Traditions of celebrating the new year in different countries. The most unusual New Year's traditions of the world New Year's traditions of different countries of the world

New Year is a holiday celebrated all over the world. Every family celebrates this day in a special way. Each house has developed its own New Year traditions over many years or even centuries. And what can we say about the traditions of entire nations. We know little about what features of the celebration exist in distant countries, and sometimes this information is unreliable. Still, interest prevails. What is New Year's Eve in Sri Lanka? What New Year's traditions exist in Turkey?! This article will help to slightly open the curtain on the world of customs of various exotic and not so exotic countries.

Turkish New Year Traditions

Turkey is a Muslim country, so the celebration of the New Year here has its own characteristics. Religion does not approve of a Christmas tree, candles, or Santa Claus, but this does not prevent many Turks from celebrating this European holiday. They call it Yilbashi, and Noel Baba brings gifts. The New Year's table in Turkey should burst with treats. Only here it is customary for them to serve not salads, snacks and various pickles, but pastries and sweets. And the most unusual, probably, is the performance at the table of a festive song-wishes, the melody of which terribly resembles the famous song “Happy Birthday”. This New Year in the country passes quite quietly and calmly, but the second New Year (Navruz Bayram) - spring - is more popular and is accompanied by big amount traditions.

New Year Traditions in Kuwait

Kuwait is a distant country, whose traditions are not known to every layman. The New Year is celebrated here magnificently and in company: on this day it is customary to visit with the whole family. At the same time, men wear the brightest and most elegant clothes, and women - black and modest. Gender features continue with them during the feast: men and women eat separately in different rooms. In addition, the filling of the festive table is different for them. The stronger sex on New Year's Eve pleases itself with hearty national dishes, and the weaker sex tastes a variety of sweets. The traditional celebratory drink is "kahwa" - local coffee, which is brewed right during the feast.

For everyone on this day, the “right hand” rule applies - all actions must be performed only with the right hand so that the coming year is happy. At the table, it is undesirable to look into the eyes of the interlocutor, especially when he is eating. It is believed that breaking this rule will bring trouble to a person.

New Year traditions of Azerbaijan

The Azerbaijani New Year has nothing to do with the holiday known to us. This celebration is celebrated in the spring and lasts 10 days - the first 3 days are male, and the remaining 7 are female. Navruz (the name of the holiday) is accompanied by a feast, during which seven dishes are placed on the table, the names of which have the initial letter “C”. Doors and gates must be left open so that guests can see that they are very welcome in the house. Traditionally, the eldest son of the family helps the guests wash their hands with flower water. Another custom is that the arrival of the New Year must be marked by a self-suspended egg, which is prudently placed on a mirror surface.

Indonesian New Year Traditions

Indonesia is another place rich not only in its unique culture, but also in the number of New Years celebrated. In total, three such holidays can be named: Nyepi, Hari Natal and Imlek. It was the result of a combination of Chinese, Indian and European traditions.

Enchanting performances take place during Imlek: New Year's costumed dances in huge masks, processions with torches and fire-eaters. Everyone gives postcards handmade with different wishes. This is a very noisy and spectacular holiday.

But Niepi is a holiday of silence and silence. Indonesians believe that the New Year can only appear in complete silence. In this regard, for a whole day in the cities, life stops, where nothing but silence is heard. This holiday is a real challenge to true talkers.

Hari Natal is considered closer to the classical holiday. But it's pretty debatable. After all, Indonesians decorate for the holiday nothing more than a palm tree. They themselves dress in bright (sometimes ridiculous) costumes and participate in folk festivals. And the tradition of “getting gifts” is very reminiscent of the Ukrainian fair entertainment associated with climbing a six-meter pole, where gifts are placed in advance.

New Year's Traditions of Chile

Chile is a place where representatives of different nationalities are gathered in one territory. As a result, there was a mixture of cultures and traditions. They are distinguished by their originality, and sometimes eccentricity. So in one New Year's Eve you can become a witness of a variety of customs. Here, a few minutes before the clock strikes, it is customary to pierce the ears of six-year-old girls and put on their first earrings. This symbolizes the beginning of a new (adult) stage in the life of a future woman.

Another tradition is also quite symbolic. Burning the straw scarecrow is, in fact, the disposal of all old problems and the purification of the spirit before the New Year.

And a completely inexplicable tradition has taken root in the town of Talco: to celebrate the holiday at the cemetery. All residents gather there to start celebrations with the spirits of their ancestors and receive their patronage and protection next year.

Mexican New Year Traditions

Mexico is a land of contradictions. It is considered at the same time the most unsafe place, and one of the most fun and suitable for relaxation. New Year in Mexico is exotic, which will delight you with its sparkling and energy. Piñata, arbolito, Magi pretzel and sorcerer kings are traditional attributes of this event.

