Kaka celebrate the new year in different countries. How the New Year is celebrated in different countries, history and traditions

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, the guests give him gifts. The most interesting begins with the twelfth stroke of the clock. In all houses, the lights go out for three minutes: these are minutes New Year's kisses that replace toast. The “kiss” pause is a pleasant and easy tradition, a good way to get rid of tedious long toasts and the need to compose special words yourself. 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. Bulgarians rejoice if someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.

In Bulgaria, on New Year's Eve, they buy dogwood sticks - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching relatives and friends and lightly hitting them with chopsticks, congratulate them on the holiday.


In Finnish holiday menu for the New Year, plum jelly and rice porridge are sure to be included. One of the main actors Finnish Christmas celebrations, of course Joulupukki (that's the name of the old man Frost Finns). They say that before, in addition to gifts, he also brought rods, and his visit began with the words: “Are there obedient children in this house?” Today, the element of education has almost disappeared, and all children receive New Year's gifts.


Portuguese on Christmas Eve they give a "king pie". In addition to candied fruits and almonds, one medal or figurine is baked in it. The one who was lucky enough to find her is not at all obliged to swallow a surprise, which simply means: peace be with your house!


And in Denmark foresters came up with great way save forests from poachers who want to decorate their home with a forest beauty. On New Year's Eve, they treat Christmas trees with a special composition. In the cold, the liquid has no smell. And indoors, the tree begins to emit a sharp, suffocating smell, punishing violators.

Little Danes are given a wooden or plush Christmas tree with a troll peeking out from under the green paws. The Danes believe that the forest prankster is the embodiment of the soul of the tree. At midnight, the hostess serves a huge bowl of sweet rice porridge with a secret on the festive table. The peculiarity of this porridge is that a nut or almond is hidden at the bottom of the bowl. This tradition is especially liked by unmarried girls: if a nut comes across, the wedding will not be avoided next year. For everyone else, it promises just a happy New Year. Which in itself is also good!


In Great Britain order gifts from Father Christmas (literally - Father of Christmas). They write him a detailed letter listing what he wants, which is thrown into the fireplace. The smoke from the chimney delivers the wish list right to the destination.
The British give each other gifts of approximately the same value. In the family circle, very often the gift distribution ceremony is held on old tradition- by lot. It is a custom to send postcards with a Christmas story to everyone you know.


Scots on New Year's Eve they go to friends with a slice of cake, a glass of wine and a piece of coal. From their point of view, this is the most the right way for a whole year to provide them with food, drink and warmth.
When the hands of the clock approach 12, the owner of the house silently opens the door and keeps it open until the last blow sounds. Thus he releases the Old Year and brings in the New.

In Scotland, on the eve of the New Year, they set fire to a barrel of resin 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. 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 Italy at the end of the outgoing year, flower pots, old chairs, boots fly from all windows onto the pavement ... The more things you throw away, the more wealth the New Year will bring. And if there are no old things, then you have to throw away new ones, otherwise happiness will bypass the house.
Italians always take care to enter the new year not only in an updated interior, but also dressed up in everything new. An ancient custom looks quite funny: on December 31, men and women give red underwear to loved ones. It is this color that symbolizes novelty.

And the little Italians are waiting for gifts from the woman Santa Claus, although not quite the Snow Maiden, whose name is La Befana.


Christmas in Germany- a family holiday. Everyone must certainly gather at the festive table. On this day, a gift exchange ceremony takes place, which even has its own name - Beshe-rung. The apotheosis of the New Year's feast is der Lebekuchen - gingerbread. In the 16th century, this “real miracle of flour, sugar and raisins” could sometimes reach the length of an entire bench. But this is for the best. After all, then you can make a gift to all your friends and acquaintances: take the “gingerbread bench” under your arm ... and go ahead, congratulate people on the New Year. One leg from the bench, the other - the back. The costs are minimal, and the gift, one might say, is endless.

In Germany, a brightly colored dish with apples, nuts, raisins and pies is always served on New Year's Eve. The symbolism here is as follows: an apple is the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, nuts with their hard shells and tasty core symbolize the secrets and difficulties of life. In Germany they say: "God gave the nut, and man must crack it." Apples will hang on the Christmas tree, golden and silver nuts too. Walnuts and almonds are used in baking, and marzipans are the heart of German Christmas.


