English New Year. Great mood, bright decorations and a magical atmosphere: how they celebrate the New Year in England

New Year's holidays (and especially New Year's) in England are celebrated on a wide scale. After the Catholic Christmas, which is usually celebrated at home with family, the British prefer to have fun and celebrate the upcoming New Year, usually in a noisy company.

New Year in England is a kind of final part of the holidays of the outgoing year. After all, at first one of the main religious holidays is celebrated Christmas, and only then the New Year, which is of an entertainment nature. Thousands of tourists come to London to see with their own eyes the unprecedented scope of the holiday and the beauty of the decorated city.

Favorite places on New Year's Eve

Every Englishman has the right to choose the place where he would like to meet this night. The most popular places are:

At home with loved ones . Despite the fact that home gatherings are a Christmas tradition, on New Year's Eve in England, many also prefer to be with their families in a quiet home environment and watch a live broadcast of the New Year's Eve on TV. But, oddly enough, usually English television broadcasts a meeting of the Scottish New Year's holiday.

Pubs, cafes and restaurants . These places will appeal to fans of interesting entertainment programs, noisy companies and dancing until the morning. You definitely won't be bored here! People begin to gather here around 6 pm, and such events end well after midnight. For one person, walking and meeting the holiday will cost about 100 pounds.

- Ice skating near the Natural History Museum . Many lovers gather here and combine active holidays with a romantic New Year's Eve.

- Night clubs . A very popular meeting place for the coming year among the youth of England. Usually young people gather big and noisy company and have fun. Often on New Year's Eve, clubs organize performances by famous performers, so here you can book a table and watch your favorite artists, as well as dance to popular music. Such pleasure will cost just over 80 pounds per person.

- Traveling on the Thames at Night . This unforgettable cruise will be remembered for a long time by lovers of romance and all those who want to celebrate the holiday under the magnificent night scenery of London. Such a walk on New Year's Eve also includes a royal dinner and will cost approximately 200 pounds per person.

- Trafalgar Square . The most popular mass celebrations in honor of the New Year are organized here. Thousands of tourists come to London to see the beauty of the New Year's city with their own eyes and meet the coming year under the chiming clock along with thousands of English people. Every year, the city authorities organize costumed processions in Trafalgar Square. An unprecedented pre-New Year trade is unfolding here, where anyone can buy souvenirs for relatives and friends. A few minutes before the New Year, everyone begins to congratulate each other to the sound of champagne glasses. Thousands of clowns, dancers and acrobats take part in this New Year's parade, which is called the Great London Parade. The tree for the parade is brought on a special flight from Norway. So the Norwegians every year thank their neighbors for their help in the last war of 1939-1945.

New Year's traditions, signs and customs of the British

England is a country where at one time many traditions were born that were spread in other European countries. As for the New Year, this is where the tradition of congratulating each other with New Year's cards came from. Sending your family and friends a card with best wishes for the coming year has been an unchanging custom for many years now among the British.

Another custom among the inhabitants of England is that it is customary to do to each other on New Year's Eve. inexpensive gifts. Most often these are souvenirs and crafts. At Christmas, for example, it is customary to give expensive and meaningful presents. It is interesting, but first they cast lots, with the help of which they distribute New Year's gifts among relatives.

The British decorate their houses with an elegant Christmas tree, which is usually placed in the center of the dwelling. Also, sprigs of ivy, mistletoe and holly are hung over the front door, table lamps and a chandelier. The custom of kissing under a sprig of mistletoe is very popular, because it is believed that this particular tree will bring strength and durability to lovers in their relationship.

At midnight, when the chiming clock announces the coming of the New Year, it is customary in houses to open the back and front doors. This custom symbolizes how to drive away the outgoing year and meet the coming one.

A very good sign among the British is the sign of the "first guest" in the New Year. Financial well-being and good luck are promised to all family members if a dark-haired young man comes to visit first. He is hospitably greeted and treated with festive dishes. And if he brings with him a piece of coal and some water, then this is a doubly good sign, promising happiness and prosperity to the household.