A piñata is a bright vessel filled with goodies, which is hung at an accessible height. Children and adults are enthusiastically engaged in breaking this trifle, stuffing their pockets with their booty.

Arbolito, the Mexican equivalent of spruce or pine, is not cheap. The tree is given an elegant look with the help of balls, angels and other decorations.

The Magi pretzel is a traditional New Year's dish in Mexico, which is decorated with nuts and white icing. A figurine of Jesus is baked inside it. The one who gets it is appointed the king of the evening.

The sorcerer kings are the Mexican answer to our Santa Claus, they are all busy with one thing - to give joy to children.

Korean New Year Traditions

Korea has two New Year holidays: the calendar New Year and the Lunar New Year. Moreover, the first one is nothing special and, in general, can go unnoticed. But connected with the second a large number of Korean traditions. This New Year in the country is celebrated in February, it is called Seollal. This day is filled with traditions that appeared many, many years ago, but are revered even now.

Sollal begins with offerings to the deceased ancestors of four generations of the family. To do this, they set the table, light the incense burners and perform traditional bows.

Sebe is a custom that is rightfully considered the most family. It consists in bowing to all family members: from the oldest to the youngest (and in that order). After the bow, a gift is given in the form of sweets or a cash offering.

The festive table is a separate topic for conversation. In Korea, great importance is placed on the arrangement of dishes on the table. Treats are placed "according to Feng Shui": depending on the direction of the world and the color of the food. So red food is placed on the eastern side of the table, and white dishes on the western side.

Canadian New Year Traditions

Canada is a country of immigrants, and therefore it is extremely difficult, if not impossible, to name a single traditional New Year's dish. But still, in many Canadian families it is customary to cook a completely unusual dish for the New Year - pea soup. It is boiled very satisfying, adding lard and sage for flavor.

And after tasting this dish, many Canadians take part in the "bathing polar bear". And if you mistakenly decided that they are, in fact, bathing the bear, then you will have to disappoint: the inhabitants of the country themselves change into bathing suits and take ice baths.

New Year traditions in Denmark

The people of Denmark celebrate New Year and Christmas with double zeal. Therefore, their kids receive gifts from two Santa Clauses at once: Ulemanden and Yulinisse. The Danes adhere to such customs as:

• Give children toys made of wood or plush in order to protect them from all evil.
• Wear a red cap to be lucky.
• For health and long life, eat carrots on the eve of the holiday.
• Cut out more paper red hearts to let love into your life in the new year.
• Make and install a straw goat in the yard to protect the house.
• Bake a "Christmas boar" to bring good luck.
• Break old dishes on the doorstep of friends and neighbors so that they are lucky in the coming year.

By the way, many Danes are not averse to playing a game of bundles on a festive evening. Its rules are simple. All guests stock up on inexpensive small gifts wrapped in bundles, which are piled in the center of the table and begin to roll the dice. Those lucky ones who get the number "six" can choose any bundle. The game continues until the end of the allotted time. If the gifts have already been sorted out, and the supply of time has not yet been exhausted, then the gifts can be taken from those who have already won. True, the convolutions cannot be unfolded until the very end, which maintains a certain intrigue.

Greenland New Year Traditions

Greenland is an island in the north, which is called the home of Santa Claus of some countries and elves who help to make gifts. But in fact, this is a place where seals and deer live, as well as rather unusual traditions.

So, in Greenland, you can get an extremely original thing as a gift - an ice figurine of an animal or a person. And although such a gift seems short-lived, thanks to the local climate, it can last for several months.

But the most unimaginable for an ordinary ordinary person will probably be some traditional dishes:

• Kiviak (rotten seal meat stuffed with seagulls);
• The liver of seals and gulls that have not undergone heat treatment;
• Hakarl (rotten Greenland shark meat);
• Mattak (a thin layer of whale blubber).

The Greenlanders have only one New Year, but they celebrate it twice - at 20:00 and at midnight.

New Year traditions in Australia

Australians can be called lucky, as they celebrate the New Year the very first on the planet. In addition, their holiday takes place in the summer in the rays of the scorching sun near the metrosideros - the Australian equivalent of the Christmas tree. This tree is installed in their homes and yards, dressing up, however, is not accepted.

On January 1, almost all residents go to the beach for a traditional New Year's picnic, as they all sleep soundly on a festive night. On the same day, the surfing festival begins, which opens with Santa riding a board in a light bathing suit and a red cap with a flowing white beard.

