“First footing” (or the “first foot” in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house the first foot should be a dark-haired male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky.

Why is coal used for first footing?

The first footer will usually come bearing gifts. Traditionally, they would arrive loaded with a coin, bread, salt, a lump of coal, and whisky - gifts representing all the things the new year would hopefully bring, such as prosperity, food, flavour, warmth and good cheer.

Why do you give coal for Hogmanay?

Ideally a dark-haired man who carries a gift, usually a piece of coal or food such as black bun, is welcome. This will bring good luck for the next year as the gift symbolises prosperity. Someone with fair hair and female is considered to bring bad luck.

What should first-foot bring?

Generally, the first-foot should be a tall dark-haired male who is not already in the house when midnight strikes. In many areas, the first-foot should bring with him symbolic gifts such as coal, coins, whisky, or black buns. Food and drink will be given to the first-foot and any other guests.

Is it bad luck to be your own first-foot?

To truly be the first-foot, you can be an occupant of the house, but you can't be in the house at the stroke of midnight. ... Most of the folklore describes the first-foot as a tall, dark-haired man, and in some places women or fair-haired men are considered deeply unlucky.

Why almost all coal was made at the same time

37 related questions found

Is a lump of coal lucky?

Carrying a small lump of coal for luck is a long held superstition - particularly by sailors and burglars! ... Finding a piece of coal on the ground is supposed to be lucky. Pick it up, spit on it and throw it over your left shoulder as you make a wish.

What first footing means?

noun also: first-footer. 1. the first person to enter a household in the New Year. By Hogmanay tradition a dark-haired man who crosses the threshold at midnight brings good luck. verb.

Why is it called Hogmanay?

Hogmanay is the Scottish name for new year celebrations. It is not known exactly where the word comes from, although it is believed to come from the French word 'hoginane' meaning 'gala day'. It is thought to have first been used widely following Mary, Queen of Scots' return to Scotland from France in 1561.

What brings good luck in the new year?

If you want to keep with Southern tradition, eating black-eyed peas and collard greens on New Year's Day will supposedly bring good luck and prosperity, respectively, in the months ahead. Whip up our Braised Greens and Black-Eyed Peas Salad and see what happens! ... until someone enters from the outside first.

Can you wash your hair on New Year's day?

Clean the house before New Year if you don't want to wash away your fortunes. No cutting hair, fingernails or other things during the first few days. Washing hair on the first day is also not a good idea.

What is Hogmanay first footing?

“First footing” (or the “first foot” in the house after midnight) is still common across Scotland. To ensure good luck for the house the first foot should be a dark-haired male, and he should bring with him symbolic pieces of coal, shortbread, salt, black bun and a wee dram of whisky.

Why do people celebrate Hogmanay take unusual gifts to friends houses?

The gifts, each with their own specific meaning, are a token of good luck. Common foodstuffs given as gifts vary from yet more whisky or a black bun (a traditional type of fruit cake), to authentic Scottish shortbread.

Why was Christmas banned in Scotland?

It all came abut during the Protestant reformation in 1640, during which time a law was passed that made celebrating 'Yule vacations' illegal. According to the National Trust for Scotland, the kirk “frowned upon anything related to Roman Catholicism”, therefore sparking the ban.

Why is New Year so important in Scotland?

28/12/2015. Ever wondered why Hogmanay is so important in Scotland? ... Long before the arrival of Christianity, the inhabitants of Scotland were celebrating the arrival of the New Year around the time of the winter solstice (the shortest day)….

What is first footing Ireland?

First footing, being the first visitor to a house, was a popular custom but your reception very much depended on who you were. A dark haired man would be greeted with food and drink (unless he arrived empty handed of course), as his arrival meant a year of plenty and good luck.

What is natural coal?

Coal is a combustible black or brownish-black sedimentary rock with a high amount of carbon and hydrocarbons. Coal is classified as a nonrenewable energy source because it takes millions of years to form. Coal contains the energy stored by plants that lived hundreds of millions of years ago in swampy forests.

What is the unluckiest color?

Green can be considered to be unlucky as it is associated with infidelity. A man wearing a green hat is said to have an unfaithful wife. Black can be considered unlucky too given it's association to the darkness and secrecy. The word 'mafia' translates to 'black society' in Chinese.

What is the best color to wear on New Year's Eve?

Gold and silver are the go-to colors for many women's New Year's Eve outfits -- and with good reason. Keep your gold and silver garments tasteful by incorporating dark or neutral accessories into your outfit.

Why can't you do laundry on New Year's Day?

Don't do laundry on New Year's Day, or a member of the family will be washed away (i.e., die) during the coming year. ... Doing laundry on New Year's Day will wash a year of good fortune down the drain. Don't do laundry on New Year's Day, or you will have more laundry than usual to do all year.

What is Christmas Eve called in Scotland?

Christmas Eve as Sowan's Night

In some places in Scotland, Christmas Eve is called Sowans Night, after the dish Sowans, which is oat husks and meal steeped in water for several days.

Do Scots say aye?

Aye means yes, often replacing the latter in day-to-day life in Scotland. Conversely, 'aye, right' is used when expressing feelings of disbelief (think of it as the Scottish equivalent to 'yeah, right').

What is Hogmanay celebration?

Hogmanay is what we Scots call New Year's Eve - 31 December - the big night that marks the arrival of the new year. Its origins reach back to the celebration of the winter solstice among the Vikings with wild parties in late December. ... For an unforgettable Hogmanay break, it's got to be Scotland.

How do you bring the New Year in?

15 New Year's Good Luck Traditions From Around the World to Borrow for Your Celebration

• Have Hoppin' John for New Year's Day Dinner. bhofack2Getty Images. ...
• Or Make a Fish Dish. VICUSCHKAGetty Images. ...
• Wear White. wagnerokasakiGetty Images. ...
• Jump Seven Waves. ...
• Smash a Plate. ...
• Eat 12 Grapes. ...
• Smooch a Loved One. ...
• Jump Into 2020.

What are Scottish traditions?

The traditions combine the Scots love for love for dancing, eating and storytelling. Whether you're exploring the streets of Edinburgh, or attending one of the world famous Highland games, you will undoubtedly come across men dressed kilts, or a bagpiper entertaining the crowds.