In Austria often give glass or porcelain pigs, sometimes representing piggy banks.
It is considered an unwritten commandment to hear the solemn sound of the “Peace Bell” installed at 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. Therefore, Christmas gifts in the form of a clay or rag chimney sweep stained with soot are so frequent.

But on the holiday tables Austria, Hungary and countries of the former Yugoslavia there is never a bird - geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys. In these countries, they believe that it is impossible to eat a bird this evening, happiness will fly away.


In France give anything, although they stick to a little more strict rules than, for example, overseas. So, only a husband can give perfume to a woman, such a gift from another man is considered not very decent.
A symbol of well-being and a family hearth is a large log that is lit in the fireplaces of houses. Père Noel, the French Santa Claus fills children's shoes with gifts.


by the most unexpected gifts you can count the figures of walruses and polar bears carved out of ice, which the Eskimos give each other Greenland. Since it is cold in Greenland even in summer, like we have on New Year's Eve, ice gifts are quite durable.


Czech Grandfather Mikulas comes on December 5, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. He is very similar to our Santa Claus: the same long fur coat, hat, staff. Only now he brings gifts not in a bag, but in a shoulder box. And it is not the Snow Maiden who accompanies him, but an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy imp.


swedes traditionally give each other homemade candles. Such a gift is due to the fact that at the height of winter it gets dark early near the Arctic Circle, and the light symbolizes friendship, cordiality, and fun.

In Swedish homes where there are children, the celebration of the New Year begins with the fact that dads go out to take out the trash, and return in the form of Jules Tomten ( Swedish grandfather Frost). When the clock strikes midnight, the Swedes throw serpentine, blow the pipes, and Yul Tomten begins to give gifts. So, under the general noise and din, the New Year enters the land of Sweden.

In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors. Now Swedish whistles, pipes and rattles have appeared in stores for a noisy meeting of the New Year and other holidays.


On the eve of the holiday in Spain, going to any house, you should put in gift basket champagne and a piece of nougat.

The New Year itself for the Spaniards is a public holiday. After all, it is on this night that lovers of ritual rites and traditions rush to the central square to the huge Christmas tree to feast on grapes. During the fight of the clock, each of the thousand gathered at the Christmas tree tries to eat 12 grapes. Each grape symbolizes one of the coming months, and having time to eat all 12 is a “guaranteed” fulfillment cherished desire. This fun tradition extends to those who celebrate the New Year at home. Grapes are placed on each plate.


Greeks, in addition to traditional baskets heavy from champagne and wine, recently they are increasingly giving each other a new deck of cards. And when they go on a visit, they bring a mossy stone with them as a gift and leave it in the owners' room, they say: "Let the owners' money be as heavy as this stone."

In Greece, there is a custom according to which, exactly at midnight, the head of the family goes out into the courtyard and smashes a pomegranate fruit against the wall. If its grains scatter around the yard, the family will live happily in the new year.


in Iceland throughout December, parents do not know the worries with their children. The fact is that the cunning kids know: Santa Claus can unexpectedly drop in on them any day from December 1st to December 24th.
If something goes wrong ... in your shoe you can find not a gift, but a potato.


In Holland on New Year's table prepare donuts with raisins. Children here adore the white foal. In the evening they put carrots and hay in wooden shoes in order to find their favorite cakes in them in the morning. Holiday gifts are brought by Sunderclass. He arrives on a steamboat accompanied by black servants.

In Ireland on the eve of the New Year, the doors of houses open wide, and 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 Norway children are waiting for gifts from a goat. She is greeted with festive treats - dry ears of oats, which are put in children's shoes for the New Year. The next morning, instead of ears of corn, the guys find New Year's gifts in their boots and shoes. In this country, the goat occupies 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.


Residents celebrate the New Year with ancient ritual songs and carols Romania. Groups of teenagers meet on the streets of Bucharest on New Year's Eve. national costumes, in high sheepskin hats and with long whips in their hands. They enter the yards and, standing in a heap, beat the ground with a whip in a certain rhythm, from time to time shouting traditional new year wishes. This old rite symbolizes work in the field: the guys beat imaginary oxen so that they plow the land better and the coming year 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 a bright green color and freshness. In Romania, it is believed that if, along with the New Year tree, a mistletoe branch decorates the house, it will bring great happiness.

