New Year and interesting New Year signs from different countries. New Year traditions around the world
As you know, every country and every people has its own national traditions related, among other things, to various holidays. Sometimes among these traditions there are very exotic, unusual and extravagant ones. Let's see how the New Year is celebrated in different countries ah world.
New Year - a holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from the last day of the year to the first day of the next year. Celebrated by many peoples in accordance with the accepted calendar. The custom of celebrating the New Year already existed in Ancient Mesopotamia in the third millennium before ad. Beginning of the year with 1 January it was foundRoman ruler Julius Caesar in 46 BC.Most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. New Year's celebrations, taking into account standard time, always begin in the Pacific Ocean on the islands of Kiribati. The last to see off old year inhabitants of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
From Wikipedia
For those who want to travel all year with pleasure, i.e. for you and me, it is best to celebrate the New Year in Ecuadorian style. Ecuadorian tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, one must run with a suitcase or big bag in hand around the house (can be around the table ).
New Year is a truly international holiday, but different countries celebrate it in their own way. The Italians throw old irons and chairs out of the windows with all the southern passion, the inhabitants of Panama try to make as much noise as possible, for which they turn on the sirens of their cars, whistle and shout. Ecuador emphasizes underwear, which brings love and money, the lights are turned off in Bulgaria, because the first minutes of the New Year are the time New Year's kisses. In Japan, instead of 12, 108 bells sound, and a rake is considered the best New Year's accessory - to rake in happiness.
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
Let's start with Germany, from where the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree at the New Year's Eve spread throughout the world. By the way, this tradition appeared there in the distant times of the Middle Ages. The Germans believe that Santa Claus rides on a donkey, so children put hay in their shoes to treat him. And in Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, the most interesting thing happens: hundreds of thousands of people pronounce toasts to the reunification of East and West Germany - the holiday is celebrated there very emotionally.
Italy. On New Year's Eve, irons and old chairs fly out of the windows.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year must begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows. The Italians really like this custom, and they perform it with the passion characteristic of the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly through the window. According to signs, the vacant place will certainly be occupied by new things.
On the New Year's table, the Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.
In the Italian provinces, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, water must be brought home from the source. "If you have nothing to give to your friends," say the Italians, "give water with an olive branch." It is believed that water brings happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or a priest, this is bad. It is also undesirable to meet with a small child, but to meet a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunately.
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at exactly midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called "weeping widows" who mourn their " bad husbands". As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run with a suitcase or a large bag in hand around the house.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or gain big love? In order for money to “fall like snow on your head” in the new year, it is necessary, as soon as the clock strikes 12, to put on yellow underwear.
If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the linen should be red.
Good for women - they can upper part choose your underwear yellow color, and the bottom red, or vice versaBut what about men if you want both?
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens.
Sweden. New Year - a festival of light
But Sweden gave the world the first glass Christmas decorations(in the 19th century). There, on New Year's Eve, it is customary not to turn off the lights in the houses and brightly illuminate the streets - this real holiday Sveta.
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: a cat - cream, a dog - a sugar bone, a donkey - carrots. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in the houses, the streets are brightly lit.
SOUTH AFRICA. Police close quarters to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows
You should not walk under the windows in South Africa during the celebration of the New Year
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the quarters traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing out their windows various items- from bottles to large furniture.
The South African police have already closed the Hillbrow quarter to traffic and appealed to residents of the area with a request not to throw refrigerators out of windows in new year's eve. According to a police spokesman, in connection with the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
“We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking them not to throw things like refrigerators out of windows and not to shoot into the air with firearms", - said the representative of the South African police Kraibn Nedu.
On New Year's Eve, this quarter will be patrolled by about 100 police officers.
England. To be together whole year lovers must kiss
In England, it is customary to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales on New Year's Eve. Lord Chaos leads a merry carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
It was in England that the custom arose to exchange for the New Year greeting cards. First New Year card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little before midnight and does it in a "whisper" - the blanket with which he is wrapped up prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But exactly at twelve bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to part next year, should kiss under the mistletoe branch, which is considered a magic tree.
In English houses, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.
In the British Isles, the custom of "letting in the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from past life to the new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.
USA
For Americans the new year comes when the huge luminous clock in Times Square shows 00:00. At this moment, thousands of people gathered in the square begin to kiss and press the car horn with all their might. And the rest of the country's inhabitants understand - here it is, the New Year. You can proceed to the traditional dish of dark peas. It is believed that it is he who brings good luck.
In the United States, where in 1895 the world's first luminous electric garland was hung at the White House, and from where the tradition spread around the world to write "New Year's tasks" with promises and plans for the coming year, it is not customary to arrange solemn feasts, as well as give gifts, all this is arranged there only for Christmas , and they necessarily transplant Christmas trees into the ground, and do not throw them away, as we do.
Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street
In Scotland, the New Year's holiday 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 depends on who enters their house first in the new year. next year. Great luck, in their opinion, brings a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.
