The Scottish custom linking the first visitor entering a home after midnight with New Year's luck is called first-footing.
In this tradition, the first person to cross the threshold after midnight is the household's “first foot.” The visitor may bring symbolic gifts such as shortbread, coal, salt, or whisky. These items represent food, warmth, flavor, and good cheer for the year ahead. Customs vary by region and family.
Traditional beliefs often favored a tall, dark-haired male first-footer, while a fair-haired or red-haired first visitor could be regarded as unlucky in some older versions. These associations reflect historical folk beliefs and are not universal modern rules. Today, friends and relatives may simply arrange visits as a friendly way to share good wishes.
First-footing is particularly associated with Hogmanay, Scotland's New Year's celebration. It is distinct from the general practice of visiting people after midnight: the term refers specifically to the first entrant and the luck attached to that arrival. The custom is also found in related forms in parts of northern England.