For children in England, the New Year is a long-awaited and interesting holiday full of miracles and fun activities. The motifs of old English fairy tales underlie children's theatrical New Year's performances. Also new year holidays is a time of miracles for English children, because they believe in Santa Claus and look forward to seeing him all year long. You can’t invite him home, but on New Year’s Eve, the children leave a plate for gifts from him on the table, and put some hay in the shoe for Santa Claus’s donkey, on which he rides.

British New Year's treats

English women traditionally roast a turkey on New Year's Eve, served with a side dish of potatoes and chestnuts. . They also stew cabbage and bake pies from meat and separately from apples. Beefsteaks, goose, oatmeal cakes are also favorite dishes on New Year's Eve. Be sure to serve pudding and cheese. Of the drinks, punch is preferred, usually consisting of five ingredients: lemon, tea, alcohol, sugar and spices.

New Year in England is an unforgettable pastime surrounded by traditions, fun and hospitality of the British.


Fireworks over the Thames, rivers of champagne in Trafalgar Square, New Year's carnival - all these are integral parts of the grand celebration of the New Year in the UK.

The concept of the New Year in the UK is inextricably linked with a string of traditions and beliefs that the British strictly adhere to. So, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to give a piece of fragrant bread as a symbol of abundance, a piece of coal as a symbol of warmth, a pinch of salt as a symbol of prosperity.

Illumination and decoration competitions are considered typical for London on New Year's Eve. They are held among the owners of shops, hotel and business complexes, ordinary residents. Thus, each street turns into an open-air museum, where you can walk for as long as you like in the company of friends and relatives.

Weather in the UK for Christmas and New Year's weekends

Great Britain has a humid maritime climate, which is determined primarily by the proximity of the warm Gulf Stream. That is why even in the dead of winter the temperature on the island does not fall below zero.

During the Christmas and New Year weekends, it usually stays at +6…+7 degrees Celsius.

A slightly overcast, shaggy sky with snowy clouds creates a special holiday mood. From time to time they sprinkle the streets with light, fluffy, "sugar" snow.

New Year's program in the UK from "A" to "Z". What to do, what to see, where to go?

New Year's Eve in London promises to be truly unforgettable. Each traveler's to do list includes:

Fireworks over the Thames. It starts with the final deafening blow of Big Ben and lasts 40 minutes. The charges are mounted on capacious barges, as well as on the supports of the London Eye, which makes the action truly bewitching.

Reminder to the tourist: the best places to watch are the South Bank and Victoria embankments. Please note that access to the bridges in central London closes around 8 o'clock to avoid crowding, so the observation point should be taken care of in advance;

Skating rink near the Museum of Natural History, which is open all New Year's Eve.

Reminder to the tourist: after skiing, be sure to try the local aromatic coffee and mulled wine;

Historical banquet. New Year in London can be celebrated in one of the colorful bars, pubs, restaurants that occupy the central part of the city.

Each of them offers a special program for the weekend. With luck, there is a chance to get to a medieval feast, where everything, from the menu to the design, is reminiscent of the glorious royal era;

Evening cruise on the Thames. If you do not want to pre-occupy seats on the embankments, but want to enjoy all the splendor of the festive fireworks and at the same time get excellent service, choose cruises on the Thames. In the program of the evening: musical numbers, cocktail shows and much more.

Reminder to the tourist: places on the ship must be booked in advance. For such holidays there is a dress code (neat festive clothes). It is also not allowed to stay on the ship with kids - an evening cruise on the Thames will be a vivid romantic memory;

Celebrations on Trafalgar Square, which have traditionally been held since the middle of the 19th century. Here the main Christmas tree of the country comes from Norway. Take part in festive round dances, try local sweets from merchants' shops and soak up the incredible atmosphere of a noisy New Year's celebration;

Club parties, including theme parties. A banquet, dancing until the morning is an excellent solution for seeing off the old year. Entrance to the most famous club in London - Ministry of Sound - will cost 80 pounds.

Coming to the UK for New Year's celebrations, you get a chance to see everything at once: torchlight processions, carnivals in Scotland for the pagan festival of Hogmanay with spiced wine and sumptuous pies, bell competitions in Wales and much more.

Great Britain, like no other country, is suitable for families New Year's Eve with kids. The restaurants offer a special menu for the smallest, in the capital and large cities there are entertainment centers for babies different ages. And there are no number of shops with toys, souvenirs, sweet gifts.

