Mary Lincoln Extra Credit Questions

[AussieMick]

Anita, if its not First Footing then there's a close similarity ...

"First footing is a Scottish and Northern English tradition that involves welcoming the first person to enter a home after midnight on New Year's Eve. The first person is called the "first foot" and is believed to set the tone for the new year.

The first foot should be a tall, dark-haired man who brings gifts that symbolize prosperity. Gifts include coal, shortbread, salt, a black bun, and a dram of whisky. The tradition of preferring a dark-haired first foot may be a reference to Viking raiders, who were often blonde and could be a sign of trouble."


So, arrangements would be made to ensure the visitor was specially chosen and that he (always a man) arrived just after midnight.