In Romania, it is customary to bake small surprises in New Year's pies - coins, porcelain figurines, rings, hot pepper pods. The ring found in the cake means that the New Year will bring a lot of happiness. And a pod of pepper will cheer everyone around.


In India The New Year is celebrated in different ways. North Indians adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In Central India, buildings are decorated with multi-colored, mostly orange, flags. In Western India, small lights are lit on rooftops. In South India mothers place sweets, flowers and small gifts on a special tray. On New Year's morning little Indians with eyes closed waiting to be led to the tray. Only then do they receive their gifts.


In Japan there is a tradition: before the New Year, give postcards with the image of an animal that corresponds to this year. They also give toys and souvenirs.

One of the most striking decorations of the Japanese house before the New Year is kadomatsu (“pine tree at the entrance”). Kadomatsu - a greeting to the deity of the New Year holiday - is mainly made from pine, bamboo, woven rice straws. Decorate with fern and mandarin branches. Bamboo and pine are symbols of fidelity and longevity. Straw rope stretched in front of doors drives away evil spirits.

New Year is considered the most important in Japan. great holiday. It lasts for 7 days! Men launch multi-colored kites various shapes. Women play badminton.

The New Year is not celebrated at midnight, but at sunrise. The bells of Buddhist temples beat 108 times, announcing the birth of the New Year. With each blow, according to the Japanese, all the bad things that should not be repeated in the New Year go away.
Like the Chinese, visits to parents are obligatory here. 3 branches appear in every Japanese house for the New Year: bamboo - let children grow up quickly, plums - let the owners have strong helpers, pine trees - let all family members live as long as pine. It is forbidden to pronounce words with an unpleasant meaning. You can not talk about death, demons and a number of animals - a fox, a dragon, a tiger, a snake. If the children accidentally violated some verbal prohibition, then the parents wipe their mouths with a specially prepared ritual cloth.

In Japan, 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.


Those who fall for Christmas To China, they notice first of all the Trees of Light, an analogue of our Christmas tree.
They are decorated in an oriental way with bright and exquisite lanterns, flowers, garlands. Chinese Christians use the same decorations in the festive decoration of their homes.
On the eve of the holiday, little Chinese hang stockings on the walls, where Dong Che Lao Ren (Grandfather Christmas) puts his Christmas gifts.

In China, daffodils are a must for New Year's Eve. Everyone needs to watch their speech. It is strictly forbidden to swear and speak ambiguities.

In China, the New Year is always celebrated during the new moon in late January - early February. Processions of many thousands of lanterns move through the streets. They are lit, lighting the way to the New Year. In order to keep out evil spirits on New Year's Eve, the Chinese seal the windows and doors of houses with paper and scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers.


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 comes to them, dressed in a cattle breeder costume.


in Vietnam New Year is celebrated at night. With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese build bonfires, on which they cook special delicacies from rice.

On New Year's Eve, 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. On this night, quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven.

Cambodia, Korea, Mongolia and some other countries - an indispensable accessory of the New Year is a rake decorated with various expensive jewelry. Apparently, it is they who “rake in happiness” on New Year's Eve.

More in the East Christmas markets are widespread, where you can buy not only clothes, food, utensils, jewelry and gifts, but even ... dreams, hopes and happiness. Do not be afraid, you will not be sold air full of promises and assurances. For example, you can buy a daruma - a wooden (or papier-mâché) roly-poly doll from the Buddhist pantheon. Or hamayumi - blunt arrows with white feathers, which drive out evil spirits, and taka-ra-bune - boats with rice and seven gods sitting on the deck, symbolizing prosperity and good luck.

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.


In Sudan The talisman of the New Year is considered to be a green, unripe walnut. The best thing is to find an unripe nut that would bring happiness and good luck throughout the year.


in the Philippines Since November, mass production of Christmas trees from plastic, papier-mâché, and branches begins. Competitions of lanterns of various sizes and shapes are arranged.
In the thirty-degree heat that stands here at the end of December, it is especially interesting to observe the Site of Klaus walking around in red coats trimmed with white synthetic fur.


In America the main attention is paid not to the gift itself, but to its packaging - boxes and boxes, cases and cases. On Christmas Eve, family and friends are delighted to uncover gifts that can be wrapped in ten clothes, like a head of cabbage.
America breaks all records every year for the number and value of greeting cards and Christmas gifts sold.


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 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.


On New Year's Eve in Brazil on the ocean beach thousands of candles light up on the sand. Women in long dresses come into the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf.