NEW YEAR IN RUSSIA There are quite a few traditions of celebrating the New Year in Russia. But what's interesting is that most of them are borrowed from Western culture. This is explained, apparently, by two reasons: firstly, the arrival of Christianity in Slavic Russia completely, or almost completely destroyed the pagan traditions of meeting the new year and seeing off the old one. Secondly, new Western customs were imported into Russia by the nobility and nobility, which were subsequently adopted by the common people and became popular. Moreover, each era brought something new. From the times of Slavic paganism, we got mummers, buffoons and jesters. The era of Peter the Great and subsequent reforming rulers brought Christmas tree with toys, fireworks, Santa Claus and a New Year's table (pickles such as Olivier salads and vinaigrette were not known before, they managed with cereals and pies). And the country of the Soviets gave us Santa Claus with the Snow Maiden, the obligatory Champagne with tangerines on the table and the chiming clock. NEW YEAR IN CHINA
Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during the processions to light the way for the New Year. The Chinese believe that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese seal windows and doors with paper to keep out evil spirits. New Year in China is a strictly family holiday, and every Chinese wants to spend it with their relatives. On the evening of the last day of the year, each family in full force gathers in the living room for a gala dinner. During this dinner, which was held under the sign of the unity of the clan, and above all the unity of its living and deceased members, its participants eat dishes that are first offered to the spirits of their ancestors. At the same time, family members get the opportunity to forgive each other old grievances. After the end of the meal, no one went to bed, so as not to miss their future happiness. Night vigils for the New Year were called "to protect the year." NEW YEAR IN JAPAN
In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. Mandatory is the custom of seeing off the Old Year, which includes organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. At the beginning of the new year, the Japanese begin to laugh. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. On the first New Year's Eve, it is customary to visit the temple. In temples, 108 bells are beaten. With each blow, according to the Japanese, all the bad things go away, which should not be repeated in the New Year. To keep out evil spirits, the Japanese hang bundles of straw in front of their houses, which they believe brings good luck. In houses, rice cakes are placed in a conspicuous place, on top of which tangerines are placed, symbolizing happiness, health and longevity. In Japan, the European Christmas tree is furnished with exotic plants that grow on the islands. NEW YEAR IN INDIA
The traditional New Year, which is celebrated on January 1, is far from being the starting point of the new calendar year for all countries. Hindus, for example, celebrate this holiday more than four times a year - they have such a national feature... India is one of the countries where many cultures and subcultures intersect. Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists live there, but, nevertheless, the bulk of the population professes the ancient religion of Hinduism. And the New Year for them, respectively, comes according to the prescription of the Hindu calendar. This does not mean that the Hindus skimp on the Islamic and Christian New Year - they are happy to take part in the celebration of these celebrations, as well as the Nativity of Christ. Traditional Indian year, which is called Gudi Padva, this time starts on March 26, but every year the date changes, depending on the lunar calendar. The celebration of the new year lasts more than one day and is accompanied by various carnival processions, fairs and other paraphernalia. But, since the political, economic and social spheres of the country are guided by the Christian chronology, the first of January is also not ignored. Hindus from Tamil Nadu celebrate the beginning of the new year on April 14, which coincides with the official arrival of spring. In Andhra Pradesh, the new calendar year comes only on March 26th. Residents of Kashmir begin the countdown of the new year in general from March 10, and continue to celebrate until the end of the celebrations in all states, and in West Bengal the new year comes on April 13. Do not forget about the celebration of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar, as well as the Muslim New Year. Thus, with full confidence we can say that India is the most new year country in the world. NEW YEAR IN TURKEY Muslims are not forbidden to celebrate the New Year, but it is not recommended to decorate the Christmas tree and invite Santa Claus. This is stated in the New Year's statement of the head of Turkish Muslims. The tradition of celebrating the New Year is recognized all over the world and is part of world culture, but Christmas is a religious holiday and has nothing to do with the New Year. Muslims should not confuse the two holidays, and the use of Christmas symbols on New Year's Day is indicative of "religious and cultural degradation." The tradition of celebrating the New Year with a Christmas tree is common in Turkey. However, in a number of Muslim countries, the celebration of the New Year is not welcomed. In particular, in Saudi Arabia, this is punishable by arrest. New Year in Australia starts on the first of January. But just at this time there is such a heat that Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden deliver gifts in bathing suits. Italians on New Year's Eve, old things are thrown out of the windows - flower pots, old chairs, boots fly from the windows onto the pavement ... The more things you throw away, they believe, the more wealth the New Year will bring.
Inhabitants british isles with both hands they hold on to the old custom of "Letting in the New Year". In Herdfordshire, the New Year's custom is that when the clock starts to strike 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out Old year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door opens to let in the New Year. IN Scotland before midnight, a bright fire is lit in the fireplace on the farms, and the whole family sits around it, waiting for the clock to strike. When the hands of the clock approach 12, the owner of the house gets up and silently opens the door. He keeps it open until the clock strikes the final blow. Thus he releases the old year and brings in the new. IN Spain expressive features of an erotic cult are carried by one of new year customs, which is now observed in many villages of the country, although now in a comic form: "estrechos" (in Asturias - "devotos") - the conclusion of fictitious marriages. On New Year's Eve, the girls and boys of the whole village draw lots - pieces of paper with the names of fellow villagers of both sexes. Guys thus get "brides", girls - "grooms". In some places, for example in the district of Ourense, this procedure is done in front of the fires at the church porch. The resulting marriage couples are considered to be in love until the very end of Christmas time, and they behave accordingly. In Barcelona, ​​in Madrid Until recently, on New Year's Eve, they sold tickets with the names of guests of both sexes and then combined them in pairs at random: they got "grooms" and "brides" for the whole evening. The next morning, the "groom" was supposed to come to his "bride" with a visit and a gift - flowers, sweets. Sometimes young people arranged the matter in such a way as to get their beloved girl as a "bride", and the matter ended in a real marriage. It is very likely that here are traces of an ancient, quite serious marriage custom, when marriages were concluded under the strict control of the community. In Belgium and the Netherlands"Magic of the first day" is ubiquitous, the meaning of which lies in the fact that a person's behavior on the first day of the New Year is judged on what lies ahead for him in the coming year. Therefore, they tried not to borrow anything on this day, to put on something new, etc. In order for there to be prosperity in the house all year, it was also necessary to have an abundance of food on New Year's Eve. New