In Scotland's Hogmanay custom, the first person entering a home after midnight is called the first-footer.
First-footing is a New Year's tradition in which the first visitor to cross a household's threshold after midnight is believed to influence the home's luck for the coming year. In traditional accounts, a tall, dark-haired man was considered particularly fortunate as the first-footer, although modern practice is more varied and focuses on hospitality and celebration.
The visitor may bring symbolic gifts such as shortbread, coal, salt, or whisky. These items represent food, warmth, flavor, and good cheer. The first-footer traditionally should not arrive empty-handed, and the household welcomes the guest with food or drink.
Hogmanay is Scotland's New Year celebration, but first-footing is distinct from large public events such as Edinburgh's street festivities. Customs differ across Scotland, and many families treat the practice as a cultural tradition rather than a literal prediction of fortune.