The Scottish first-footing custom is called first-footing.
First-footing begins when the first person enters a household after midnight on New Year’s Eve. In traditional belief, the identity and appearance of that first visitor could influence the household’s luck for the year ahead. A tall, dark-haired man was historically considered especially lucky in some Scottish traditions, though modern practice is much less rigid.
The visitor commonly brings symbolic gifts. Coal represents warmth, shortbread represents food, and whisky represents hospitality; salt and black bun also appear in accounts of the custom. The exact combination differs by region and family.
First-footing is part of Hogmanay, Scotland’s broader New Year celebration. It is not simply the first person to cross a threshold at any time during January 1. The defining moment is the post-midnight visit, and the visitor is often welcomed by people who have stayed up to greet the new year.