Hogmanay is the New Year's Eve celebration known for the tradition of first-footing.
In first-footing, the first person to enter a household after midnight is traditionally believed to influence the household's luck for the coming year. Customary gifts can include symbolic items such as coal for warmth, bread for food, salt, whisky, or a black bun, a dense Scottish fruit cake.
Traditions differ by region and family, but a dark-haired male visitor was historically considered especially lucky in some parts of Scotland. The practice is connected to older beliefs about household fortune and the significance of the first arrival after the new year begins.
Hogmanay is Scotland's major New Year festival and can include torchlight processions, street parties, music, and dancing. First-footing should not be confused with the midnight singing of “Auld Lang Syne,” which is another Scottish tradition associated with the occasion.