Mandatory to visit during a trip to the UK London Zoo, children's theaters. Their performances on holidays are held on the streets, anyone can take part in them.

Villas, apartments, cottages for the New Year in the UK

Renting houses, villas, cottages in the UK remains one of the most expensive in the European space. But this is not a reason to deny yourself the pleasure of plunging into a winter fairy tale.

Top deals for travelers:

Houses and apartments in Greater London for 2-4 people - from 620 to 1550 euros for renting an object for 7 days;
in the South, South-West, South-East - an average of 470-780 euros for a similar weekly rental.

Villas and cottages in Wales and around Edinburgh will cost an order of magnitude cheaper - from 310 euros for two people. The range of offers also includes luxury real estate - for example, studio apartments in London Kensington from 3200 euros.

NOTE! The amount indicated in the price lists may increase by the amount of additional or mandatory costs provided by the owners of the apartments. The total amount includes the cost of using Wi-Fi, parking spaces, special equipment, facilities for the disabled, small children, etc.

What you need to do during the New Year holidays in the UK to fully feel the mood of the holiday?

To fully feel the spirit of the English New Year and leave home with a bunch of unusual experiences, experts advise trying everything that the European capital and its charming suburbs offer:

  • taste fragrant potatoes with green sauce, turkey with chestnuts, sweet pies and other treats that are traditionally put on the New Year's table;
  • make a postcard in a small London workshop, which is considered the main New Year's gift in the UK. The tradition of giving it as a gift dates back to 1843, when the Englishman Henry Cole first sent a colorful souvenir to his friends;
  • join the festive procession at Trafalgar and Piccadilly and clink glasses with at least a dozen people. According to experts, over 10,000 people take part in the festivities in these squares. You can enjoy the magnificent spectacle absolutely free of charge;
  • visit at least one of the famous English pubs. On New Year's holidays, any feast in such establishments is accompanied by explosions of firecrackers. Before tasting the local ale - foamy beer - be sure to shower your neighbor with colorful confetti. This will be the best holiday wish for happiness and prosperity.

Want to see what a real European New Year looks like? Are you dreaming of finding out where the line runs that separates millennium-old traditions and modern holiday programs? Go to the UK - a place where joy reigns!

Each country has its own New Year traditions. In our article, we will talk about the English and American customs of celebrating the New Year. Let's celebrate the New Year in English!

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New Year in Great Britain

In the United Kingdom, the New Year is celebrated from the evening of December 31st into January 1st.

The date was declared as the New Year in 1752. Before 1752, England celebrated its New Year on Christmas Day, that is on December, 25.

Traditionally it is not as widely celebrated as Christmas. However, people enthusiastically wait for the time of the New Year to arrive; more so because it offers them a chance to carry forward their celebration mood of Christmas ahead and higher with the New Year celebrations.

New Year Celebrations

In the present time, the most common trend is to organize a house party on the New Year midnight where everyone from the family and close friends is invited to be a part of it. Also, special midnight parties are organized in discotheques, pubs, clubs, and bars.
New Year day also see lot of theme parties, carnivals, live concerts, and salsa dance celebrations occurring in different parts of Great Britain.

New Year in Great Britain

In the United Kingdom, New Year's Day is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. The date of the celebration of the New Year was determined in 1752, and until then its arrival was celebrated on Christmas - December 25th.

Traditionally, this holiday is not celebrated as magnificently as Christmas. Nevertheless, the British are looking forward to the New Year with enthusiasm, in large part because they have a chance to extend the Christmas mood by leaving it for a whole year after the New Year holiday is over.

How New Year's Eve is Celebrated

Nowadays, the most common way to celebrate the New Year is to organize new year party to which all family members and close friends are invited. Also, themed night parties are held at discos, pubs, clubs and bars.

The first of January is also marked by a great variety of themed parties, carnivals, live music concerts and salsa festivals.

New Year Arrival

As soon as the clock on the Big Ben in the midnight rings twelve, everyone present in the party, in the house, in the streets shout, whistle, and create noise to mark the arrival of the New Year. It is followed by greeting everyone around by hugs and kisses. A drinking toast is raised by everyone in concert to officially get into the celebration grove.

