New Year is perhaps the most coveted and beloved holiday for all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.
It is also noteworthy that in every state the New Year is celebrated in due time. Many peoples, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year, at night from December 31 to January 1. Taking into account the local time, the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to celebrate here. But in Europe they consider Christmas to be the main holiday, which is celebrated on the night of December 24 to 25. In China, the holiday is timed to coincide with the winter new moon, which takes place from January 21 to February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Further we will talk about them.
New Year - a holiday from ancient times
How old is this holiday, no one will say for sure. But it is known that it existed already in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition to celebrate the New Year from January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days, in ancient Rome that day was especially honored by the god Janus - the lord of choice, doors and all principles. He was portrayed with two faces: one was turned back (last year), and the other - forward (new year). As now, their traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world existed many centuries ago. Then people piously believed that higher forces govern their lives. This is reflected in the traditions and customs. So, in our country, Santa Claus had predecessors - the spirit of Zimnik, the evil deity Karachun, the Slavic god of bad weather and storms Pozvizd. As a rule, they were afraid. They carried hail, blizzards, destruction and death. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on the night of October 31. This day was considered mystical. People believed that the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead was blurred at that time. A horde of dishonesty falls upon the earth. In Samhain, it was necessary to burn bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirit does not dare to go outside. Later, this holiday was replaced by the famous Halloween.
New year in Russia
Residents of our country love this holiday. After all, he is the kindest, most cheerful, brightest. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia, it began to be celebrated in 1700. Then Tsar Peter 1 issued a corresponding decree. True, our country then lived according to the Julian calendar. Since 1919, the New Year in Russia began to be celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of the celebration with us is the decorated Christmas tree. In the evening of December 31, all relatives and friends in many families gather to spend the old year and meet the new one. Traditional dishes on the table on this holiday: olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, good grandfather Frost comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver fur coat with patterns, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, furry eyebrows whitened from frost, rosy cheeks … Who does not recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand and a large sack of gifts behind him. Sometimes his granddaughter accompanies him - the beautiful Snow Maiden.
All the children have been waiting for this event for a year, sending letters to Santa Claus with wishes for future gifts and presents. These are our traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, it has its own significance for children.
China
If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with a winter cold, snow, frost, then in other countries it has a different meaning. So, in China it is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated between January 21 and February 21, when the moon completes its full cycle and a new moon sets in. Celebrations here last 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival. Both adults and children participate in the events. In the morning, people clean the house, because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. On the streets at this time ripples in the eyes from the bright festive clothes, fair goods and lights. In the evening, people gather in a close family circle for dinner, where they often give each other not gifts, but red envelopes with money. It is customary to present such presents even to children and colleagues at work. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to fire salutes, holiday fireworks, and burn incense. Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with the folk epos. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in the ancient legend of the terrible monster Nyan, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the cattle, supplies and grain, and sometimes children. Once people saw how the Nyan was frightened of a child dressed in red clothes.
Since then, on New Year's Eve, they began hanging red lanterns and scrolls near their homes to scare away the beast. Holiday fireworks and incense are also considered good repellers of this monster.
Vibrant india
Original and mysterious traditions of the celebration of the New Year in different countries of the world. In India, the main holiday of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. Celebrate it in late October or early November. What can be seen on this day in the streets of Indian cities? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with bright colors, lights, lanterns and candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of wealth, abundance, prosperity, good luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary to give everyone interesting gifts. The hotels for children are placed on a special tray designed for this purpose, and then they are brought to it with their eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go out to start festive fireworks and firecrackers.
Land of the Rising Sun
Japan also has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world treats are prepared for children on this day. Japan is no exception. The sweet delicacy of mochi is loved by both children and adults. These are round small loaves or rice flour cakes decorated with an orange fruit on top. To give mochi is to wish a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
And the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and sweet soy on this day. And, of course, the celebration of the New Year is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition of getting everyone together and playing games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock), a board game with sugoroku chips, uta-garuta and others. On the streets on a holiday crowded. The shops are full of New Year's souvenirs: hamaimi (arrows that drive away evil spirits from the house), kumade (bamboo rake like a bear's paw), takarabune (boats with rice for good luck). As a rule, on a holiday, children here, as well as in China, are donated not with gifts, but with money put in a special envelope called potibukuro.
In France and England
We consider what traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries exist. Interestingly, how is this day celebrated in Europe? For example, in England, houses are decorated not only with Christmas trees, but also with mistletoe branches. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. A wreath of mistletoe also adorns the front door. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from disease. In France, it’s not Santa Claus who comes to the children, but the old man Père Noel in a fur coat, red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Per Noel climbs into the chimney and puts them in his special shoes for this purpose in front of the fireplace.
Adults that day dance in red caps, fooling around, having fun, joking, sprinkle confetti on each other. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries in English, the shortest congratulations are: “Happy New Year!”, Which means: “Happy New Year!”.
