First Footer

It has long been a tradition in my family and my mom's family before that, that the youngest dark-haired male be put out onto the front stoop immediately following the stroke of midnight on New Year's Eve with a loaf of bread and bottle of wine. They are then let in after they knock on the door. A quick little internet search has varified that this actually is a tradition (with some variations) not just in my family. It is called First Footing and refers to the first foot to cross the threshold in the New Year. As stated on this website:

"In Scotland an old tradition that still is relevant today is that of the first footer which is said, that whoever the first person to set foot into your home on New Year's day decided the family's luck for the rest of the year. This was based on the belief in the magic power of beginnings. The start of the New Year controlled its future course.

The person most welcome on new year's morning was a tall, dark haired man and especially if he bought a gift as this was considered magical as his handsome features would make the year a pleasant one and his gift of a loaf of bread, or a shovel of coal would ensure that there would be no lack of food or warmth in the household."

This year I was at Kim's apartment in Philly, so her boyfriend Mike was who got sent out with the wine and bread. Kim's son, Alex, has participated in this tradition many times over the years, but he was at his own party this year, so Mike was forced into doing it. So many of my male friends have been part of this tradition over the years, most notably Mark in Minneapolis, as seen here in 2009. So thanks to all of you who have looked at me funny as I hand you a loaf of bread and a bottle of wine and shove you outside at 12:01am on Jan. 1. Here's hoping this trick continues to work and 2010 turns out to be a great year!