Lavish meals are served, champagne flows in, creative fireworks are done, and everyone gets into the singing and dancing atmosphere on the biggest night of the year. New Year Parade which initiates on the noon of the New Year day saw thousands of people participating in it, with dancers, drummers, acrobats, and musicians. The parade moves through the streets of Whitehall, Pall Mall, and eventually concluding at Berkley square.

First Footing

In Great Britain, there is a traditional belief that whosever first arrives at the threshold of the household will be the one bringing good luck to the lives of the inhabitants of the household living in, for the entire coming year. The tradition is called as "First Footing".

As a part of "First Footing" tradition, the Brits pray for young, healthy, handsome, and a dark haired male to be their first arriver of the New Year. However, a woman, a blonde, or a red colored person is not welcome for the day, as they are considered to bring bad luck for the entire year. Traditionally, strangers are also thought to bring good luck.

More so, if that person carries coal, money, bread, salt, or holy mistletoe with him, then it is considered to be a sign of a good luck and prosperity for the rest of the year.

Traditionally, the first footer is meant to follow and abide by certain customs and traditions. Few of them as mentioned in legends states that the first footer should always enter into the house from the front door, and should exit from the back door. Also, the first footer, without speaking or wishing to anyone or vice versa, should place the fuel (as carried along) on ​​fire, should place loaf on the table, and should pour in water for the head of the household. Tradition also calls for gifting of the mistletoe by the visitor to any household member.

Other New Year Traditions in the UK

There is also a popular tradition of exchanging New Year gifts while wishing each other. However, with Christmas day falling a few days before the New Year day, this tradition of exchanging gifts is now less followed. Then, there is a tradition of "burning of bush", which is considered to be a symbol of burning of all past evils and making a new beginning. Other than this, the New Year morning see young kids waking up early, and then making rounds of neighborhood while singing New Year celebration sings.

New Year's Eve

As soon as the clock on Big Ben strikes twelve at midnight, everyone present both at the party itself and in the whole house and even on the street begin to shout, whistle and make noise, welcoming the New Year. After that comes the turn of mutual congratulations, kisses and hugs. Everyone raises their glasses to the official start of the new year.

A plentiful dinner is served, champagne flows like water, colorful fireworks are arranged - everything is immersed in the festive atmosphere of song and dance on this most important night of the year. At noon on the first of January, the New Year's parade begins, in which thousands of Britons take part, and among them are dancers, drummers, acrobats and musicians. The festive procession passes through the streets of White Hall, Pall Mall and ends at Berkeley Square.

First Footing - the tradition of "first foot"

There is a traditional belief in Great Britain that the one who first sets foot on the threshold of the house in the new year will bring good luck to its inhabitants for the whole coming year. This tradition is called "First Footing".

Obeying this tradition, the British pray to God that the first guest of their house in the new year will be a young, healthy and handsome brunette. But women and people of both sexes with blond or red hair are undesirable guests on this day - it is believed that they can bring bad luck for the whole year. Also, it is traditionally believed that foreigners bring happiness.

In addition, if the first person to step on the threshold brings coal, money, bread, salt or mistletoe, this will also be considered a sign of good luck and wealth that await the owners of the house in the coming year.

As has long been customary, the first person to step on the threshold must follow certain customs and traditions. According to beliefs, the first footer (the first one to enter) must enter the house through the front door, and exit through the back door. Without saying a word, without a single wish to the owners of the house (and reciprocal wishes), he must throw the wood he brought into the fireplace, put bread on the table and pour water for the head of the family. And, according to tradition, the first guest should present mistletoe to one of the household members.

Other UK New Year Traditions

The tradition of exchanging New Year's gifts and wishes is also popular. But since Christmas is celebrated only a few days earlier, this custom is losing its fans these days. In addition, there is a tradition of "burning the bush" (burning of the bush), symbolizing farewell to all the troubles that happened in the past year and the beginning of a new happy life. There is another custom - on the first day of the new year, children get up early in the morning and go around the neighbors, singing New Year's songs.