Specials are being prepared for the New Year. traditional dishes: breakfast is usually served with oatmeal, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.
Guests should certainly bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors swing wide open to let the old one out and let in the New Year.
Ireland. Honored puddings
Irish Christmas is more religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas, to help Joseph and Mary, if they are looking for shelter.
Irish women bake a special seed cake treat for each member of the family. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany.
Colombia. The old year walks on stilts
Main character new year carnival in Colombia - Old Year. He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells the children funny stories. Papa Pasquale is Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.
On New Year's Eve, a parade of puppets takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of puppet clowns, witches and others fairy tale characters attached to the roofs of cars, passing through the streets of Candelaria - the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.
australiaI
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.
The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous salutes and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city.
Vietnam. New Year sails on the back of a carp
New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these names are the most fun Vietnamese holiday. Branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children look forward to midnight when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.
In Vietnam, the New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when early spring comes here. Behind festive table- bouquets of flowers. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other branches of a peach tree with swollen buds. With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make fires in parks, gardens or on the streets, several families gather around the fires. Special delicacies from rice are prepared on coals.
On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. 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. 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.
Nepal. New Year's Eve at sunrise
In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night when full moon, Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, hands, chests with an unusual pattern, and then they dance and sing songs in the streets.
France. The main thing is to hug a barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Pere Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked in new year cake, receives the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good owner-winemaker should certainly clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink for the future harvest.
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
Finns don't like to celebrate New Year's at home.
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the house, leaving a large basket with gifts for the delight of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at a table bursting with various dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.
Cuba. Water is poured out of the windows
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. The wizard-kings who bring gifts to children are Balthazar, Gaspard and Melchor. On the eve, the children write letters to them, in which they talk about their cherished desires.
Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes that are in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of the island of Freedom wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you for all twelve months.
Panama. The Loudest New Year
In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everything that falls into their hands. And all this noise in order to "appease" the year that is coming.
Hungary. On New Year's Eve you need to whistle
In Hungary, in the "fateful" first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - moreover, using not fingers, but children's pipes, horns, whistles.
It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the dwelling and call for joy and prosperity. Preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and groh retain strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from trouble, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.
Burma. Tug of war brings good luck
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. New Year is coming water festival - tinjan.
According to ancient beliefs, the gods of rain live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then on earth it's raining which promises a rich harvest.
To gain the favor of the stellar spirits, the Burmese came up with a tug-of-war competition. They are attended by men of two villages, and in the city - two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging the lazy rain spirits on.
Israel. Eat sweet food and refrain from bitter
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishri (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
New Year's Eve is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet food and refrain from bitter. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlih prayer.
India. New Year - a holiday of lights
IN different parts Indian New Year is celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer is Lori's holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, old things from the house in advance. In the evening, large bonfires are kindled, around which they dance and sing.
And when autumn comes, they celebrate Diwali - the festival of lights. On the roofs of houses, on the windowsills, thousands of lamps are placed and lit on a festive night. The girls launch small boats on the water, on which the lights are also burning.
Japan. Best gift- a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under the pillow a picture depicting a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures fairytale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 chimes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to an old belief, each ringing "kills" one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that's for them and the Japanese bell tolls.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And in order for happiness to come to the house, the Japanese decorate it, more precisely front door, sprigs of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo represents fidelity, and plum represents love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is prosperity, carp is strength, beans are health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat mochi - koloboks, cakes, rolls from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses to the street - to meet the sunrise. With the first rays, they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In the houses they put branches decorated with mochi balls, - christmas tree mochibana.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and the boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.
The most popular christmas accessory- rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them so that for the New Year there is something to rake in happiness. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various patterns and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the year, which brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates of three bamboo sticks, to which they are tied pine branches. Wealthier people buy dwarf pine, bamboo sprout, and small plum or peach trees.
Labrador. Keep your turnips
In Labrador they store turnips from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by the Scottish highlanders, funny songs, transported from Britain two centuries ago, are sung every Christmas morning.
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A merry little man, dressed in a fur coat, a high sheepskin hat, with a box behind his back, comes to the Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he always has gifts
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland on a ship. Children joyfully meet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz - the Afghan New Year - falls on March 21st. This is the start time for agricultural work. The elder of the village makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.
China. You need to pour water while congratulating you
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And the people themselves pour water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes of happiness to them. Therefore, on this festive day, everyone walks the streets in soaking wet clothes.
According to ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese enter the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21st to February 20th.
Iran. Everyone shoots guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gunshots are fired. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of their constant stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with a new one.
Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather for the New Year at the festive table, and in all houses the lights go out for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.
Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: "Let the wealth of the host be heavy, like this stone." And if big stone if they don’t get it, they throw a small pebble with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.
