Pub Quiz Query

[Jaimsieboy]

New Year First Footing - This custom saw a visitor coming over the threshold with 4 items for good luck. Which of the following items was not part of the ceremony ; a- Coal b- Horseshoe c - Greenery d - Bread ?
I know it's been answered before but not definitively

Thanks in anticipation...

Jaimsieboy

[Puzzled001]

When I lived in the North east and first footed for geordie's and scot's ( as my birthday is 1st January and I had dark hair it was said to be lucky?) all I was asked to take was a 'black-bun' and a piece of coal, the cake was to signify the provision of food for the coming year and the coal for warmth and comfort for the coming year as is the phrase 'long may your lum reek' - long may your fire burn, never heard of a horseshoe or greenery. The people offered you the first drink of the new year- a very large scotch whisky to toast the new year and prosperity, As I was called upon to do the 'rounds' of all family and friends and there friends etc by 2am I was always on 'autopilot' Will be interesting to hear other views on this, Schlange!!

[atalanta]

It varies.
I have heard mention of
Coal ( so you will always have fuel for the fire)
Whisky ( so you will always have a drink)
Bread ( so you will always have food)
Salt ( so you will always have guests, to whom you must offer salt )
Money - a coin - so you don't go broke
But at least the coal and the coin, brought in by a dark-haired man

I have never heard of greenery, and can't imagine what its significance would be in the depth of winter. If you could find any.
And the possible significance of a horseshoe escapes me.