Usually, every Wednesday Heritage Mississauga and Modern Mississauga present our ongoing series called “Way Back Wednesday.” We share information about the history of Mississauga here and answer your questions.
This Christmas season, we’re delving outside of Mississauga and into the world of Christmas/Seasonal/Holiday connections.

Today’s topic is the history of "First Footing" on New Year's Day

Have you ever heard of “First Foot” or “First Footing”? The tradition connects to the first person to cross the threshold or enter the door of a home on New Year’s Day, and that the “First Footer”, according to tradition and superstition, can bring either good or bad luck to the home in the coming year. The origin stories for this tradition are uncertain, as there are similar traditions that range from Sweden, Greece, Serbia, Georgia, England and Scotland.

In the Scottish tradition, the “First Footer” should be a dark-haired male, and the he should cross the threshold first, before anyone else, carrying gifts for the home. These gifts would include something to eat, drink, fuel for the fire, and money. This action was seen to bring good fortune and health to the home. Customary “gifts” include a coin (preferably silver in colour), bread (or something edible), coal or wood for the fire, an evergreen bough (the undying tree of Pagan Winter Solstice festivals), and a drink (typically whiskey). Together these represent financial prosperity, food, warmth, long-life and good cheer.

Buy hey, it is just superstition, right? But I suppose it couldn’t hurt …

Wishing You and Healthy and Happy New Year from Heritage Mississauga!