The first-footing visitor who traditionally enters a Scottish home after midnight is called the first-footer.
First-footing is a Scottish New Year's custom in which the first person to cross the threshold after midnight is believed to influence the household's luck for the coming year. The visitor traditionally brings symbolic gifts such as coal for warmth, shortbread or another food, salt, and whisky. The exact customs differ among families and regions.
Historical versions of the tradition often favored a tall, dark-haired man as the first-footer, while a fair-haired visitor could be regarded as unlucky in some areas because of older Viking associations. Modern celebrations are generally less strict and focus on hospitality, friendship, and the exchange of good wishes.
First-footing is connected with Hogmanay but is not the name of the entire Scottish New Year's celebration. Hogmanay includes many other activities, such as street parties, concerts, fire festivals, and singing “Auld Lang Syne.” The first-footer specifically refers to the person making the first post-midnight visit.