Italy
In this country, the celebration begins on January 6. On the eve of the holiday, the children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to get a lot of delicious and wonderful goodies. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we have, but a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. Children believe that she flies on a broomstick at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-bred kids. Anyone who just naughty and mischievous will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult Italians do not believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is a time to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions. For example, the inhabitants of this country throw old and unnecessary things out of the house in the midst of a watch, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items acquired in return for discarded items will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday people give each other presents. In the province you can be presented with a sprig of olive in water taken from a source. It is believed that such a symbolic present brings happiness. On this day's table, every family must have lentils, nuts, and grapes. In order for luck to accompany all matters for a whole year, you must definitely eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all sorts of signs. For example, it is believed that if in the morning after the New Year's Eve the priest will be the first to meet, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather who came to the meeting promises health and good luck all next year.
In Ireland
We continue to travel around Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have much in common. In English, congratulations can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only family. On the eve of his doors all the houses open wide. Anyone can enter into any of them and join the celebration. The guest will surely be seated at the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and they will make toasts for “Peace in the world!”. The Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here called seed cake. This is a cupcake with caraway seeds. Even the local housewives are preparing a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feast, everyone goes for a walk on the street. By half-past eleven, the Irish gathered in the central square of the city, on which stands a large Christmas tree. The real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.
Bulgaria
It has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, it can be candied pumpkin, caramelized apples or homemade marmalade. The traditional New Year's dish is a bannica. This is a layer cake with feta cheese. And in Bulgaria there is a tradition to put on a festive table a loaf of bread in which there is a coin. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in his piece. After the feast, both adults and children make cornel sticks here, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, heads of garlic, coins and dressing them with red thread. They are called the suruvachi. This subject must necessarily hit everyone in the family to bring him health and good luck. Sometimes they go with neighbors to the neighbors to wish them all the best too. And then the youth with songs and dances pours out into the street.
When the clock strikes midnight on the city tower, marking the beginning of the year, the whole city turns off the light for kisses for three minutes. Even competitions are arranged: who will kiss the most.
In Cuba
We used to celebrate the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday takes place where there is always summer? The original customs of the New Year's celebration in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba. Here, on this day, conifers decorate araucaria or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluting it with orange juice, liquor and adding ice. In Cuba, there is an interesting tradition on the eve of the celebration to fill all the buckets, jugs and basins in the house with water. At midnight, this water is poured out of the windows. It is believed that in this way people protect their home from adversity and misfortune. Before the clock has time to break 12, everyone must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Then you can be sure that all year will be accompanied by luck, peace and prosperity. His Santa Claus is also here. Only he is not alone, as we have. There are three of them in Cuba: Valtasar, Gaspar and Cupronickel.
On the eve of the holiday, the child writes them notes with the wishes of what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and drench each other with water. Here they believe that it brings happiness to a person and charges them with positive energy.
Sultry brazil
The life of this country has always been closely connected with the ocean. For many centuries, the goddess of the seas Iemange played a leading role in local folklore. It is with her that the local customs of the celebration of the New Year are associated. In different countries of the world on this day, people cast magic spells and perform ritual rites. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents are trying to appease the goddess Iemange, so that she will show them favor and patience throughout the next year. She is portrayed as a beautiful woman in long blue clothes with her hair loose the color of moonlight silver tracks. Many Brazilians try to get dressed that day too. Iemanja is very fond of fun and dancing. Therefore, people go to the beach in the evening, sing, walk, congratulate each other and perform a magical ritual for happiness. It consists in sending small rafts with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and candles to the ocean. By doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long clothes throw bright flowers into the ocean, making wishes. The action ends with a half-hour firework. These are the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries, where there is eternal summer.
In Australia
Tired of snow and cold? Where to go on winter holidays? We continue to consider the traditions of the New Year in different countries. A comic performance is arranged, as a rule, everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. Celebration here, as a rule, takes place in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, funny dances, fantastic fireworks, music festivals featuring world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Year's Eve. Santa Claus in a red cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach … You can only see this in Australia.
At midnight, the streets of the cities are filled with the sounds of automobile horn and the sound of bells. So the Australians are trying to "ring" the new year to visit. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.
Colombia
To remember the summer and enjoy its beauties in the winter, we will go to Colombia. It has its own interesting customs of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, the main character is Santa Claus, whose arrival marks the beginning of a new year. And in Colombia, the main hero of the holiday is the Old Year, which walks the streets and amuses local children. Often his role is played by a scarecrow on a long stick, which is burned at midnight on the beach. It is believed that after this, the old year left the country forever and gave way to a new one. There is also a Santa Claus. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red coat and hat, just like our main character of the holiday. He only walks on long stilts, which incredibly makes laugh both adults and children.
Seeing it, the city residents begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and shoot into the air from rifles. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who adorns the New Year's sky with colorful fireworks and lights.
