The custom of firstfooting, or being the first to cross the threshold of a home in the early hours of New Year's Day,
was so popular in England and Scotland during the 19th century that the
streets were often more crowded between midnight and one o'clock in the
morning than they would normally be at midday. If the "First Foot,"
traditionally a man, was to bring the family luck, he had to arrive with
his arms full of cakes, bread, and cheese for everyone to share.
He
should be dark-haired, not fair, and must not have flat feet.
Today the custom may still be observed in Britain and in scattered areas of the United States.
What guest stepped over your threshold first?
Today the custom may still be observed in Britain and in scattered areas of the United States.
What guest stepped over your threshold first?
Good to read tradition tales. My youngest son was first in our door (before midnight though!) otherwise it was my hubby followed by me x
ReplyDeleteHe is dark haired .... but have not took any notice of his feet Lol (we have only been married 23 yrs).
Happy New Year, hugs sally x
sallysbitz.blogspot.com
What an interesting custom that I had never heard of. I learn so many things from you! No one has stepped over our threshold yet - we're still in our jammies and may stay that way all day long! LOL
ReplyDeleteMy daughter stepped over my threshold at 2:00am ... home from babysitting for her big sister's boys, so she could have a much needed night out! x
ReplyDeletemy son's girlfriend stayed with us for the weekend and then some other friends dropped by this morning. what a beautiful way to begin the new year! may it be filled with family and friends all year through! :)
ReplyDeleteMy brother was the first over our threshold ... he brought gifts (we're doing Christmas with him, my other brother and his wife and baby). My mum always used to say that the First Footer had to bring food, money and a piece of coal so the home fire always burned, there was always food on the table and money to spend.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year everyone!
Helen x
Umm, my husband with the newspaper. Funny custom!!
ReplyDeleteNot been out myself other than put some food out for the birds so it was the eldest Daughter and her boyfriend who let in our new year so l hope this leads to a wedding for her............lol Have a lovely new year:) Sandra H
ReplyDeleteI've never heard of this tradition before but I love it...gonna try to get it started here next year:) we were all home before midnight but my husband was the first to cross the door...he had to bring the dog for his morning walk...heeheehee. Thanks for everything Paulette. I REALLY appreciate you:)
ReplyDelete