Year's Day is also a holiday for children. On this day, children congratulate their parents on the New Year and read pre-prepared congratulatory letters to them, written on a special paper decorated with bright colors and ribbons. Among the Flemings and Walloons, on New Year's Eve, the "Good Angel" or "Christ Child" goes home, putting sweets under the pillow for sleeping children. Since ancient times it has existed in Netherlands and Belgium another custom widely spread in other countries is the election of the king of the holiday. To do this, the housewives bake a pie into which the bean is baked. The one who gets a piece of the bean pie becomes the king for the whole holiday. The king himself chooses his queen and retinue: the court jester, the nobleman, "Black Peter", etc. In Brabant and West Flanders there is another way of choosing a king. 16 special so-called royal postcards (Koningsbriefs) are made, which depict the king, his courtiers and servants: adviser, kravchiy, confessor, ambassador, singer, actor, cook, etc. In the village, such postcards are often drawn by hand. Then those present at random take one postcard, and thus the roles are distributed festive evening. The King and Queen, crowned with golden paper crowns, preside over the evening. All their gestures and actions should be repeated by those present. Their power continues throughout the day of January 6, which takes place in fun entertainment and jokes.
Finnish according to ancient ideas, the central winter month was fox. January and February were called big and small or the first and second months of tammikuu (tammikuu). The celebration of the New Year on January 1 was adopted by the Finns in the 16th century. Prior to this, as already mentioned, the year began after Michaelmas Day, gradually moved towards the end of October, and at one time was apparently celebrated on November 1st. From the time the New Year began to be celebrated on January 1, on the eve of it and on the first day, the features characteristic of such a date passed. On the eve began to guess. In particular, casting of tin into water, which came from the west, spread. They cast one figurine for each member of the family and the last one for the spirit of the earth to find out if he would patronize the house. In the water from under the casting, the girls moistened their handkerchiefs and put them under their heads, hoping to see their betrothed in a dream. In addition, they looked in the mirror, which supposedly will help to see the face of the groom, to predict in the coming year: the upcoming marriage, the time of death, etc. In Bulgaria traditionally celebrate the New Year at home. Before the start of the holiday, the youngest in the house stands near the Christmas tree and sings carols to the guests. In gratitude, kind uncles and aunts give him gifts. The most interesting begins with the 12th strike of the clock. At this time, the lights go out for a moment in the houses for New Year's kisses. Only after that the hostess begins to cut the cake with surprises baked in it. If you got a coin - wait for wealth, a branch of a rose - love. The same surprise cake tradition is common in Romania and Australia. In Austria the modern custom of gifts and congratulations on New Year's Eve was widespread in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is now customary to give figurines or send postcards with the traditional symbols of happiness; these are the chimney sweep, four-leaf clover, pig. Dinner on December 31 should be plentiful in order to live well in the New Year. An obligatory meat dish was a jellied pig or pork. It was believed that in order to be happy, one must eat a piece of a head or a pig's snout; it was called "participating in swine happiness" (Saugluck teilhaftig werden). In Switzerland(and in the aforementioned Austria) people dress up to celebrate Saint Sylvester's day. This holiday is based on the legend that Pope Sylvester (314) caught a terrible sea monster. It was believed that in the year 1000 this monster would break free and destroy the world. To everyone's delight, this did not happen. Since then, in Austria and Switzerland, this story is remembered on New Year's Eve. People dress up in fancy dresses and call themselves Sylvesterklaus. New Year - uj ev (uj ev) - in Hungary does not have the same significance as Christmas, although some Christmas rites and beliefs were observed at this time. For example, beliefs related to the magic of the first day were very common, among them superstitions associated with the first visitor played a significant role. According to popular belief, the woman who entered the house first on this day brings misfortune. Therefore, often a boy is sent to the house of relatives under some pretext, after visiting which the house is no longer afraid of the visit of a woman. Many magical actions were taken in order to be healthy and wealthy in the New Year. So, in other places, when washing oneself in the morning, instead of soap, they rub their hands with coins so that they do not transfer in their hands all year.
In Yugoslavia for the New Year, they guessed a lot: the weather in a particular month was determined by salted 12 slices of onion (Croats, Slovenes). In some areas of Slovenia, ten different items were laid out on the table: among them were a pine branch (happiness), a ring (wedding), a doll (family growth), money (wealth), etc., which were covered with a fur hat. Each fortuneteller had to pull out an object three times, and if he came across the same one all the time, this meant that an event related to the symbolism of this object would occur during the year in his life. Muslims use the lunar calendar, so the date of the New Year for Muslims shifts 11 days forward each year. In Iran(Muslim country, which used to be called Persia) New Year is celebrated on March 21st. A few weeks before the New Year, people plant grains of wheat or barley in a small dish. By the New Year, the grains sprout, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and the new year of life. Hindus New Year's Eve is celebrated differently depending on where you live. The inhabitants of northern India adorn themselves with flowers of pink, red, purple, or white hues. In south India, mothers place sweets, flowers, small gifts on a special tray. On the morning of the new year, children should wait with their eyes closed until they are led to the tray. In central India, orange flags are hung on buildings. In western India, the New Year is celebrated at the end of October. Small fires are lit on the roofs of houses. In the New Year, Hindus think of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi. New Year in Burma begins on the first of April, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people heartily pour water on each other. There is a New Year's festival of water - tinjan. In October the New Year comes to Indonesia. All the people dress up and ask each other's forgiveness for the trouble they caused in the past year. Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah. This is a holy time when people think about the sins they have committed and promise to atone for them next year. good deeds. Children are given new clothes. People bake bread and eat fruit. in Vietnam New Year is called "tet". He is met between January 21 and February 19. The exact date of the holiday varies from year to year. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every house, and on New Year's Eve this god goes to heaven to tell how each member of the family spent the past year. The Vietnamese once believed that God floated on the back of a carp fish. Nowadays, on New Year's Eve, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will bring good or bad luck in the coming year. In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. To keep out evil spirits, the Japanese hang bundles of straw in front of their houses, which they believe brings good luck. At the beginning of the new year, the Japanese begin to laugh. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during the processions to light the way to the New Year. The Chinese believe that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese seal windows and doors with paper to keep out evil spirits. Greek New Year- This is the day of St. Basil. Saint Basil was known for his kindness, and Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.