South Korea. New Year
Koreans treat each holiday with special trepidation and try to spend it beautifully, brightly and cheerfully. South Korea is a country where holidays are valued and know how to spend beautifully. It is not surprising that in the process of globalization, Western winter celebrations have been added to the traditional Eastern New Year for the Land of Morning Calm.
new year in South Korea It is celebrated twice - first according to the solar calendar (that is, on the night of December 31 to January 1), and then according to the lunar calendar (usually in February). But if the "Western" New Year in the Land of Morning Calm does not carry a special symbolic meaning, then the traditional New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea has a special meaning.
New Year in Korea begin with catholic christmas. As in Europe, Koreans decorate the Christmas tree, and also prepare many cards and gifts for relatives, friends, and colleagues. It should be noted that the Christmas celebrations in South Korea are even brighter than the calendar New Year, which is celebrated very formally. These days in the Land of the Morning Calm are perceived more as a rare weekend than a holiday. Therefore, everyone wants to get out to their hometown, visit their parents or just relax outside the city, for example, in the mountains. By the way, there is even an interesting mountain route that allows you to meet the first day of the new year on the top of the mountain.
We also celebrated the New Year at the top, or rather on the roof of our house!
The real one New Year in South Korea comes according to the lunar calendar and is also called the "Chinese New Year", as it spread throughout Asia precisely from the Middle Kingdom. This holiday is the most beloved and important for the inhabitants of the Land of Morning Calm. New Year according to the lunar calendar is also the most long holiday in South Korea. Festivals and festivities continue for 15 days.
home Korean new year tradition- a festive dinner, which is usually held with the family. According to beliefs, on a festive night, the spirits of ancestors are present at the table, which are considered full participants in the celebration, so there should be as many dishes of national Korean cuisine as possible on the table. There is also a feast on the day of Seollal - the first day of the new year. All relatives gather at a richly laid table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and plans for the future.
All subsequent days after the onset of the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea It is customary to visit relatives and friends, congratulate and present gifts. Moreover, according to Korean traditions, on the first day of the new year, it is necessary to perform the rite "sebe" - a solemn worship of parents and all the elders. Throughout the first day of the new year, young people visit their elders and bow three times in a row, falling to their knees and leaning their foreheads on their hands folded in front of them in a certain way. In return, the elders give the children traditional Korean sweets and money.
However, the Lunar New Year in South Korea It is not only a family holiday, but also a national holiday. For 15 days, street processions, traditional mass festivities with costumed dances and masquerades are held in the country. Such a vivid sight does not leave indifferent either the Koreans themselves or the numerous tourists.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the European New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. This holiday is celebrated in all Malaysian states, except for those where the Muslim population predominates (for example, in the states of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and some others). Some Muslims still take part in new year celebrations although alcohol is prohibited for them.
We are not Muslims, so we celebrated the New Year according to Russian customs, although instead of a Christmas tree we had a palm tree
On New Year's Eve, Malaysian television does not recommend drivers to drive, as all kinds of accidents involving cars driven by drunk drivers have long become an integral attribute of the holiday. For Malaysian New Year is not official holiday, but due to the significant strengthening of the foreign policy position of the state and the expansion of its political and economic ties with Europe, most Malaysians willingly adopt European traditions of celebrating the New Year. In the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, as well as in other major Malaysian cities, on New Year's Eve there is a magical atmosphere of the New Year's holiday.
Oceania
And the very last on the planet to celebrate the onset of the New Year are the inhabitants of Bora Bora in Oceania. The holiday here takes place, like Brazil, on the sea coast, and at exactly midnight candles are lit, colorful fireworks are launched and foamy New Year's champagne is poured into glasses. There is a belief: if you have time to make a wish a minute before the rising sun appears from under the mountain, then it will certainly come true.
It doesn't matter where the New Year's meeting will take place, the main thing is that it be remembered!
And one more very important note: so that your journey - meeting the New Year - always remains travel with pleasure
New Year is one of the most beloved holidays not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. And if for us the main New Year's traditions are the Christmas tree, the smell of tangerines, Olivier salad, champagne and making wishes under the chiming clock, then residents of other countries perform certain actions before the New Year and during its onset, promising different benefits. So what are they doing in different countries to attract health, luck, happiness, love and wealth? We bring to your attention a rating of the most unusual New Year's traditions in the world.
1. New Year's traditions of Italy
It is well known that on New Year's Eve in Italy it is customary to throw out everything unnecessary from the house - be it clothes, furniture or even plumbing. However, this is just a beautiful legend to attract tourists. A new year traditions different in the country. Since the inhabitants of this beautiful country adore not only Santa himself - Bobbo Natale, but also the styles of his vestments, that on New Year's Eve the entire population of Italy, both women, men and children, wear something red, even if it is underwear. Therefore, meeting the New Year somewhere on the streets of Milan, Florence or Rome, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks, on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another Italian tradition is eating dried raisins right on the bunches. Since grapes resemble coins, it is believed that those who eat more of them will earn more money in the coming year.
