Who would have thought the first person to enter a house on New Year’s Day could be the one who sets the tone for the year? The Scottish and Northern English people have certainly set the tone!

This folklore celebration is a fun, ancient way to channel those New Year vibes and create something simple and delightful: National First Foot Day!

National First Foot Day is often associated with the Scottish holiday of “Hogmanay”, but it dates back to more than 1000 years. Invading Vikings may have brought First Foot to Scotland and Cumbria in Northern England. The Isle of Man also celebrates National First Foot Day.

The idea that the first person to enter a house on New Year’s Day brings good fortune for the whole year has become part of folklore. Many believe this tradition was established because many Scots had to work during Christmas. They moved their celebrations into the New Year with National First Foot Day.

You can get connected to this tradition that dates back hundreds of centuries and celebrate National First Foot Day by using some of these ideas.

There are many differences in how National First Food Day celebrations are observed as regional customs change over time. The general rule is that the tallest male should be the one to cross the threshold. It is preferable for the male to have dark hair, but in some cases it may be better. Folklore says that it’s best for the person crossing the threshold first to not be a woman.

The first-foot must be present at the time the clock strikes twelve to welcome in the new year. If there is a party in the house on New Year’s Eve, it means that people should leave the house before the midnight bells ring. This will allow the first-foot to enter the house when the clock strikes midnight, which brings good luck for the new year!

Robert Burns’ version of Auld Lang Syne was published in 1788. He used an existing tune and added his own words. Robert Burns, a well-known Scotsman and poet, made it a tradition to sing the song at a New Year‚Äôs Eve celebration.

These famous lines are in the lyrics: