For generations my family has practiced the Scottish tradition of First Footing. The first person to enter a home on New Year’s Day carries tokens of good fortune for the year to come. I remember my grandmother wrapping parcels containing salt, coal, bread and candles in newspaper for my parents to carry home from a New Year’s Eve gathering. Bringing the “Luck” into my home is still an important annual ritual.
Etched with a paisley pattern of Scottish thistles, my silver Hogmanay gift box is styled after a traveler’s apothecary set and contains traditional gifts symbolic of happiness and good fortune. Whisky to give cheer; salt for good health; matches to strike light; coal for warmth; a coin for wealth; bread for a plentiful table and an evergreen sprig for long life.