IN different countries not only such a celebration as a wedding or the birth of a child is celebrated in different ways, the New Year is also celebrated in completely different ways. And given that the New Year is one of the most popular holidays in the world, there are traditions of celebrating the New Year in almost every country.

3. Argentina - all in paper!


But in Argentina, the Italian tradition of throwing everything away does not need to take root, however .. mainly among office workers. On New Year's Eve, the centers of Argentinean cities are covered with an even layer of waste paper, sometimes even whole piles of papers. According to local tradition, you need to throw unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers out of the windows, but most of all, Argentines like to throw out last year's bills.

4. Spain - grapes and naked ass!


In Spain, there is a tradition - to quickly eat 12 grapes at midnight, and each grape will be eaten with each new strike of the chimes. Each of the grapes should bring good luck in each month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid in order to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes for more than a hundred years, the first time it was a reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.
Talking about the New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot help but talk about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas Pope in Catalonia.
“Butt, butt, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don't have g@avna well, I'll hit you with a stick. Popa, children sing in Barcelona at Christmas. And at this time they beat the wooden ass prepared in advance with sticks. Yes, such a curious, strange and cheerful Christmas tradition.

5. Scotland - we celebrate the New Year in silence!
Before the onset of the New Year, members of the whole family sit down near the lit fireplace, and with the first chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. Such a ritual is designed to spend the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether luck or bad luck enters the house depends on who is the first to cross their threshold in the new year.

