The Scottish name for New Year’s celebrations that include traditions such as first-footing is Hogmanay.
Hogmanay is Scotland’s New Year festival, with celebrations often beginning on 31 December and continuing into 1 January and beyond. Customs vary by region, but singing, torchlight events, fire ceremonies, and visits between households are common parts of its cultural history. Edinburgh’s large public street celebration is one of the best-known modern events.
First-footing is the practice of being the first person to enter a home after midnight. In traditional versions, the first visitor brings symbolic gifts such as coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky. Dark-haired visitors were once considered especially lucky in some areas. Hogmanay is sometimes treated as simply another word for New Year’s Eve, but it more precisely refers to Scotland’s broader festival and its associated customs.