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 and gunpowder hidden in the dolls begin to explode. The old year, surrounded by flames and smoke, shatters into pieces, making way for the New Year.


And here in Cuba Before the New Year, everyone fills their glasses with water. At midnight, Cubans splash water through open window to the street, wishing that the New Year was as clear and pure as water.
In Cuba, the clock only strikes 11 times on New Year's Day. Since the 12th stroke falls on New Year's Eve, the clock is given a rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone.

In Mexico with the chime of the clock, fireworks flare up and carnival processions begin. Here there is a custom to break clay pots filled with fruits, water, New Year's gifts.


in Peru it is believed that the one who walks around his quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will be able to make a long-planned trip.
If a girl walks down the street with a willow twig, the young man whom she offers to take up the twig from the other side will become her fiancé.


In Ecuador on New Year's Eve stuffed stuffed with straw from old clothes. This is a symbol of the passing year. He is seated on a chair in front of the house, provided with a pipe and a cane. At midnight, the “testament” of the Old Year is read, which lists all the troubles that have happened to this family. The paper is stuffed into the scarecrow's bosom. They light a match, and the Old Year disappears in flames, taking with it all the family troubles.


In Panama New Year's Eve is unusually noisy: trumpets hum, sirens howl and people scream. According to ancient belief, noise scares away evil spirits.

Meeting New Year in different countries is associated with traditions that have been preserved since ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief was born - as you meet the New Year, so you will spend it. To this day, in different countries resort to various tricks to "lure" good luck, prosperity and well-being.

Meeting the New Year in different countries is associated with traditions that have been preserved since ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief was born - as you meet the New Year, so you will spend it. To this day, in different countries resort to various tricks to "lure" good luck, prosperity and well-being.

Yes, in Austria It is believed that on New Year's Eve, to be happy, you need to eat a piece of a pig's head or a pig's snout.

IN Hungary in the first second of the New Year they prefer to whistle in 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, the Hungarians do not forget about magical power New Year's dishes: beans and peas preserve strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from trouble, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.

IN Germany people of all ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, climb on chairs, tables, armchairs, and with the last blow together, with joyful greetings, "jump" into the New Year. And in the villages, the medieval tradition of the bleiglessen ceremony has been preserved: a lead bullet is found, which "contains the secrets of the future." The bullet is melted to a boil and poured into a glass drop by drop. Lead solidifies again. The resulting figure will tell you about what awaits next year.

IN Romania unmarried women usually go to the well, light a candle and look down. The image of the flame will draw the face of her future husband in the dark depths of the water. Those who do not risk wandering the streets at night take a branch of the basil and place it under the pillow: a dream will show the betrothed.

IN Greece New Year is the day of St. Basil, who became famous for his extraordinary kindness. The children leave their shoes near the fireplace, hoping that the saint will fill them with gifts.

IN Italy it is customary to throw away broken dishes from apartments at the very last minute of the old year, old clothes and even furniture. They are followed by crackers, confetti, sparklers. It is believed that if you throw away an old thing on New Year's Eve, then in the coming year you will buy a new one. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who arrives at night on a broomstick and enters the house through the chimney. She fills with gifts children's shoes, specially hung by the fireplace.

IN Spain There is a tradition to eat grapes on New Year's Eve. By the sound of the clock, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes, one for each of the twelve coming months.

IN Scotland The New Year is celebrated with a kind of torchlight procession: barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets. Thus, the Scots "burn" the old year and light the way for the new. The well-being of the owners depends on who enters the house first on the morning of the new year. It is believed that a dark-haired man who comes with a gift will bring happiness.

V England By ancient custom, when the clock begins to strike 12, they open the back doors of the house to let out the old year, and with the last blow they open the front doors, letting in the new year.

IN Scandinavia in the first seconds of the New Year, it is customary to grunt under the table in order to drive away evil spirits, illnesses and failures from the family.

IN Ancient China on New Year's Day, the only holiday of the year for the poor was announced, when anyone could enter the house and take what they need, and if you refuse, the neighbors will turn away with contempt. IN modern China New Year is the festival of lanterns. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the New Year lunar calendar. On New Year's Eve, countless small lanterns are lit in the streets and squares, believing that the sparks from them will drive away evil spirits. The New Year itself comes in January-February, so it is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For many centuries, the inhabitants of China, seeing off cold and bad weather with the light of lanterns, meet the awakening of nature. The lanterns are given a different shape, decorated with bright patterns, intricate ornaments. The Chinese are especially fond of placing lanterns in the form of 12 animals on the streets, symbolizing each year of the 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar.