6. Estonia - New Year in the bathhouse!


One of the "hottest" is the New Year's Eve in Estonia, as it is customary to spend this holiday in the sauna. In order to enter the New Year clean and healthy, you even need to listen to the chimes in this institution. But, in fact, now this tradition is more for tourists than for the Estonians themselves.

7. Panama - burning problems!


There is a very unusual New Year tradition in Panama. Here it is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other famous people. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish evil to anyone, for example, they can burn the effigy of the Olympic champion of the country's national team in running or the President of Panama. All these scarecrows are called by one word - muneco, and symbolize all the troubles of the outgoing year. And since if there is no scarecrow, then there are no problems in the coming year. Moreover, every family should burn the scarecrow. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, on the streets of Panamanian cities, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring. In addition, car horns are honking, everyone is screaming. Such noise is meant to threaten trouble in the coming year.

8. Peru - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase!
For Peruvian guys, New Year's Eve is pretty dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru pick up willow twigs and go for a walk around the neighborhoods of their city. And her fiancé should be the young man who will be asked to take up the twig. Therefore, sometimes on the streets you can meet strange couples - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Since, according to another Peruvian tradition, the one who walks around his entire quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on the desired journey in the coming year.

nine . Denmark - jump into the New Year!

10 . Greece - a stone "in the bosom" for friends!
On New Year's Eve, the inhabitants of Greece, like the inhabitants of many other countries, go to visit each other with gifts. However, there is a peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they carry a stone to the owners, and the more the better. It will seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the purse of the recipients in the coming year will be. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest member of the family must break a pomegranate fruit in the courtyard of his house. If pomegranate seeds scattered around the yard, then his family will have a happy life in the coming year.

11. Micronesia - changing the name!
And the inhabitants of the islands of Micronesia change their name every time for a holiday - to confuse evil spirit and the whole next year to live easily and comfortably. Everyone is free to choose a name for himself, so sometimes most of the population bears the same name all year round.

12. Bulgaria - turn off the light!
In Bulgaria, the lights go out for a few minutes at midnight. When all the guests remain in the dark, you can kiss even with an unfamiliar guest - the holiday will keep the secret of the New Year's kiss.

And for us in Russia, the New Year is the real family celebration, which we are simply obliged to meet cheerfully and beautifully. Family and friends will provide you with fun this New Year, but fun such as crackers, sky balls, salutes, fireworks, rockets, Roman candles and much more can be purchased, even without leaving your home in the online store

Many people note that the New Year is the most magical, cozy and expected holiday for them. He is surrounded by a special atmosphere, he makes you think, sum up conditional results, rejoice at all the good things that have happened, and set expectations for yourself.

I must say that the date of the New Year is significant for all the peoples of the world. Since ancient times, the first night of the year has been considered sacred, mystical, and was associated with the world of magical forces. Many have been based on this age-old traditions, most of which have survived centuries and have come down to us from pagan times.

Today's celebration of the New Year can be divided according to the principle of the origin of its customs:

• A celebration among the eastern and southern peoples, which has original roots associated with ancient beliefs, worship of gods and spirits, sacred representations. Such a New Year is not necessarily celebrated on January 1 - it often happens in the spring.
• A celebration in the countries of Christendom, coinciding with, replacing or supplementing the Christmas holiday.

In pagan times, the Slavs celebrated the new year on the day of the spring equinox - March 22. This was due to the awakening of nature and the beginning of the most important process of farming in the life of a peasant. However, the culture, rituals and customs of the Scandinavians so influenced the Slavs that the New Year traditions in Russia were borrowed from these northern peoples. The celebration has been moved to December 22, the day winter solstice, and became known as Kolyada. It was believed that on these days a new sun was lit, so people walked around the yards with songs and with the image of a big star on a stick.

Later, when Christianity came to Russia, its religious customs were superimposed on pagan ones and organically merged in the understanding of the common people. So, the Nativity of Christ was also celebrated at the end of December, the star began to be called the Bethlehem star (in honor of the one that pointed the way to the Divine Infant shepherds and wise men). Carol songs, traditional treats such as kutya (special porridge), mummers - all this was borrowed from paganism.

Today's Russian New Year's traditions are connected with the order of Tsar Peter the Great to celebrate the New Year on January 1, and with European Christmas customs, and with changes in the country's public life during the Revolution. Then the secular authorities changed the Julian calendar to the generally accepted Gregorian calendar in the world, so Christmas began to be celebrated after the New Year, and many customs were mixed up on this date.

Soviet New Year traditions were largely borrowed from pre-revolutionary times.

What is typical for our country today on the main winter holiday?

