Hogmanay is the Scottish New Year’s Eve celebration traditionally associated with first-footing after midnight.
First-footing is the custom of being the first person to enter a friend’s or neighbor’s home after midnight. Traditional gifts can include coal, shortbread, salt, or whisky, symbolizing warmth, food, flavor, or good fortune. In some accounts, a tall, dark-haired first-footer was considered especially lucky, although customs vary by region and family.
Hogmanay itself includes much more than first-footing. Celebrations may feature torchlight processions, street parties, singing, dancing, and the song “Auld Lang Syne.” Edinburgh’s Hogmanay is one of the best-known modern public events, but Hogmanay is a national Scottish tradition rather than the name of one single festival site.
First-footing is also distinct from simply staying awake until midnight. Its defining feature is the post-midnight visit and the symbolism of the visitor’s arrival.