The Scottish New Year's tradition of the first person to enter a home after midnight is called first-footing.
The visitor is known as the first-foot, and tradition holds that this person's arrival influences the household's luck for the coming year. First-footing is especially associated with Hogmanay, Scotland's New Year celebration, although related customs exist in parts of northern England and the Isle of Man.
Customs vary by region. A first-foot might bring symbolic gifts such as coal for warmth, salt for flavour, a coin for prosperity, shortbread or black bun for food, and whisky for good cheer. Older Scottish versions often preferred a tall, dark-haired man, while a light-haired or red-haired visitor could be considered unlucky in some areas.
The origin is uncertain. Some writers have suggested a connection with Viking-era fears of arriving fair-haired strangers, while other elements resemble Samhain customs involving door-to-door visits, songs, food and fire. Auld Lang Syne is associated with New Year celebrations, but it is the song—not the visiting custom itself.