2. Argentine New Year Traditions
The dream of every office employee, however, as well as a lover of collecting waste paper, is to celebrate the New Year in Argentina. Already in the middle of the day, the centers of Argentine cities are covered with even layer unnecessary paper, sometimes even whole piles of papers. According to local tradition, unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers should be thrown out of the windows. Plus, it's a great way to relieve stress. The people of Argentina celebrate the New Year like most of us - with their families, close friends are often present at the festive table. They also open champagne at 12 midnight. Young people after the onset of the New Year usually continue the fun in a variety of clubs. But the Argentines exchange gifts only on Christmas, they have no tradition of giving gifts on New Year's Eve.
3. Estonian New Year Traditions
One of the "hottest" is New Year's Eve in Estonia, because 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. However, not everyone, of course, adheres to this tradition, because then there would not be crowds of its cheerful inhabitants on the streets of the country and they would not go to visit each other on New Year's Eve. However, it is customary to repeat such an event also on the day of the summer solstice. Estonians believe that happiness will be brought to them by a chimney sweep in a high top hat, holding a tool of his labor in his hands. For this very reason, children are often given toy chimney sweeps smeared with soot.
4. Scottish New Year Traditions
Being on the streets of Scotland on New Year's Eve, you need to be very careful, because this is the only night in the year when ignited tar barrels are rolled along the decorated New Year's streets of the country, symbolizing the outgoing year. And in the Scottish village of Stonehaven, it is customary to walk down the street, waving huge fireballs above your head, symbolizing the sun, which cleanses the coming year. But there is another interesting New Year's tradition in Scotland. 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.
5. Spanish New Year Traditions
On New Year's Eve at midnight, in Spain there is a tradition - to quickly eat 12 grapes, and each grape is consumed with each new strike of the chimes. At the same time, 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 to have time to eat grapes and drink cava. 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.
6. Panama New Year Traditions
There is a very unusual New Year tradition in Panama. Here it is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and others. famous people. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish evil on anyone, for example, they can burn the effigy of the Olympic champion of the country's national team in running or Fidel Castro himself. All these scarecrows are called by one word - muñeco, 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 the coming year.
7. Danish New Year Traditions
There is a tradition in Denmark to celebrate the New Year by standing on a chair and jumping from it. It is believed that with this action, the inhabitants jump into January of the coming year, driving away evil spirits. In addition, it will bring good luck. At the same time, the Danes follow another New Year's tradition - throwing broken dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. And this does not annoy anyone, but on the contrary, it is very pleasing. After all, that family, on the threshold of which there will be the most broken plates, cups and glasses, will be the most successful in the coming year. It also means that the family has the most friends.
8. Peruvian New Year Traditions
For Peruvian young people, New Year's Eve is quite 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.
9. Greek New Year Traditions
Greeks spend New Year's Eve almost the same way as we do - they 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.
10 Japanese New Year Traditions
When celebrating the New Year in Japan, keep in mind that bells ring at night, and 108 times. The tolling of the bell denotes one of the six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy, and indecision. But why are there 108 strokes and not 6? And the thing is that the Japanese believe that each human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strokes. According to another Japanese New Year tradition, it is customary to give relatives and friends postcards with images of an animal - a symbol of the coming year. The inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun also have a specific attitude to the decoration of their homes - for this they use kadomatsu, which means "pine tree at the entrance." This product is made from bamboo, pine, rice straws are woven into it. Decorate kadomatsu with ferns and mandarin branches. Well, children traditionally receive New Year's gifts.
Very exotic New Year's celebrations are held in Australia. Due to the lack of snow, Christmas trees, deer and other usual attributes of the holiday, Santa Claus appears in a swimming suit, on a special brightly decorated surfboard on the beaches of Sydney. Moreover, observing the traditions of the Old World, his clothes always contain a white beard and a red cap with a pompom at the end.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for large companies to visit various public places under open sky where fireworks take place. A feature of the Australian New Year's celebration is the virtual absence of such just after midnight. Australians wake up at 5-6 in the morning, regardless of weekends or holidays, and go to bed no later than ten in the evening. So New Year's midnight itself is an exception. But at 00.10 everyone is already in bed.
In Austria It is considered an unwritten commandment to hear the solemn sound of the "Peace Bell" installed on St. Stephen's Cathedral on New Year's Eve in Vienna. Thousands of people gather on Cathedral Square on December 31st. In the old days, in this country, it was considered a good omen to meet a chimney sweep, touch him and get dirty. It was believed that it brings great happiness and good luck. In Austria, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to give porcelain or glass pigs, often in the form of a piggy bank. According to local customs, such pigs must certainly bring wealth to the one to whom they are presented.
In Argentina according to a long tradition, employees of institutions on the last day of the outgoing working year throw old calendars, unnecessary statements and forms out of windows. In the business part of the country - Buenos Aires - by noon the sidewalks and the roadway are thickly covered with a thick layer of paper. No one knows how and when this custom originated. Not without incidents. One day, employees of one of the newspapers, who were outrageous, threw the entire archive out of the window.