• Giving gifts to relatives, friends, colleagues.
• Decorated and shining with lights Christmas tree.
• Fireworks, sparklers.
• Tangerines on the New Year's table.
• Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden, who come to congratulate family members (this is especially important, of course, for children).
• Funny and funny masks.

Russia is a country where people of many nationalities live. The majority have their own beliefs and customs, which do not always coincide with European and all-Russian ones.

• Ysyakh. This is the name of the New Year in Yakutia, as well as among the peoples of the Turkic group: Tuvans, Altaians, Bashkirs. It is celebrated from 10 to 25 June. Associated with the life of nomads, with cattle breeding and pagan beliefs. On the day of the celebration, people lead a round dance, which is called osuokhay. It can last a long time, so the participants are constantly changing.
• Saagan Sar - Day of the White Moon. This is a holiday of the Buryats, Tuvans, Kalmyks. Its date is calculated from lunar calendar and falls in February. This unusual New Year is a premonition and expectation of spring, a change from bad to good in life. The day before, the owners of the house clean it up. It is believed that if an unmarried girl leaves drops of water or crumbs on the floor, her fiancé will be drinking or ugly. Entering the house in the evening, a person tightly closed the door behind him, and outside, on the porch, left a broom and an ice floe. All this was supposed to testify to pure thoughts and good intentions in the new year.
• Chuvashs, Mordovians and Tatars during the period, which Christians call Christmas time, celebrate a holiday called "Born by the Sun" - Nartavan or Nurdogan. At this time, mummers walk around the yards, they perform special ritual dances, which smoothly turn into round dances, where everyone participates.

In some comic dances, men dressed as women and vice versa. For fun, some put a home-made stuffed horse on their heads - an animal especially revered by the Chuvash.

The New Year traditions of the peoples of Russia whimsically combine the features of paganism, Christianity and Soviet culture, and this is what makes them interesting.

European New Year and Christmas

People in Western and Eastern Europe primarily celebrate the Nativity of Jesus Christ. However, the New Year different peoples is also celebrated, being, as it were, a continuation of the celebration.

• England

On the British islands main character holiday - these are flowering sprigs of mistletoe. In towns and villages, people decorate their homes with them, especially ceiling lamps and doorways. The British believe in the power of kisses under the mistletoe, from which the feelings of lovers will remain the same strong and tender for life.

The child puts a plate for gifts on the table before going to bed, and puts a symbolic piece of hay for the donkey in the sock.

The main bell of the church is wrapped in a blanket, until midnight it sounds muffled. Then it is opened to enjoy the fight at full power.

There are various New Year's traditions of the peoples of the world, but the original English custom is to open the back door during the strike of the clock and the front door with a blow, the next last one. This is not done by chance. The British believe that the old year will come out through the back entrance, and the new one will enter from the main one.

• Italy

The temperamental inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula, just before midnight, throw old, unnecessary things out of the windows, believing that in this case new ones will come in their place. On the table should be grapes, a variety of nuts and lentils, all these are symbols of good luck and productivity. New Year's traditions of different countries of the world imply a reverent attitude to water as a symbol of the renewal of life. Therefore, the Italians have a belief: if there is nothing to give on the new year, you can bring clean water and an olive branch.

The kids are looking forward to the fairy Befana. This magical character rides on a broomstick, unlocks doors with a tiny golden key, and fills shoes and stockings hanging over the fireplace with gifts. For naughty and negligent kids, she puts a coal or a handful of ash there.

• Switzerland

Interesting New Year traditions in this country are associated with the name of St. Sylvester, who, judging by the legend about him, caught and neutralized a terrible monster that threatened to destroy the world. In memory of this, the Swiss put on carnival costumes, scary masks and call themselves Sylvesterclauses.

• Spain

What unusual New Year's traditions of different countries do not exist! For example, the Spaniards, gathering in the town square, remember a dead donkey, and then symbolically “divide” it, giving parts to those whose vices can be somehow connected with them (for example, an anemone - a tail, someone who likes to eavesdrop - ears, etc).

Throughout the country, Christmas and New Year festivities are held, which end with the exchange of gifts with people they meet during the chiming of the clock. And the boys and girls throw lots and conclude fictitious marriages only on New Year's Eve.

• France

The owners of the house put santons under the Christmas tree - clay figurines. This is reminiscent of the New Year tradition in Russia, when little Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden flaunt under the festive tree. Children are waiting for Père Noël, who fills their shoes with gifts, and bean is baked into the pie. Whoever gets it becomes the “bean king” for the whole festive night, whom everyone obeys unquestioningly.