American New Year Traditions

On the surface, American New Year traditions might appear to present fewer pratfalls than, say, those of Christmas Day. After all, a good portion of New Year customs, such as the obligatory countdown, the clinking of glasses and the televised fireworks displays, are fairly universal. However, there are a fair few differences as well.

First, there's the time difference; Americans chime in the New Year some several hours after the citizens of Great Britain.

Times Square is an iconic setting for what is known in the United States as the “Ball drop”, in which a Waterford crystal ball descends from atop One Times Square, reaching its destination on the stroke of midnight. It is perhaps America's equivalent of Big Ben's midnight chime, which famously heralds the arrival of the New Year with a series of gongs.

American New Year Traditions

At first glance, the American New Year may appear to be the twin brother of its British counterpart. After all, the bulk of New Year's traditions, such as the obligatory countdown of seconds before the New Year, the clinking of glasses at New Year's midnight, and the festive broadcast of New Year's fireworks, are pretty universal. However, there are also several differences. The first is the difference in time. The American New Year comes a few hours later than the British one.

New York's Times Square is the classic venue for the Ball drop ceremony. During the ceremony, the Waterford Crystal (the name of the design firm that made it) is lowered from the One Times Square skyscraper: with the last stroke of the clock, it reaches ground level. This custom (and it originated as far back as 1907) should probably be considered the equivalent of the midnight strike of the clock on Big Ben, whose famous bell ringing welcomes the arrival of the New Year.

In parts of America, another sound ringing in the New Year might be that of rifles firing into the air. And these are not the rifles of marching bands or military personnel, but local residents. Of course, the practice of shooting skyward, with all its inherent dangers, is one that is outlawed in many parts of America.

In the moments (and indeed days) following New Year celebrations, it is customary in the United States - just as it is in Britain - to wish people well in the New Year. But America wouldn't be America without offering a slight variation on the familiar phrase “Happy New Year!”. It is fashionable in the states to conclude this phrase with a possessive ‘s’ - as in “Happy New Year’s” - presumably as a shortening of “Happy New Year’s day!”

Whichever way it is said, however, many Americans - particularly in the south - believe that your chances of having a good New Year are improved dramatically by eating black-eyed peas and greens. Many consider the consumption of black-eyed peas and greens to suggest humility, ahead of a year of wealth and good fortune.

The traditional New Year's dish served in the Southern United States is named Hoppin" John. It is made with black-eyed peas and rice, onions, and bacon.

On the day after New Year's Day, leftover "Hoppin" John" is called "Skippin" Jenny," and further demonstrates one's frugality, bringing a hope for an even better chance of prosperity in the New Year.

Well-known phrases are, “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold”, “Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year”, “Rice for riches and peas for peace.”

In some parts of America, another "sound effect" that accompanies the celebration of the New Year may be the sound of guns firing in the air. And this shooting is not carried out by marching bands and not by the military - ordinary local residents shoot. Of course, the practice of firing into the sky, with all the dangers that go with it, is illegal in many parts of America.

In the first moments (and, in fact, days) after the New Year holiday, in the USA - as in Great Britain - there is a tradition to wish others happiness in the new year. But America wouldn't be America if it hadn't slightly modified the usual phrase “Happy New Year!”. In the United States, it is considered fashionable to end this wish with a possessive 's:“Happy New Year’s” is supposedly a shortened version of the phrase “Happy New Year’s day!” ("Happy New Year's Day!").

But no matter how this wish sounds, many Americans - in particular, in the south - are confident that the chances of a successful new year can be significantly increased by including the so-called black-eyed or cow peas (black-eyed peas) and greens in the New Year's dinner ( greens). Many people consider this custom a kind of rite of humility that will attract wealth and prosperity in the coming year.

Hoppin' John is the name of a traditional New Year's dish served in the southern states of the United States. It is made from black-eyed peas, rice, onions and bacon.

What's left of Jumping John on January 2nd is called Skippin' Jenny - this dish also symbolizes thrift, which will be rewarded with wealth in the new year.

Everyone knows the phrase: “Peas for pennies, greens for dollars, and cornbread for gold.”- "Peas for pennies, green vegetables for dollars, cornbread for gold."
“Eat poor that day, eat rich the rest of the year.”- "On this day, eat poorly, and on the rest of the year - richly."
“Rice for riches and peas for peace.”- "Rice for wealth, peas for peace."