Because the in Burma the onset of the New Year falls on the hottest time, its arrival is celebrated with a water festival. The spectacle, it must be said, is amusing: when people meet, they pour water on each other from different dishes. But dousing with water does not offend anyone, because this ritual is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.
In Bulgaria on New Year's Eve, they acquire dogwood sticks - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching relatives and friends, lightly hitting with chopsticks, congratulate them on the holiday.
With the last stroke of the clock of the outgoing year, the lights go out in all houses for 3 minutes: these are the minutes of New Year's kisses that replace toasts. Bulgarians rejoice if someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.
A bizarre mixture of rituals of Indian and African beliefs with a European flavor was turned brazilian new year into the ritual of rampant carnival and traditional worship of the ancient gods. While almost a million spectators on the beach of Copacabana watch the magical transformations of the lights taking off into the sky from rafts specially installed in the sea, in Laguna di Freitas, the world's highest floating Christmas tree, 82 m high, is illuminated by fireworks against the backdrop of the no less famous statue of Christ - The Redeemer who stretched out his hands to bless the glorious city.
In addition, on New Year's Eve in Brazil, thousands of candles are lit on the sand on the ocean beach. Women in long dresses come into the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf.
In Great Britain It is customary to decorate the house with branches of holly and mistletoe. According to custom, once a year, on Christmas Eve, men have the right to kiss any girl who stops under a decoration from this plant.
One of the ancient traditions is the Christmas log. It is believed that even the ancient Vikings brought this rite to England. At Christmas, they cut down a huge tree, and all year it aged - dried up. And only the next Christmas it was brought into the house, and it burned in the hearth for a long, long time. If it went out without burning to ashes, the owners expected trouble.
in Vietnam New Year is celebrated at night. With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese light fires in parks, gardens or on the streets. Several families gather around them, they cook special delicacies from rice on the coals. On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven, because the New Year is a holiday of friendship! The Vietnamese spend the whole next day in the family. The Vietnamese believe that the first person who enters their house in the New Year will bring them good luck, or vice versa - grief and misfortune. Therefore, these days, meet only with trusted people, just in case.
Even on New Year's Eve in Vietnam, it is customary to release live carps into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who goes to heaven on New Year's Eve to tell there how people live on Earth.
In the Netherlands once a year New Year's table prepare donuts with raisins. Children here adore the white colt. In the evening they put carrots and hay in wooden shoes in order to find their favorite cakes in them in the morning.
A in Denmark foresters came up with great way save your forests from poachers who want to decorate your home with a forest beauty. On New Year's Eve, they treat Christmas trees with a special compound. In the cold, the liquid has no smell. And indoors, the tree begins to emit a sharp, suffocating smell, punishing violators.
Celebrating the New Year in a very special way in Indonesia. So, on the island of Bali, it lasts 10 days. These days, two-meter columns of dyed rice are erected. They are meant for the gods. At the end of the festivities, the columns are taken to their homes. Rice is eaten by people, but the gods are left with memories of gifts.
Very beautiful rituals of New Year's Eve in India. The inhabitants of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with colorful, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on rooftops. Hindus have their own way of giving gifts. For example, gifts for children are placed on a special tray. In the morning, the children close their eyes and lead to this tray.
A in Iran New Year is celebrated on March 21st. There, people plant wheat grains in small pots a few weeks before the New Year. By the New Year, they rise - this symbolizes the beginning of spring and the New Year.
In Ireland in the evening on the eve of the New Year, the doors of the houses open wide, anyone who wishes can enter any house and become a welcome guest there. He will be seated in a place of honor, treated to a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: "For peace in this house and throughout the world!" At half past eleven, the Irish go to the central square, sing, dance, have fun.
in Italy the celebrations begin on the day of St. Lucia (December 13): on this day they celebrate the feast of light. On December 24, Babbo Natale comes - the local Santa Claus. It all ends with the appearance of Befana - a little old witch who brings all kinds of sweets (chocolate according to tradition) to children on January 6 - on the holiday of Epiphany. Befana is a very choosy fairy: she brings chocolate to obedient and kind children, and stuffs stockings for little rascals and pranksters, specially hung for this purpose from the Christmas tree or from the ceiling in the nursery, with tiny black coals.
On New Year's Eve, it is at the insistence of Befana that Italians, not devoid of a sense of humor, deal with all the junk that has accumulated over the year. Often they throw it all right out of the windows, watching with curiosity the reaction of passers-by.
In Spain Christmas remains the main holiday: this evening is spent exclusively with the family, at a richly laid table (it is for this dinner that the hostess tries to stock up on the most incredible delicacies). Despite their age, gourmets, young and old, prefer sweets, which can be represented by dozens of different dishes. There are wine dough pies, and macaroons, and cumin cookies.
As for gifts, according to tradition, they are mainly received by children, as in Italy on January 6th. The kids hang out the window the night before a stocking prepared ahead of time, which is full of gifts by morning. But December 31 - St. Nicholas Day - a true holiday in the circle of friends. Here, no one is bound by religious rites, and everyone has fun as he pleases.