• Sweden

And in this Scandinavian country, the kids are expecting Lucia. She is considered the queen of magical light, dressed in all white, and has a wreath with a candle on her head. Lucia bestows not only people, but also animals with those delicacies that they love. And the owners should also put a plate of Christmas porridge for home gnomes to help with everything next year.

• Bulgaria

Under the beat of the clock, the lights in the whole house are turned off, because the time for New Year's kisses is coming. Surprises are baked into a traditional cake - a rose branch, a coin and other "treasures" that have a symbolic meaning.

New Year in Asia

• Land of the Rising Sun Japan

All streets are decorated with numerous lights and sculptures. People prefer to celebrate the holiday in clothes that they have not yet worn - this is a symbol of liberation from the problems of the outgoing year.

In each village or city, a ritual bell rings on the night of the celebration. He does exactly 108 punches. The Japanese believe that human vices disappear with each of them - there are 10 of them, but each has 18 types and shades.

The entrance to the house is decorated with pine and bamboo branches: the former symbolize fidelity, while the latter symbolize a long and fruitful life.

Laughter is an important rule. It is necessary to have fun in the New Year - it gives good luck, cleanses from vices and prolongs life.

• China

For the People's Republic of China, New Year is the most important holiday of the year. Although the peculiarities of European and Russian New Year's traditions and customs are also loved in this country, the national New Year is celebrated in late January or early February.

Every Chinese tries to spend a holiday with his family, go to his native city or village. Here, in the house of the ancestors, the dead are remembered, doors and window openings are sealed with sheets of paper so as not to let in evil in the form of spirits, gifts are given. The whole family stays awake on New Year's Eve, protecting her - it is believed that this brings happiness and peace in the coming months. All relatives and friends consider it their duty to forgive insults and resolve misunderstandings in order to enter the new year cleansed and reconciled with each other.

The main character of the Chinese New Year is the dragon. His dance all come out to watch the streets. The length of a fabulous reptile can be more than a kilometer! Street processions are accompanied by cheerful dances and crackers blowing up. Fireworks are a sign of the New Year in China.

In the monasteries, the rite of bathing of the Buddha takes place. The statues are carefully and respectfully "bathed" in the purest water brought from mountain springs.

Spain

According to an ancient Spanish tradition, each person on New Year's Eve for good luck should eat 12 grapes - one with each stroke of the chimes. The number 12 symbolizes the twelve months of the year, but grapes are a clever marketing ploy of local farmers who decided to capitalize on the tradition back in 1908.

In local stores on the eve of the holiday, you can find ready-made jars with a dozen berries, peeled from the skin and seeds.

Japan

In Japan, the role of Santa Claus is played by a deity with the interesting name Hotenose. He is depicted as a fat, cheerful peasant with a large bag behind his back. But unlike Santa Claus and Santa Claus, he has eyes in the back of his head. And many children believe that Hotenose sees everything and knows everything about their pranks. With this in mind, they try to behave well all year, otherwise they won't get a gift even if they write a letter.

And in Japan, seeing off the old year, it is customary to put on the table long noodles toshi-koshisoba - a symbol of longevity, rice cookies - a symbol of abundance in the family, pea dishes - a symbol of health, fish (carp is preferred) - a symbol of strength. On New Year's Eve, church bells beat 108 times. With the last blow, it is supposed to go to bed in order to get up before dawn, go outside and celebrate the New Year with the first rays of the rising sun. For those who oversleep, the new year will be unsuccessful.

Italy

In Italy, on New Year's Eve, they throw out unnecessary household utensils (cracked dishes, broken furniture, old things) from their apartments and houses into the yard or right onto the street. It is believed that this will bring prosperity to the family in the new year.

India

The role of the New Year tree in India is played by the mango tree. except traditional toys, it is decorated with fruits and vegetables. On the eve of the holiday, many Hindus burn or throw away old clothes to celebrate the New Year in a new dress. It is customary to serve dishes generously sprinkled with spices on the table. The spicier the food, the happier the next year will be. An obligatory dish is beriane, which is rice with vegetables, or simply pilaf.

As New Year's gifts, in India it is customary to present sweets, fruits, nuts. According to Indian tradition, as the first day of the New Year passes, you will spend the rest of it.

Sweden

In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the queen of light, Lucia. She is dressed up in White dress, a crown with lit candles is put on the head. Lucia brings gifts to children and treats to pets: cream for a cat, a sugar bone for a dog, carrots for a donkey. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in the houses, the streets are brightly lit.

Scotland

In Scotland, New Year's Eve is called "Hogmany". On the streets, the holiday is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to the custom, barrels of tar are set on fire on New Year's Eve and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

The Scots believe that the success or failure in the family for the whole next year depends on who enters their house first in the new year. Great luck, in their opinion, brings a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house.