This document discusses the Scottish tradition of First Foot Day, which marks the beginning of the new year. According to longstanding tradition, the first person to enter the home on New Year's Day should be a dark-haired man bringing gifts like coal, shortbread, salt, and whiskey to bring good luck for the coming year. The tradition has roots in Viking culture and remains an important part of Scottish folklore and celebration today.

1. Madison Hamilton P.7 First Foot Day

2. First Foot Day Said to bring good luck Marks the beginning of the new year

3. From the Beginning First Foot Day or First Footing is an old Scottish tradition. Years ago, for good luck, the first person to enter your home should of been a dark male. As this dark man knocked on your door he would of brought with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black buns and some whisky. This is how the Scottish tradition did it and is believed to have come from the Viking days of long ago when it was not so lucky to have a big long haired blonde stranger arrive on your door step with a big axe.

4. How It Works In Worcestershire luck is ensured by stopping the first carol-singer who appears and leading him through the house. In Yorkshire it must always be a male who enters the house first, but his fairness is no objection. The first-foot usually brings a gift of coal and salt. The coal representing "warmth" for the year ahead and the salt representing "flavour".

5. Extra “Cool” Facts In Scotland first-footing was always more elaborate than in England, involving a subsequent entertainment. Greek culture, first-foot has a significant place among Christmas customs. Thus, it is believed that the first person to enter the house on New Year's Eve brings either good luck or bad luck. Many households to this day keep this tradition and specially select who enters first into the house. After the first-foot, also called "podariko" from "podi" which means foot, the lady of the house serves the guests with Christmas treats to ensure that good luck will come in the New Year.