In Kenya New Year is celebrated on the water. Kenyans bathe in rivers, lakes, the ocean, ride boats - in a word, have fun.
In China New Year is always celebrated during the new moon in late January - early February. During the festive procession that flows through the streets of China on New Year's Eve, people light many lanterns. This is done in order to light your way into the New Year. Since it is believed that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits and unclean forces, they scare them away with crackers and fireworks.
By Chinese traditions New Year's Eve is one of the most important and significant family traditions. On the first day of the new year, the Chinese set off fireworks and burn incense sticks, which they believe can scare away evil spirits and drive them out of the house. At first, the Chinese called this holiday "xinnian" (New Year). However, today, in order to distinguish this day from the European New Year on January 1, the Chinese have renamed it "Chunjie", which translates as "Spring Festival". This happened in 1911 after the Xinhan Revolution, as a result of which China introduced a new style chronology.
In Colombia it is believed that without shooting, fireworks and explosions, the holiday simply cannot be. Colombians make dolls representing the old year. They are carried on sticks, funny testaments are read. Then, they throw the dolls away from themselves and at midnight the charges, gunpowder hidden in the dolls begin to explode. The old year, surrounded by flames and smoke, shatters, giving way to the New Year.
In Mexico, fireworks flare up with the chime of the clock and carnival processions begin. Here there is a custom to break clay pots filled with fruits, water, New Year's gifts.
In Micronesia the inhabitants of one of the islands change their name every year. This is done to confuse evil spirit. It happens like this: upon waking up on the first of January, family members cover their mouths with their palms and tell each other their new name. At the same time, one of the relatives beats a tambourine so that the evil spirit cannot overhear.
If 2 tribesmen meet somewhere on the road, then both squat down and whisper their name in the ear of the other, pounding the ground with a stick or palm with all their might. Everyone chooses a name for himself. As a result, various incidents occur. So, one year, half the villagers were named Michael Jackson!
In Mongolia The New Year coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, so it is characterized by sports competitions, competitions for dexterity, ingenuity, and courage. Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the new year at the Christmas tree. Santa Claus also comes to them, dressed, however, as a cattle breeder.
In Norway children are waiting for gifts from a goat. She is greeted with festive treats - dry ears of oats, which are put into children's shoes for the new year.
The next morning, instead of ears of corn, the children find New Year's gifts in their boots and shoes. In this country, the goat is given a privileged position. The fact is that a local legend tells that the Norwegian king Olaf the Second once saved a wounded goat by removing it from a cliff. The animal was taken to the palace, cured and released home. As a sign of gratitude, she brought rare healing plants to the savior every night.
In Norway it is customary not to forget our little ones: before going to bed on New Year's Eve, the kids hang feeders full of wheat grains outside the window, and in the manger, for a horse or foal, they put a bowl of oatmeal so that the gnome who comes with gifts - nisse - can also reinforce his strength.
In Peru, it is believed that those who go around New Year's Eve around their quarter with a suitcase will be able to make a long-planned trip. If a girl with a willow twig walks around the block, the young man to whom she proposes to take up the twig from the other side will become her fiancé.
In Panama New Year's Eve is unusually noisy: trumpets hum, sirens howl and people scream. According to an ancient belief, noise scares away evil spirits.
Old ritual songs and carols celebrate the New Year Romanian people. A man wearing a goat mask and a goat skin thrown over (often replaced by a fleecy blanket) performs a ritual goat dance. On the streets of Bucharest on New Year's Eve there are groups of teenagers in national costumes, in high ram's hats and with long whips in their hands. They enter the yards, stand in a heap, beat the ground with a whip in a certain rhythm, from time to time shouting out traditional New Year's wishes.
This ancient rite symbolizes work in the field: the guys beat imaginary oxen so that they plow the land better, so that the coming year will be rich in harvest. All flower girls who all year round do not leave the streets of Bucharest, before the New Year, green branches of mistletoe appear in the trays. The leaves of this plant, even in the most severe cold, retain bright green color and freshness. In Romania it is believed that if, along with the New Year tree, a mistletoe branch decorates the house, this will bring great happiness.
In Sudan a green, unripe walnut is considered the talisman of the new year. Most best wish man - to find an unripe nut that would bring happiness and good luck throughout the year.
In Finland New Year's gifts are laid out on the table and covered with a bowl. unmarried girls throw a shoe over his shoulder. If he falls with his toe to the door - be a wedding.
In France a large log, which is lit in the fireplaces of houses, is considered a symbol of well-being and a family hearth. Père Noel, the French Santa Claus fills children's shoes with gifts. On New Year's Eve baked in a gingerbread bean. And the best new year gift fellow villager - a wheel.