Modern New Year Traditions

New Year Resolutions - New Year's vows

When old year comes to an end, we summarize the past and draw conclusions for the future. Many people promise themselves to start new life: throw bad habit, lose weight, learn a foreign language.

For example, here are the TOP 10 most popular New Year's resolutions that US residents make to themselves:

Lose Weight - lose weight
Getting Organized - become more organized
Spend Less, Save More - spend less, save more
Enjoy Life to the Fullest - enjoy life to the fullest
Staying Fit and Healthy - to be fit and healthy
Learn Something Exciting - learn something interesting
Quit Smoking - quit smoking
Help Others in Their Dreams - help others achieve their dreams
Fall in Love
Spend More Time with Family - spend more time with family

And although the number of those who annually make solemn New Year's resolutions to themselves is quite high (45%), only 8% of the most purposeful manage to fulfill them. Nevertheless, if you still believe the statistics, people who are used to giving "New Year's vows" are 10 times more likely to achieve their goal than those who do not even bother to formulate them. It looks like this beautiful new year tradition it is high time for us to adopt: let's set ourselves new responsible goals this year, possibly related to learning the language, and strive for them (especially since in case of failure we will have some more chances to “renew our vows”). ").

Secret Santa - Secret Santa

There is an interesting modern tradition very common in work groups. It is called "Secret Santa" and consists of anonymously giving each other Christmas and New Year's gifts a group of people (more often - employees of one company).

No one can answer the question of how and when exactly this tradition appeared, but the American philanthropist Larry Dean Stewart (1948 - 2007) is considered the first "secret Santa". The millionaire Stuart, who had done anonymous good deeds for twenty years, once, before he was a millionaire, was in dire need. The owner of one of the restaurants took pity on Stuart, feeding him once a free lunch; having become rich, Larry, in memory of this incident, decided to help people without giving his name.

Strange New Year's Traditions

Mistletoe leaves under the pillow - a sure way to find a husband (Ireland)

Watching the British show "Dinner for One" (Germany)

Since 1972, for inexplicable reasons, the inhabitants of Germany have been watching the old British show Dinner for One (1920) every New Year, otherwise they will not see happiness in the new year. The origin of this custom is unclear even to the Germans themselves. But this purely British show is watched by almost everyone who turned on the TV on New Year's Eve - and this is one third of all Germans. As a result, the show entered the Guinness Book of Records as the world's most watched show.

Black rabbit, white rabbit

In the last seconds of the passing year in Yorkshire they say: " black rabbits, black rabbits, black rabbits("Black bunnies, black bunnies, black bunnies...").
And after midnight - White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits"(" White rabbits, white rabbits, white rabbits ... "). And what about rabbits? But what's the difference - the main thing is to attract good luck. And then any rabbits are good.

Auld Lang Syne - traditional New Year's song

Every year on December 31st in Britain, the same ritual is repeated. As soon as Big Ben hits midnight, people all over the country join hands and sing the good old song Auld Lang Syne. What do these words mean? And what does this song mean for people in the UK?

Auld Lang Syne is an old Scottish song, first recorded in the eighteenth century. This song gained the greatest popularity in the version of the Scottish poet Robert Burns, therefore the authorship is attributed to him.

The words Auld Lang Syne translated from Old Scots means "old days" or "times past".

Auld Lang Syne

Original
(Robert Burns version)

Translation into modern
English language

Translating to Russian language
(S. Ya. Marshak)

Should old acquaintances be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang blue?

Chorus
For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

And there's a hand my trusty fire,
And gie's a hand o thine
And we'll so right guid willie waught,
For auld lang sine

For auld lang syne, my dear
For auld lang syne,
We'll tak a cup of kindness yet,
For auld lang syne!

Should old acquaintances be forgotten
and never remembered
Should old acquaintance be forgotten
For times gone by

Chorus
For times gone by, my dear
For times gone by

For times gone by

And there is a hand my trust friend
And give me a hand of yours
And we will take of a good will drink
For times gone by

For times gone by, my dear
For times gone by
We will take a cup of kindness yet
For times gone by

Forget old love
And not be sad about her?
Forget old love
And the friendship of the old days?