In Vietnam The new year according to the lunisolar calendar is called Tet. This is a family holiday, during which all quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. Every Vietnamese home has an ancestral altar, and paying tribute to their memory is an important part of New Year's celebrations. Celebrated in Vietnam New Year and January 1, it is called "holiday of the young."

IN Mongolia with the advent of the first day of the New Year, a truly nationwide festivities begin in the country. The official New Year in the country is January 1, and the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar is called "Tsagaan Sar". According to tradition, in kaTA, the family sees off the old year, the farewell is called "bituun". At this moment, you can not quarrel, argue, swear and deceive, this is considered a great sin.

new year in Japan is one of the most popular holidays in the country. Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes, believing that this will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a drawing depicting their dreams under the pillow, then the wish should come true. IN flower arrangements dominated by a pine, symbolizing longevity and endurance. And in the morning, when the New Year is already coming into its own, the Japanese go out to meet the sunrise, with the first rays they congratulate each other and present gifts. Bunches of straw are hung on the facades of houses to protect the house from evil spirits. And the most important thing for the Japanese is to laugh at the first second of the New Year - then happiness will accompany them all year.

Main christmas accessory- a rake (kumade), with which the Japanese will be able to rake in happiness in the new year. They are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with rich paintings. To appease the Deity of the Year, which brings good luck to the family, the Japanese build kadomatsu in front of the house - a small gate made of three bamboo sticks, to which they tie pine branches. Also in Japan, exactly at midnight, a bell begins to ring, which beats 108 beats. According to an old belief, each ringing "kills" one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only 6 of them - greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy, but each has 18 shades.

IN India as many as eight dates that are celebrated as the New Year, as many cultures intersect in the country. On one of these days - Gudi Padva - you need to eat the leaves of the neem tree, which taste very bitter and unpleasant. But according to the old belief, they protect a person from diseases and troubles and provide, oddly enough, a sweet life.

IN Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria and Tanzania meet Muharram - the first month of the year of the Muslim lunar calendar. A few weeks before this date, Muslims put grains of wheat or barley in a dish of water so that they germinate. By the beginning of the new year, sprouts appear, which symbolize the beginning of a new life.

New Year in different countries of the world is celebrated in different ways - the traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And Santa Claus is sure to be in every country, only somewhere he is called Santa Claus, and somewhere - Joulupukki.

France: to whom goose, and to whom cakes

Many of us would like to meet and spend the New Year in Paris. But few people know that the Christmas holidays begin here on December 6 - the day of St. Nicholas. It is on this date that Per Noel - the French Santa Claus - gives gifts to obedient children. He wears wooden shoes, moves on a donkey, carries presents in a basket behind his back, and leaves them after entering the house through the chimney. According to European tradition, all gifts are placed in shoes, which the children place in advance next to the fireplace.

New Year in Paris is celebrated in a special way. The table must be richly stocked with smoked hams, salads, pastries, sweets and wine. Moreover, in different provinces of the French state, the main holiday dish different: the Burgundians prefer turkey with chestnuts, the population of Brittany - buckwheat cakes with sour cream, and the inhabitants of the northeast always serve goose as the main dish. But the French do not have a Christmas tree - instead, they decorate the doors of their houses with mistletoe branches.

Germany: we are waiting for Weinachtsman!

New Year in Germany is always celebrated with noise and fun. Moreover, no one sits at home - young people walk around the city, and older people go out to restaurants. The traditional dish for this holiday is baked carp, however, the Germans are very fond of modern dishes. The celebration itself is called "Sylvester" - in honor of the clergyman who died on December 31, 335. Santa Claus brings gifts to children, and the children of Berlin, Cologne, Munich receive presents from the Christmas man Weinakhtsman - he is wearing an inside-out fur coat, and in his hands is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Weinakhtsman's companion is the blond Kristkind, who looks like the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids improve and read poetry to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is held by analogy with most other countries.

