First-footing is Scotland’s traditional custom of visiting the first person encountered after midnight on New Year's Eve.
The “first foot” is the first person to enter a household after midnight. Scottish tradition holds that this visitor can influence the household’s luck for the coming year. Customs vary, but a first-footer may bring symbolic gifts such as whisky, shortbread, coal, salt, or black bun.
In some versions of the tradition, a tall, dark-haired man is considered especially lucky, while a fair-haired visitor was historically viewed less favorably in parts of Scotland. These ideas are regional and historical rather than universal rules observed by every modern household.
First-footing is connected with hospitality and the exchange of good wishes. It is separate from the general Scottish term Hogmanay, which covers New Year's Eve and its wider celebrations. The custom may involve planned visits rather than literally meeting a stranger outdoors.