot,” is expected to bring gifts that symbolize prosperity, warmth, and good fortune, such as coal for warmth, bread or shortbread for food, salt for flavor, and whisky for good cheer.

The superstition that surrounds first-footing suggests that not all first visitors are equally auspicious. Traditionally, a tall, dark-haired man is considered the most fortunate first-foot. This is believed to hark back to the Viking invasions of Scotland when a blonde stranger knocking on the door was likely to bring danger rather than good luck. Thus, over time, darker-haired individuals became associated with better fortune, a belief that still holds sway today.

The Role of Superstition in First-Footing

Superstition is at the heart of first-footing, with every aspect of the tradition tied to the idea of influencing the year ahead. Who the first-foot is, what they bring, and even the manner in which they enter the house all play a significant role in determining the household’s fortunes.

As the character Nelly Rogers from “Wilson’s Border Tales” illustrates, many Scots are keenly aware of the importance of their first visitor on New Year’s Day. In the story, Nelly is anxious about her family’s first-foot, worried that an unlucky person might cross the threshold and bring misfortune for the coming year. This anxiety reflects a widespread cultural belief that an “unlucky” first-foot—someone arriving empty-handed, or perhaps with particular physical traits such as being flat-footed or red-haired—could doom the family to hardship in the months ahead.

Beyond physical characteristics, the actions and behavior of the first-foot also matter. Entering the house with your right foot first is thought to bring luck, while leading with the left is seen as a bad omen. The first-foot should also bring gifts rather than come empty-handed, as failing to offer a token of goodwill could mean that the household will experience scarcity.

While the superstitions may seem outdated or whimsical to some, they continue to form an integral part of Scottish cultural identity. Even in modern times, these customs are honored with respect, highlighting how deeply ingrained the practice is in the Scottish psyche.

Regional Variations and Evolving Practices

While first-footing is common across Scotland, regional variations add flavor to the tradition. In some parts of the country, specific gifts are more closely associated with luck than in others. For instance, in parts of the Scottish Highlands, whisky—often referred to as “a wee dram”—is the favored gift of a first-foot, representing warmth, hospitality, and joy for the upcoming year. In other areas, coal is essential to the ritual, symbolizing warmth and the continuation of life through the cold winter months.

The act of first-footing is not limited to private homes. Many businesses, particularly pubs, also participate in the tradition, where patrons hope to be the first to enter the establishment and bring good luck to the business for the year ahead.

Though rooted in superstition, first-footing has adapted over the centuries to align with changing societal norms. In the past, the notion that a first-foot must be a dark-haired man was taken very seriously, but today, while it is still acknowledged, it is often seen as a playful part of the ritual rather than a strict rule. In some cases, women, children, and even pets have taken on the role of first-foot, reflecting the more inclusive and relaxed approach of modern times.

Despite this evolution, the underlying theme of welcoming the new year with optimism, hospitality, and goodwill remains constant. For many Scottish families, first-footing serves as a symbolic fresh start—a way of brushing off the troubles of the previous year and looking forward to better times ahead.

The Significance of First-Footing Today

First-footing, while steeped in ancient superstition, serves as a broader reminder of the values that have shaped Scottish society. The emphasis on hospitality, sharing, and community that lies at the heart of this tradition speaks volumes about the Scottish spirit. In rural areas especially, where tight-knit communities continue to uphold local traditions, first-footing strengthens social bonds and provides an opportunity for neighbors to reconnect after the busy holiday season.

Moreover, first-footing reflects the Scottish appreciation for new beginnings and the belief in the power of good fortune to shape the course of the year. While most people today may not genuinely believe that a tall, dark-haired man entering their home will determine their luck, the practice of first-footing still carries a special, symbolic weight. 

Adapted From: Wilson, J. M., & Leighton, A. (1857-1858). Wilson’s tales of the borders, and of Scotland: Historical, traditionary, and imaginative (Vol. 1-20). Ainsworth.