UK: real English stiffness

In the United Kingdom, as in many European countries, the first and main holiday- Christmas, and only then New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large New Year tree is placed on Trafalgar Square, which is brought from Norway. There is also a New Year's parade - the most massive folk procession. The traditions of the New Year in England involve the festive decoration of houses. Gifts for children are presented by Santa Claus, dressed in red clothes. It should be noted that the British are one of the few who continue to give each other New Year's cards and simple souvenirs. An interesting local custom is to let the New Year into the house - this is done at twelve o'clock at night, when the chimes strike. It is believed that you need to open the doors and thereby move from the old frontier to the new.

Spain: Santa Claus with a flask of wine

As already mentioned, the New Year in different countries of the world has its own traditions. The Spaniards, like the British, observe all sorts of customs associated with Christmas, and New Year's Eve is an occasion to just take a walk on the street and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes strike twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of desires. Since the country is closely connected with viticulture, the New Year in Spain is also celebrated with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promises money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the "Holy Twelve Days". As for Santa Claus, he is also in this warm country, they only call him Olentzero. He wears national simple clothes and always takes with him a flask of good Spanish wine.

Czech Republic: a rich table

On January 1, this country celebrates the Day of Czech Statehood, and the night from December 31 to January 1, the Czechs, like the Germans, call "Sylvester" - in honor of the saint, whom we have already mentioned. New Year in Prague is celebrated on a grand scale, but the locals do not walk until the morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course, vintage new year customs already forgotten here, but a number national traditions yet there is. For example, it is customary to gather at a huge table with the whole family, while the table should be very rich. The most surprising thing is that lentils or soup with small cereals must be present on it - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It is worth coming to the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic to relax in the mountains and spend the beginning of the year as actively as possible.

Ukraine: first there was Karachun...

In this fraternal state, the New Year is celebrated in the same way as in our country. True, back in the days of Ancient Rus', Ukrainians called this celebration “Karachun”. One of the main traditions that has remained in some cities to this day is sowing on the first day of the new year. The ritual assumed that the children would sow for the future harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to divination. But the modern New Year in Ukraine is held in European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.

Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you

This country is already interesting because Santa Claus has his own residence here. The fabulous estate is located in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha itself, and therefore now you can easily get to visit it. Residents of the country are always welcomed by Zyuzya - this is the Belarusian Santa Claus, who is famous for his hospitality. New Year in Belarus is simply not possible without this fairy-tale character, personifying the cold. He treats all his guests with delicious herbal tea from a samovar and pancakes. On this holiday, it is customary in the country to dress up in interesting costumes, put on makeup and walk the streets in this form. The New Year in Belarus is not complete without festive festivities.

Finland: birthplace of Joulupukki

Finland - Wonderland, here they believe in fairy tales and miracles. Probably, this is also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, so many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns love to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thus see off the old year. New Year in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.

What else attracts tourists in this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. On festivities a huge number of people come to Lapland to see the real Finnish grandfather Frost, dance with him and ride reindeer. Another interesting event, which takes place in Suomi in holidays, is a festival of snow and ice. It has been held for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.

New Year's Eve in Finland also involves a plentiful table, and the dishes on it are the simplest: potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread are must-have dishes.

Türkiye: New Year in Pajamas and Slippers

It must be said right away that in this country the New Year is not the brightest and main holiday of the year. Elderly people don't consider it at all significant event Therefore, they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating a Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place at the TV, as the Turks themselves say, in pajamas and slippers.

The New Year in Turkey is notable, perhaps, only for the obligatory participation of almost every family in the Milli Piyango New Year's lottery. The main prize, by the way, is a rather impressive amount of money. Nevertheless, there is Santa Claus in the country, and his name is Noel Baba. He also brings gifts to the children, but this is not so common among the locals. As for the youth, like in many countries of the world, they like to take to the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in the country's hotels that receive tourists throughout the year, festivities are organized for vacationers.

Karelia: ride Malamute and Husky

Karelia is the northern part of Russia, so the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, there are also distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times, the Karelians called the holiday "Syundum", and it lasted from Christmas until the very Epiphany. And the most magical was the first day of the new year: no things could be taken out of the house. It was also believed that the arrival of a man, especially a bearded one, would bring prosperity to the family, but women were afraid of the visit - he promised misfortune. New Year in Karelia implies great attention to the table: it should literally burst with delicious dishes. A required attribute- yarn pies that are stuffed with oatmeal or sugar and are used for divination.

Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid to eco-tourism. And beautiful landscapes, even winter ones, are worth seeing. Now a new direction is actively developing - dog sledding. To do this, you can go to the largest nursery in Russia - to the village of Kudama. Here you will be offered to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to touch the beauty and picturesque nature, visit local nature reserves and world-famous islands, including Valaam.

India: instead of a Christmas tree - flowers and candles

This country is distinguished by rich traditions and customs, and in each area of ​​rather big India, the New Year is celebrated in different ways. Unlike us, Indians do not put a Christmas tree in their house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, candles. Agree, it doesn’t look like Russian realities at all? The New Year itself in India is called Vishu, it is celebrated in the sign of Aries - from the end of March to April. It is noteworthy, but the celebration is rather family and even personal, so no public actions take place. True, it cannot do without traditional dances and performances.

The first day of the year is called the Cow Festival in some regions. This day is dedicated to honoring these domestic animals. On the eve of the celebration, delicacies are prepared for them. The next day is the honoring of relatives and friends, and on the third day, religious practices are held. New Year in India can be celebrated on different time. For example, Gujaratis celebrate it in autumn - in October, while all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy, but, unlike the Europeans, the inhabitants of India not only congratulate each other on the holiday, but also thank the gods for giving them the opportunity to live another year.

Thailand: Fabulous Songkran

This is another magical country that does not fit in our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, the New Year in Thailand is still celebrated on April 13th. This date was not chosen by chance. There is a legend in the country about a boy who understood the language of animals and birds. And this skill of his did not give rest to the God of fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he does not answer three questions in a week, he will be beheaded, and if he answers correctly, God himself will lose his head. In the end, the boy could not find the answers until the eagle helped him. The god of fire had to lose his head - her child put it in a bag and hid it in a cave. Now, on the first day of the year, the daughters of God carry out a basket with a head as a symbol of worship to their father.

National New Year in Thailand is called "Songkran". It is celebrated for several days - from 13 to 15 April. The essence of the Thai calendar is in twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of features. Accordingly, every year will correspond to these features. During the holiday, Thais, and especially local children, go out into the street with buckets of water and water passers-by - this is how they congratulate everyone on the New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things, it brings grace to everyone it comes across. And in Changmai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is immediately used, pouring water on those around from the moat in the city center. Historically, Songkgran is a holiday of love, respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their families. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with delicious dishes, fruits or a new cassock - this symbolizes the veneration of the clergy. Each visitor to the temple takes away a handful of sand from the territory. At home, a ritual of washing the Buddha is necessarily performed - his statue is poured with water with rose petals, jasmine, and each member of the family does this.

New Year in different countries of the world is a special holiday. It is popular among Thais to tie strings on the wrist of their guests - they symbolize happiness.

Egypt: when the Nile floods...

In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are holidays, sometimes even public holidays. The same cannot be said for Egypt. In ancient times, the beginning of the new year in this country did not fall in winter and was generally calculated based on the flood of the Nile. The first season of the year came after the ascension of the sacred star for the Egyptians Sirius. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by the desert, was a real sacred period.

The New Year in Egypt today is in many ways similar to our perception of this holiday. Accustomed to tourists from all over the world, local residents even decorate their homes, shops New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, it looks very unusual, given that it's hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put a thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend long holidays with benefit, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the Red Sea.

The most unusual traditions

• In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone is in a hurry to buy dogwood sticks - Bulgarians will hit their guests and relatives with them to wish them happiness.
• In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secret - this can be an almond or other nut. If he gets caught unmarried girl, she will get married, and the rest will just be happy.
• New Year in different countries of the world is most often a bright event with its own characteristics. For example, the Chinese decorate the Trees of Light with lanterns, flowers, garlands. And the Chinese Grandfather Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hung on the walls.

