First-Foot Day – January 1, 2027

History of First-Foot Day

The origins of the First-Foot traditions go as far back as the late 8th century Vikings’ invasions of England and Scotland. Some people say it was brought by the Vikings themselves. Back in the day when the Englanders and Scottish people used to get scared at the sight of a blond-haired stranger in their midst, the people used to shut their doors and pray for hope and luck to escape the dreadful invaders. In those times, the entry of a dark-haired person into a person’s home was considered a symbol of hope and relief for the people. The arrival of a blond stranger at your door means you are being invaded, causing fear and alarm. In some traditions, first-footing is celebrated with group singing of ‘Auld Lang Syne’.

Since then, this act has become a tradition in Scotland and Northern England where it is celebrated every year on January 1, at midnight, when the new year begins. As the people from the British Isles traveled to other areas, especially the U.S., the tradition followed and became part of cultures and societies in those areas.

The first footer must come bearing gifts: symbolic gifts such as a silver coin, shortbread, black bun, salt, coal, or whisky, and will be given food and drink in return by the inhabitants. But wait, there’s more! According to ancient folklore and tradition, the person who is first footing into the household should be a man, dark-haired, not fair, and must have flat feet. If he (traditionally male) carries coins, that would mean financial prosperity; short-bread is a sign of full rations in food; salt represents flavor; coal means warmth; and whiskey means celebration. Similar traditions have also been part of other cultures such as in Greece, Georgia, and Serbia, where a more or less similar concept is kept close to the heart and is celebrated on the same day.

The first-footer or the person who steps into the home following the start of a new year is seen as a bringer of good fortune. This person can be an occupant of the house but cannot be someone who was in the house when the clock strikes midnight.  

Traditionally, young boys have been the first-footers for the communities. Dark-haired boys visit peoples’ homes in different areas and sing poems for them. For the inhabitants, the arrival of these boys would be a symbol of good fortune for the year, and as a token of their gratitude, they would share quality food and drink with the boys. Ever since the tradition of National First Foot Day has been kept alive and is celebrated every year on New Year’s Day.

The craze for First Foot Day was so popular in England and Scotland that, in those days, on New Year’s Day between midnight and one o’clock in the morning, the streets were more crowded than the homes as everybody wanted to first foot their way in. Today, the custom of first footing and the First Foot Day celebrations are observed in the U.K., U.S., and many areas places.