It's a Tradition in Scotland to go First Footin'
on Hogmanay. It's when we go from house to house, visiting family, friends and neighbors.
Tall Dark and Handsome! ~ The first person to cross the threshold at Hogmanay brings all the luck for the year ahead ~ good or bad, and, to follow in tradition they also have to be male, and cannot be doctors, ministers or grave-diggers.
If you are going First Footing on Hogmanay, you will need:
- A Hawf (half) Bottle! ~ Your bottle of whisky, your most important travelling companion, so you can offer everyone you see a 'wee dram'.
- A Lump of Coal! ~ In days of yore it was traditional for First Footers to carry a lump of coal with them to place on the host's fire. If you're determined to do Hogmanay by the book, then by all means take the coal.
- The Toast ~ The good wishes you bestow on Hogmanay gatherings. Here's one you may hear ~ A guid New Year to ane an a' and mony may ye see ~ A good New Year to one and all, and many may you see.
Today ... like everything else, things have changed. Back then it was a celebration of life enjoyed by young and old alike. We would party all night and sometimes continue into the next day! What a time it was! It was the party to end all parties!!!
So Hen (like dear or honey), come away in, make yoursel' at hame and jist follow ma cousin "Big Jimmy" tae the Midnight Feast and the Celebration Links, and whatever you do, don't forget tae ...
