handsel

Handsel, also known as hamsel or hansel, is a Scottish and Northern English tradition of giving a small gift, often money or a food item, to a person on a significant occasion. Historically, it was most commonly associated with the first visit of a tradesperson to a household, such as a milkman or a coal merchant, as a gesture of goodwill and to ensure good service throughout the year. It was also given to children on certain holidays, particularly New Year's Day, and sometimes at the start of a new endeavor, like beginning a new job or moving into a new home.

The purpose of handselling was multifaceted. It served as an acknowledgment of the relationship between the giver and receiver, fostering a sense of community and mutual respect. For tradespeople, receiving a handsell was seen as a sign of approval and an incentive to maintain the quality of their work. For recipients, it was a symbol of good fortune and a wish for prosperity. The gift itself was typically modest, reflecting the spirit of generosity rather than extravagance.

While the practice has diminished in modern times, echoes of handselling can still be found in various customs. The act of tipping service workers, for instance, shares a similar spirit of rewarding good service. In some rural areas, particularly in Scotland, the tradition of giving a small gift, often a coin, to the first visitor on New Year's Day, known as "first-footing," retains elements of the handsel custom, emphasizing good luck for the year ahead. The term itself has also seen a minor resurgence in contemporary usage, sometimes referring to any small gift given upon a first encounter or at the beginning of something new.