And a Happy New Year to you! We always take time tonight to pray for God's blessing for the coming year and thank Him for His grace through the ending year.
In
England and other areas of the UK, especially in Scotland where
Hogmanay is celebrated as the New Year's tradition, First Footing plays
an important part. The First Footer refers to the first person who
crosses the threshhold after midnight and "seals yer fate" for the
coming year. The First Footer should be a tall, dark and handsome man
with a "dainty foot". Until
the First Footer came in the front door after midnight, no one should
enter or leave. The First Footer would knock, be asked to enter and do
so with gifts in his pockets which have regional variations. :
The usual
in my family's tradition was bread or sometimes salt, coal, coins and
matches. In Scotland the bread is shortbread and also included...what
else? Whiskey! The First Footer then backs out of the door...so he won't
take his good luck with him. Then the door (and the party) is free for
all!
The coal means your hearth won't grow cold, your bread is enough food, the coins insure prosperity and the matches, light.
First Footers who met the criteria, were in great demand and could make good money going from house to house by appointment.
So
who will be first through your door??? I know who will be first in our
home, as He will never have left!
A Happy New Year to you all and may
2012 be a year of health, prosperity, peace and happiness in our home
and in yours!
Cheers!
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