David Castleton (Author) on Nostr: First footing is a traditional New Year custom, especially in Scotland and the north ...

First footing is a traditional New Year custom, especially in Scotland and the north of England. The New Year is 'let in' by a person (often a dark-haired man) bearing items symbolic of fuel, food and prosperity. In my family, the darkest-haired male (me) would be forced to go outside a few minutes before midnight on New Year's Eve. I'd stand in the freezing cold, clutching a piece of coal or wood, a note or coin, and a slice of Christmas cake. Just after midnight, I'd be let into the house and given a glass of whisky. #NewYear #NewYearsEve #folklore #history #weird