Tales of Things

Dram of Whisky and Lump of Coal

Hogmanay or New Year's Eve is traditionally celebrated with the "first foot", who should be a man, presenting a lump of coal to his host for luck. A dram of whisky is the drink to "bring in the bells" as midnight strikes.

The postcard says:

"A MERRY CHRISTMAS.
an'a guid "first foot"
in the NEW YEAR.

Johnnie Raw cam' here first foot,
Ha ha the footin' o't,
Brocht his bottle fu'nae doot,
Ha ha the footin' o't,
Crackt his thooms an' gi'ed a craw
Blethert till..."

Created by: NationalMuseumsScotland on 29 Mar 2011, 12:46 a.m.

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