First footing

Was curious about NYE traditions around the world, and came across this interesting tradition from Scotland:

“In Scotland, the day before January 1 is so important that there's even an official name for it: Hogmanay.

On this day, the Scottish observe many traditions, but easily one of their most famous is first footing. According to Scottish beliefs, the first person who crosses through the threshold of your house after midnight on New Year's Day should be a dark-haired male if you wish to have good luck in the coming year. Traditionally, these men come bearing gifts of coal, salt, shortbread, and whiskey, all of which further contribute to the idea of having good fortune.

But why dark-haired men?

Well, back when Scotland was being invaded by the Vikings, the last thing you wanted to see at your doorstep was a light-haired man bearing a giant axe. So today, the opposite—a dark-haired man—symbolizes opulence and success.”

We do something similar in Vietnam for Lunar New Year, though growing up I didn’t realize it was to set the tone!

“It is a deep-rooted belief that the first person to enter a house at the beginning of a lunar year will have a bearing on the family’s fortune throughout that year. Thus, the rich and popular are usually invited to get into a home at that time.

Traditionally, the first visitor hands out li xi, or lucky money, and New Year gifts to the hosts and seldom stays longer than a few minutes. This is to ensure that things do not get “stuck” in the new year.”