First Foot

By Crusader1307

A tradition seen originally in Scotland and England in the late Middle Ages – The “First Foot” is indicative of New Years Eve. As is tradition, the first Visitor to a House on New Years – who knocks and enters, will bring the Household “good luck” for the remainder of The Year. However, several “Rules” apply. The first and most important, They must not enter prior to Midnight. Second, The Visitor (Man or Woman), must not have “dark Hair'' (as this was seen as “Bad Luck”). In most Regions, The Visitor brings a Gift. This could be money or food. This meant that either would “flow into The Home” through The Year. The Practice was adopted into some Regions of America as well, particularly in The American South. In this version of The Tradition, The Visitor must always be Male (never a Female). Gifts are not expected, but feeding The Visitor is seen as bringing “good luck'' to The Home. Also, Women who are expecting a Child should not be a “First Footer” as this was seen a bring bad luck, not to The Home – but the Woman herself.