What is Scotland's traditional New Year's Eve first-footing custom called?

Scotland's traditional New Year's Eve first-footing custom is called first-footing.

In first-footing, the first person to enter a household after midnight is believed to influence the household's luck for the coming year. Traditional gifts can include coal for warmth, bread or shortbread for food, salt, and whisky for hospitality. The visitor may also be expected to arrive with a symbolic appearance or gift associated with prosperity.

Historically, a tall, dark-haired male visitor was often considered especially lucky in some Scottish traditions, while interpretations varied by region and period. Modern practice is less rigid and commonly emphasizes visiting friends and family rather than applying old physical descriptions.

First-footing is related to, but not identical with, the broader Scottish New Year celebration known as Hogmanay. Hogmanay is the festival; first-footing is one custom performed around the transition into the new year.