In Scotland On the eve of the New Year, they set fire to the pitch in a barrel and roll this barrel through the streets. The Scots consider it a symbol of the burning of the Old Year. After that, the road to the New Year is open. When the hands of the clock approach 12, the owner of the house in Scotland silently opens the door and holds it open until the last blow sounds. Thus he releases the old year and brings in the new. And the guest is supposed to bring a piece of coal with him, throw it into the family fireplace, and wish the fire in this fireplace to burn for a long, long time.
It is believed that the first person to enter the house after the onset of the New Year brings good luck or bad luck. A dark-haired man with a gift - fortunately.
In Sweden On New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors.
In Japan, New Year is considered the most great holiday. It continues for several days. New Year's Eve is called "golden week". At this time, many institutions and firms, government organizations, large department stores stop their work. Even banks are open until 12 noon on December 31 and rest on the first three days of the New Year. Mandatory is the custom of seeing off the Old Year, which includes organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. At the time 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 ward off evil spirits, the Japanese hang wreaths of straw (or simply bundles) in front of the entrance to the house. Bamboo and pine are placed near the houses - symbols of fidelity and longevity.
Most countries of the world celebrate the New Year on January 1, just like we do. However, there are a number of countries in which the New Year falls on other dates, and is celebrated in a completely different way. So, for example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated during the winter new moon at the end of the full lunar cycle that has passed since the day winter solstice. The holiday falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21.
Jews also celebrate their New Year. Rosh Ha Shana (which translates as Head of the Year) is celebrated between September 5 and October 5 (163 days after Pesach - Easter). Jews believe that on the day of Rosh Ha Shana, the fate of a person is decided for the whole next year. How a person behaved on this day, so he will spend the whole next year.
On the night of Rosh Ha Shana in Israel, everyone they meet is greeted with the following words: "May you be inscribed and signed for a good year in the Book of Life!" Then 10 days of self-knowledge and self-repentance are read, which are called "days of return to God." Believers these days dress only in bright clothes and eat apples, dipping them in honey.
There are many wonderful traditions of celebrating the New Year in the former Soviet republics, which became independent states. So, for example, in Moldova on the first day of the new year, grain is certainly scattered in all houses, which symbolizes a plentiful and fruitful year.
In Latvia the same symbolizes peas. Meeting the New Year, you must eat at least one pea. In Georgia, on the first day of the New Year, it is not customary to visit each other without an invitation. The owner himself invites those who, in his opinion, are associated with goodness. Such a guest should certainly bring sweets to the house.
In preparing the article, materials were used
from sites: www.netnotes.narod.ru And www.travel.ru
New Year's signs of different countries are diverse and very interesting. Let's start our story with the western countries - they are somehow closer to us, and then we will gradually move to the east. For example, in Italy on New Year's Eve it is not safe to walk under the windows: residents throw old things and furniture out into the street in order to get rid of old problems in the New Year. Italian children leave shoes by their beds: they believe that a fairy named Befana comes to the house and leaves gifts in shoes.
On Cuba walking under the windows on New Year's Eve is also not worth it. No, Cubans do not throw away furniture, but they can pour water out of the window. A day before the New Year, the inhabitants of Cuba fill wine glasses, glasses and glasses with water. And exactly at midnight, as soon as the clock strikes 12, they pour this water into the street through the open windows. This symbolizes that last year was successful, and the next year should be the same.
IN England they make a Christmas cake or pudding and hide a small coin inside - a sixpence. It is believed that luck will accompany the one who got a piece of pudding or a cupcake with a coin inside. And in Scotland they believe that the fire of the fireplace burns all past hardships, therefore it is customary to sit silently by the fireplace, admiring the flame. At 12 o'clock at night, the Scots open the door wide open to let out the old year and let in the new one.
IN Hungary on New Year's Eve they scare away from the dwellings of evil spirits. To do this, use whistles, children's pipes and other instruments that can make sharp unpleasant sounds. And in Moldova"sow" happiness: coming to someone's house, guests scatter grains of wheat, corn and other grains around the house. It is believed that thanks to this, the coming year will be prosperous and fruitful.
And what new year signs and customs exist in the East? Let's start with perhaps Japan. The most famous New Year tradition in Japan is the ringing of temple bells. According to Buddhist beliefs, there are six basic vices inherent in a person: greed, gluttony, indecision, anger, frivolity and stupidity. Each of these vices can manifest itself in eighteen shades. Therefore, at midnight, the bells strike exactly 108 times, so that with each blow, people are cleansed of one vice. With the last chime of the bell, people go out into the streets to celebrate the New Year with family and friends.
IN China It is customary to celebrate the New Year in red clothes. This sign is associated with an old legend about a monster that crawled out of a hole on New Year's Eve and killed people. However, one family managed to stay alive: they were in red clothes, because they were celebrating the wedding of one of their relatives. People realized that the monster is afraid of red. Since then, people in China have been celebrating the New Year in bright red outfits. As a gift, the guests bring two tangerines to the hosts, and when they leave, the hosts give them other tangerines, also two. This sign is connected with the fact that in Chinese the phrase "pair of tangerine" and the word "gold" are consonant.
