Name That List, #68

An ancient superstition holds that the person or creature that first sets foot in the home on the first day of the New Year determines the luck for the year. Although most people no longer strictly hold to the superstition as such, "first-footing" still remains a most endearing tradition in Northern England and in Scotland. Most first-footers are friends or relatives of families, and the following are acceptable first-footers because they bring good luck: tall, handsome, dark-haired men with a high instep (the latter trait preferred in Scotland); children; generous, merry men not associated with witchcraft; those who were born footling breech; and dogs.

There are exceptions; for example, areas of Eastern Scotland, East Yorkshire, and Lincolnshire favor fair-haired men, whereas Bradford in West Yorkshire and parts of Aberdeenshire favor redheaded men.

First-footers bringing bad luck include: women (sometimes permissible in Wales and in the Isle of Man); people with flat feet, eyebrows that meet, squint eyes, red hair (exceptions noted above), or obvious physical deformities; midwives; gravediggers and morticians; hangmen; thieves; doctors and clergymen; those dressed excessively well or poorly; stingy or immoral people; and cats.

Those meeting the requirements of first-footers then make their rounds visiting homes shortly after midnight and bear handsels, the traditional and symbolic offerings of bread for sustenance, a lump of coal or other firing for warmth, salt and money for prosperity, and a bottle of whiskey to warm the spirits. According to ritual, the first-footer enters by the front door (and if possible leaves by the back), places the coal on the fire (and stirs the fire in some areas), lays the other gifts on the table, and pours a drink for the head of the house. No one speaks until these amenities are concluded, after which the first-footer pronounces a New Year's wish of luck and prosperity for the home.