Chorus:
For old friendship - to the bottom!
For the happiness of the old days!
We'll drink with you, old man,
For the happiness of the past.

Prepare more cups
And pour it to the top.
We drink to old love
For the friendship of former days.

Chorus:
For old friendship - to the bottom!
For the happiness of young days!
On a mug of old wine -
For the happiness of young days.

We trampled together with you
Grass of native fields,
But not one steep climb
We took from a young age.

We swam many times
With you across the stream
But the sea separated us
Comrade of youth...

And here we are with you again.
Your hand is in mine.
I drink to old love
For the friendship of former days!

And you can learn the pronunciation of this song by singing along to another great Scot - Rod Stewart:

The New Year in England is preceded by a wide celebration of Christmas, when Christmas services are held in all the churches of the country, holiday fairs unfold and Christmas sales are in full swing. The meeting of the New Year is perceived by the British only as a new milestone in the annual cycle of time, but, nevertheless, crowds of Londoners and guests of the city gather to listen to the Big Ben belfry, who congratulate each other on the New Year with the last bells.

Traditions and New Year's events of the British


Preparing for Christmas and New Year in England

Installed in Trafalgar Square, London huge Christmas tree, which is delivered annually from Norway. The Christmas tree is smartly decorated and under it sits the English Santa Claus - Santa Claus with a bag of gifts intended for children. Children carry wooden shoes filled with hay to Santa Claus. It is believed that Santa Claus arrives in England on a donkey, so the children carry hay, for which they receive gifts from Santa Claus.


New Year's fireworks

Around the Christmas tree, a festive parade is seething throughout the square, which amazes with the mass character of the participants. These are musicians, singers, dancers and acrobats. passes grand carnival with the obligatory participation of characters from English fairy tales: the March Hare, Humpty Dumpty and Punch (English Parsley). A Chinese parade with noisy firecrackers and fireworks moves in a separate column.


Symbols of the New Year among the British

mistletoe branch

Every Englishman's house is decorated with New Year's decorations, with the obligatory sprig of mistletoe above the front door.


Goose in chestnuts


Christmas goose recipe

On the festive table is a traditional New Year's dish - roasted goose with chestnuts and broccoli. Round oatmeal cakes with a hole in the middle are served with kebben cheese and, of course, without plum pudding and apple pie An Englishman's New Year's table is unthinkable.


Waiting for Santa

Children, in anticipation of gifts from Santa Claus, leave a plate by the bed for the night in order to see the hidden New Year's gift in the morning.


The British are very conservative by nature and adhere to age-old traditions, including those mandatory for the New Year.


open doors

In every house, with the final chime of the bell, the back door of the house opens to let out the old year and the front door swings open to let in the New Year.


It is believed that a person with dark hair will bring happiness to the house, who will be the first to enter the house after the last toll of the bell. In the hands of a brunette, there must be a slice of bread, a pinch of salt and a piece of coal. After the coal burns in the firebox or stove, the guest is seated at the festive table.


Advice

Another tradition is burning a barrel of tar. This tradition is strictly adhered to by the people of Edinburgh when this barrel is burned on the Royal Mile. This is done in order to get rid of everything old that prevents you from moving forward. Maybe you should adopt this tradition and try to stick to it.

Where can you go during the New Year holidays?

On New Year's holidays, the famous Alton Tower Leisure Park is opened, where the most famous attractions, a water park, golf courses and tennis courts operate. A separate area for children is equipped with cars and trams, there is a McDonald farm where children can communicate with pets kept in enclosures. There are all kinds of cafes and restaurants, including those designed for feeding children.


Having met the New Year in England, tourists will completely change their attitude towards the British. The stereotype of a stiff, reserved person will be defeated. The British, it turns out, are open, friendly hosts who know how, openly and ordered to celebrate the New Year.


Conclusion:

Of course, an Englishman will not invite an unfamiliar person, especially a foreigner, to his house, but friendly gatherings in a restaurant or pub are always welcome by the British. In general, New Year's Eve in England will not be boring. It will be interesting and fun.


How to celebrate the New Year in England