The Scottish custom in which the first visitor after midnight brings good fortune is called first-footing.
In first-footing, the first person to cross a household’s threshold after midnight is traditionally believed to influence the household’s luck for the coming year. The visitor may bring symbolic gifts, commonly including coal for warmth, shortbread for food, salt, or whisky for good cheer. Customs differ by region and family.
Traditionally, a tall, dark-haired man was often considered a particularly lucky first-footer, while arriving empty-handed was viewed less favorably. Modern celebrations are generally more flexible, and the emphasis is on visiting friends and relatives rather than enforcing older appearance-based rules.
First-footing is associated with Hogmanay, Scotland’s New Year celebration, but the terms are not interchangeable. Hogmanay is the holiday and festival; first-footing is one custom practiced during it. The tradition is also distinct from ordinary New Year’s greetings because it specifically centers on entering a home after the midnight transition.