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FIRST FOOTING
MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS FIRMLY BELIEVE IN AN OLD
GERMAN AND SCOTTISH PRACTICE CALLED "FIRST FOOTING."
ACCORDING TO SUPERSTITION, THE FIRST-FOOTER, A TALL,
DARK MALE, WHO FIRST COMES TO THE HOUSE ON THE FIRST
DAY OF THE NEW YEAR MUST BRING WITH HIM A GIFT OF FOOD
AND DRINK FOR THE INHABITANTS, TO INSURE HEALTH AND
SUFFICIENT FOOD AND DRINK FOR THE ENSUING YEAR. IF
THE FIRST-FOOTER BRINGS NO SUCH GIFTS, HE WILL BRING
DISEASE AND HIS LACK OF GIFTS WILL MEAN FAMINE AND
THIRST FOR THE HOUSE'S OCCUPANTS DURING THE NEW YEAR.
MRS. SULLIVAN AND HER NEIGHBORS KEEP THEIR DOORS LOCKED
UNTIL THE HOUSE IS PROPERLY FIRST-FOOTED.
I HAVE NOTED THE EXISTENCE OF THIS PRACTICE AMONG SCOTCH
FAMILIES IN OTHER AREAS OF EAST DETROIT.
Where learned: MICHIGAN ; FRASER
| Subject headings: | CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- January 1 New Year's CUSTOM FESTIVAL -- December 21 solstice to March 20 |
Date learned: 12-31-1966