The Scottish Hogmanay custom of welcoming the first person into a home after midnight is called first-footing.
The first-foot is the first person to enter a household after the clock strikes midnight. Traditional beliefs held that the identity and gifts of this visitor could influence the household's luck for the coming year. Common gifts included coal for warmth, shortbread or other food for plenty, salt, and whisky.
In some regions, a tall, dark-haired man was traditionally considered especially lucky, while a fair-haired visitor could be viewed less favorably because of historic Viking associations. These ideas are regional customs rather than universal rules, and modern celebrations often focus more on friendship and hospitality.
Hogmanay is the Scottish celebration of New Year's Eve and can include street parties, concerts, torchlight processions, and singing. First-footing is distinct from a ceilidh, which is a social gathering featuring traditional music and dancing.