In Vietnam they celebrate the New Year not at home, but on the street, and certainly at night, after dusk. The Vietnamese kindle bonfires and gather around them with their families. Rice delicacies are cooked on coals and treated to each other. It is believed that this helps people forget about old quarrels and grievances. New Year in Vietnam is usually celebrated with family.
New Year's signs of other countries may seem interesting to us or not, understandable or not very clear. But as long as a person believes in New Year's signs, he believes in his luck, which means that everything will be just fine in the coming year.
Throughout their history, people have noticed some strange patterns, after the execution of which something bad or good happened. Subsequently, these patterns were called signs and superstitions. Despite the fact that the vast majority of them are more a mere coincidence than a sign, a lot of people continue to blindly believe in them. We invite you to learn about some strange signs and superstitions from around the world further.
Argentina
It is considered very bad luck to say aloud the name former president Argentina Carlos Menem
Brazil
The wallet fell to the floor - to the loss of money
China
In China, the number 4 is considered the number of death, since the pronunciation of the word death and the number four sound consonant. Therefore, they try in every possible way to avoid using the number 4, because of which unknowing people may have serious problems with navigation
Denmark
In Denmark, it is customary to keep broken dishes for a whole year in order to give their fragments to relatives and friends on New Year's Eve. It is believed that the more broken porcelain the owner has, the luckier he will be next year.
Egypt
In Egypt, it is considered very bad luck to open and close scissors without cutting the object, it can only be worse if you leave the scissors open. However, the Egyptians believe that if you put scissors under your pillow before going to bed, you can save a person from nightmares.
France
Step left foot into dog excrement- fortunately, step right - to failure
Greece
When two people say the same words at the same time, they must say "Piase Kokkino" out loud together and touch the red color together, otherwise they will face an inevitable fight.
Haiti
In Haiti, many superstitions are associated with one's own mother. For example, if you walk in one shoe, sweep the floor at night, walk on your knees or eat the tops of watermelons, then it is you who are to blame for the premature death of your mother.
India
In India, there are many strange superstitions related to self-care. For example, they are not allowed to cut their nails at night, as well as on Tuesday and Saturday, it is also bad luck to wash their hair on Thursday and Saturday. There are various arguments about the origin of these superstitions, it is assumed that sweeping at night can lead to the loss of small valuables, historically it has developed that Thursday is a day off for hairdressers, and Saturday is the day of Saturn (the planet Shani), which is very revered by the ancient Hindus.
Japan
In Japan, every child knows to hide their belly during thunderstorms and especially at bedtime. It is believed that if you are not careful, the Raijin (thunder god) will steal and eat your navel.
Korea
In South Korea, it is believed that running a fan in a closed room can kill you in your sleep. Therefore, many fans in Korea are equipped with an off timer.
Lithuania
As in Russia, it is considered very bad luck to whistle indoors, as it can summon tiny demons that will then terrorize you.
Malaysia
It is considered bad luck to sit on a pillow, as it can cause itching, blisters, and other ailments associated with the soft spot. This is most likely due to the fact that no one likes to sleep on a pillow that someone else was sitting on.
Nigeria
It is believed that if a man is hit with a broom, he will become impotent or his genitals will simply fall off.
Oman
To "cleanse" your new car, you need to turn on the audiobook "Quran" and play it through your car's speaker system for 1-2 weeks. This measure is designed to protect the car and its owner from the evil eye.
Philippines
Blind rain signifies the wedding of tikbalang (horse demons)
Qatar
It was believed that spiders could put out a fire in a house, so they should not be killed.
Rwanda
Women are forbidden to eat goat meat, as it can cause them to grow beards.
Sweden
While in Sweden, you may notice how people walking down the street can change their direction in strange ways. Sewer manholes in Sweden are marked with the letters "K" (denoting fresh water and coincidentally "love") and "A" (denoting sewage and unrequited love). Therefore, it is believed that what letters on the sewer manholes you will meet more, you will have such love. However, this "spell" can be removed with three strokes on the back.
Türkiye
It is considered bad and even disgusting to chew gum at night, as at night it turns into the flesh of dead people.
In many American homes, especially in Vermont, attic windows are slanted, as it is believed that a witch cannot fly into such a window.
Vietnam
Schoolchildren and students never eat a banana before various tests and exams, because bananas are slippery. In Vietnam, the word "slip" is very consonant with the word "failure".
Wales
If you make and wear a hat of walnut twigs and leaves, then you have the right to fulfill one wish.
Yemen
A pregnant woman can determine the sex of her unborn child by simply tossing a snake into the air. If the snake falls to the ground horizontally, then there will be a girl, if vertically - a boy
Zimbabwe
In Zimbabwe, black magic rules everything, so all signs and superstitions are associated with it. For example, the groom can cast a spell on his bride from treason. If his future wife still wants to cheat on him with someone, then she will become inseparably linked with her lover. this is supposed to be a serious deterrent against cheating.
