First-footing for the 2027 Year of the Goat: how to choose an age, and why every household ends up with a different list

What is first-footing and why every household picks differently?

First-footing, known in Vietnamese as xong dat or dap dat, is the custom of choosing the first person to step into the house at the start of the new year, usually right after midnight or early on the first day of Tet. Vietnamese people believe that "a good start leads to a good finish", so the person who opens the year is chosen with care.

According to Associate Professor Phan Anh Tu, Head of the Faculty of Cultural Studies at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities (Vietnam National University Ho Chi Minh City), the custom was originally spontaneous: the first visitor after midnight could be a neighbour, a relative, or even an animal. Over time, families began arranging the first-footer in advance to avoid risk.

Why does each household end up with a different list? Because at least three layers of criteria overlap: the trine group of the year's zodiac sign, harmony with the host's own age, and the subjective impression of the guest's character, ethics and prosperity. Each family weights these layers differently, so different results are normal.

Which ages should be chosen for the 2027 Year of the Goat?

2027 is the Year of the Goat. In the twelve earthly branches, the animals form four trine groups: Tiger, Horse, Dog; Pig, Rabbit, Goat; Monkey, Rat, Dragon; Snake, Rooster, Ox. The trine group of the Goat is Pig, Rabbit and Goat.

Note that cultural researchers stress this is folk belief, not a binding rule. This article follows the common method of using the year's zodiac as the base. Some practitioners instead start from the host's age and then look for a compatible guest, which produces a different list. No school is absolute.

The table is only a reference framework. To build a list for your own home, cross-check with the host's age, because someone compatible with the year may not be compatible with the homeowner.

Step 1: Identify the host's age and the year's sign

Write down the lunar birth years of the household's main members along with their zodiac signs. Then note that 2027 is the Year of the Goat. You now have two columns to compare instead of looking at only one side.

A small note: people born in January or February often fall into the previous lunar year, so double-check the lunar calendar if unsure.

Step 2: Filter by trine with the year

Circle relatives, neighbours and friends born in the Pig, Rabbit or Goat years. This group is considered harmonious with the 2027 Goat year and is usually prioritised.

If nobody in your circle falls into this group, do not worry. The next step is the decisive one.

Step 3: Cross-check with the host's age

According to Associate Professor Phan Anh Tu, choosing a first-footer is usually based on harmony between heavenly stems and earthly branches, the trine and six-harmony concepts, and, more importantly, harmony with the host's age. Someone compatible with the year but in conflict with the host may still be ruled out.

In practice, list the host's age, find its trine and six-harmony groups, then intersect with the list from step 2. Anyone in both lists is the best choice. If the intersection is empty, prioritise compatibility with the host over compatibility with the year, because the guest is entering the host's space.

Step 4: Screen by character and circumstance

This step is rarely discussed but often decisive. Cultural researcher Tran Long from the same faculty notes that older generations looked among relatives, neighbours and friends for people who were gentle, whose lives ran smoothly, and especially who were age-compatible.

Common practical criteria:

• A cheerful, open person who speaks well.
• A relatively stable life and prosperous business.
• Not in a period of mourning or family trouble, by folk belief.
• No lingering conflict with the host.

Step 5: Fix the hour and agree in advance

The best time for first-footing is right after midnight or early on the first day of Tet. Some families choose auspicious hours or the folk hours of dai an, toc hy, tieu cat to add meaning.

In practice, agree with the guest in advance about the arrival time, when to open the door, and who opens it, so nobody else accidentally steps in first. Some families keep the door closed on the first morning and only open it for the arranged guest.

What to prepare for the first-footing?

The offerings are simple. A reference list:

• A red lucky-money envelope, containing cash or a red paper with a wish, since the envelope symbolises good fortune.
• A small gift such as fruit, sweets or a bottle of wine, depending on closeness.
• Neat, tidy clothing in light colours.
• A few prepared wishes, for example for prosperity, good health and smooth sailing.
• On the host's side: tea, sweets and a return lucky-money envelope.

If the family has an altar, incense and lamps should be prepared before midnight. Never leave candles, incense or votive paper burning near curtains, paper or flammable materials. Do not burn votive paper indoors or in enclosed spaces. Place the incense bowl on a stable surface, away from children, and extinguish all flames before leaving the room or going to sleep.

Order of steps on New Year's Eve and the first morning

Before midnight

• Clean the house, arrange the five-fruit tray, prepare the altar.
• Confirm the arrival time with the first-footer.
• Prepare the lucky-money envelope and return gift.

Right after midnight

• Perform the New Year's Eve offering if the family does so.
• If self-first-footing: the host steps out of the door and back in, completing the ritual. Many families choose this for control and peace of mind.
• If inviting an outsider: open the door at the agreed time and welcome the guest.

When the first-footer enters

• The guest greets and wishes first, then gives the gift and envelope.
• The host offers tea and sweets and chats in a cheerful mood.
• The host returns a lucky-money envelope symbolising health and peace.

On the first morning

• Some families visit the pagoda first, then pay Tet visits, avoiding early visits when not the invited first-footer.
• Children are often reminded to stay home or play outside on the first morning, not to enter neighbours' houses on their own.

What to avoid and common misunderstandings

A common misunderstanding is that finding an "age-compatible" person guarantees a good year. In fact, cultural researchers stress that age compatibility and feng shui mainly give psychological reassurance, while the real value lies in the joy, sincerity and good wishes exchanged at the start of the year.

Another misunderstanding is treating first-footing as an absolute shield. If the year goes well, people credit the guest's luck; if not, they blame the guest. This places too much weight on a symbolic ritual.

Things to avoid by folk belief:

• People in mourning or with family troubles should not first-foot others.
• Do not enter neighbours' houses on the first morning without invitation.
• Do not turn lucky-money envelopes into a material competition, since the amount is only symbolic.

So who should your household choose for 2027?

The most practical answer: choose someone who meets all three conditions, in the Pig, Rabbit or Goat trine with the year; compatible with the host's age; and positive, cheerful and sincere. If only two of three are met, prioritise the third, since that is the core stressed by cultural researchers.

If no suitable person is found, the host can self-first-foot by stepping out and back in after midnight. This is a common choice and is not wrong by custom.

Finally, remember this is a reference custom, not a binding rule. Every region and clan has its own way, and what matters most is the warm, reunited atmosphere of the first days of the year.