5 Traditional Scottish First Footing Gifts
Yes, it’s that time of year again – time to pop next door to wish your friends, relatives and neighbours a Happy New Year! If you’re first foot through the door on New Years Day, you’re known as the first foot.
First footing is an old Scottish tradition celebrated after the bells on Hogmanay and into the early hours of New Years Day.
The “first foot” refers to the first person to cross the threshold of a home after midnight, symbolizing luck and prosperity for the year ahead.
Traditionally, the first footer should be a tall, dark-haired man, as this is believed to bring the most good fortune. Historically, this stems from the Vikings who believed that the arrival of a fair-haired stranger often meant trouble.
It doesn’t matter if you’re not tall, dark and handsome – my wife says that one out of three’s not bad! – it’s what you’ve brought along as a first foot gift that matters!
Stuck for ideas? Well, here’s a selection of traditional first footing gifts…
Black Bun
A favourite of the Broons of Glebe Street, the Sunday Post’s happy family. It’s a rich, moist fruitcake entirely encased in pastry. It’s sometimes called a “giant Garibaldi biscuit” but it’s bound to break the ice, especially if those you are visiting are a wee bit peckish! Try our Black Bun recipe.
Herring
It was once a tradition for a first foot to arrive carrying herring dressed in wee outfits, with ribbons or bow ties. Definitely a last resort – unless your neighbour has a large cat. This custom was especially popular in Dundee – find out more on our Christmas Q-aye!
Shortbread
A classic Hogmanay favourite, shortbread is about a Scottish as it comes. Homemade shortbread from a traditional recipe is the best, but there are loads of great shop-bought varieties in presentation tins. A tin of shortbread also makes the perfect gift accompaniment to another sure-fire winner…
Whisky
You can’t go wrong with this auld favourite in Scotland. A malt, grain or blend guarantees you a warm welcome. A Bells for the bells? Why not! But there are hundreds of other whiskies to choose from, and the Whisky Exchange has a great to the different and distinct flavours.
Coal
In the old days where open fires ruled the roost and wood burning stoves were a thing of fancy, a present of this with the declaration “lang may yer lum reek!” would give you an even warmer welcome. This first foot tradition isn’t so handy nowadays, however, as you can’t burn coal on leccy or gas.