• The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of cake, a glass of wine and coal and go to friends or relatives. Thus, in their opinion, they will supply their friends with food, drink and warmth for the whole next year.
• On the eve of the festival, the Swedes give each other homemade candles - they play an important role, because in the dead of winter in Sweden it gets dark early, and one cannot do without light.
• In Greece, at exactly twelve o'clock at night, the head of the family must go out into the yard and smash the pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its grains scatter around the yard, the family will live this year happily.
• New Year in Ukraine, as we have already mentioned above, is accompanied by fortune-telling and dancing, and in Norway at this time, children are waiting for gifts from ... a goat. And this is no coincidence: in the Scandinavian state, the goat occupies a privileged position. According to legend, King Olaf II of Norway saved a wounded animal by lifting it off a cliff. The goat was cured, and as a sign of gratitude to her savior, she brought him medicinal plants.
• In Hungary, New Year's Eve is accompanied by a whistle, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. With this action, the Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
• In Japan, 108 tolls of the bell announce the beginning of the New Year. According to legend, each blow is the expulsion of one of the human vices with eighteen shades. In the first seconds of the new year, you should definitely laugh - this brings good luck, according to local residents. And in order for happiness to enter the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, Japanese grandfather Frost is called Segatsu-san (Mr. New Year). And the rake is considered the most popular accessory - the Japanese plan to rake happiness with it every year.

Finally

The New Year is a magical holiday, because it is no coincidence that many people believe that it will certainly bring new happiness with it. And the traditions of various countries say that local residents expect more from this celebration than just a festive mood.

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 for 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.

Italy. On New Year's Eve, irons and old chairs fly out of the windows.

In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to popular beliefs, on this night, the good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broomstick. She opens the door with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills children's stockings, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts. For those who studied poorly or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.

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 fulfill it with their 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," the Italians say, "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 personal life, then the linen should be red.

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

In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the queen of light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, a crown with lit candles is put on her 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

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.

Police in South Africa have already closed the Hillbrow area to traffic and appealed to those living in the area with a request not to throw refrigerators out of windows on 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 people not to throw things like refrigerators out of windows and not to fire guns into the air," South African police spokesman Krybn Nedu said.

On New Year's Eve, this quarter will be patrolled by about 100 police officers.

England. To be together for a 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. The first New Year's 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 magical 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.

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 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. This tradition is called first footing.

Special traditional dishes are prepared for the New Year: oatmeal cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, are usually served for breakfast, boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough for lunch.

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 of a 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.

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. At the 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 the moon is full, the 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 the New Year's 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

In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, overcoming long way 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.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey

In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Eve. 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 his donkey.

Cuba. Water is poured out of the windows

Children's New Year's celebration in Cuba it 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

In Burma, the New Year falls between April 12 and 17. The Ministry of Culture informs about the exact day of the celebration by a special order, and the holiday lasts three days.

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 of fairy-tale heroes adorn 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, or rather the front door, with 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. Favorite New Year's entertainment girls - a game of shuttlecock, and the boys on the days of the holiday launch a traditional kite.

The most popular New Year's accessory is a 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 in front of the house, to which pine branches are tied. More wealthy people buy a dwarf pine, a bamboo sprout and a small plum or peach tree.

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 the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering 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.

As noted main night years in different countries? What traditions are followed by people living on different continents? Where is the new year not in winter? In this article, we have collected the brightest facts about the favorite holiday of millions of people.

Finland

On New Year's Eve, Finns tell fortunes on wax, and many dishes and drinks are put on the festive table. The most desired treat for northerners is sweet rice porridge and plum jelly.

Finnish Santa Claus is called Joulupukki. This name is translated as "Christmas goat", so good grandfather named for the fact that he rides a goat-drawn wagon. The old man hears well, so it is better for him to talk about his desires in a whisper so that the evil spirit does not find out about them.

Sweden

On New Year's Eve, Swedish children hold an election for Lucia, the Queen of Light. The girl assigned to this post puts on a dress white color and a crown on which lighted candles are fixed. Lucia treats pets with treats and gives gifts to children. The festival of light is accompanied by bright lights lit on the streets, as well as in houses.

Hungary

At the crucial moment of the arrival of the New Year, the inhabitants of Hungary take out horns, pipes, whistles from the bins and whistle with all their might. In this way, they cleanse the house of evil spirits and free up space for well-being and joy.

Hungarian New Year's dishes include peas, beans, nuts, apples, honey and garlic.

France

On the eve of December 31, the French decorate the house with figures made of wood and clay. Santa Claus in France responds to the name Per Noel and puts presents in children's shoes. The king of New Year's Eve is a child who receives a festive cake with a baked bean inside.

Spain

Each Spaniard eats a dozen grapes to the sound of local chimes - this ritual will give good luck for the whole next year. Spanish stores even sell jars of seedless and skinless grapes. Another interesting point: the New Year should be celebrated in red underwear in order not to experience material problems over the next 12 months. The tradition applies to both men and women.

Italy

Many people know that on New Year's Eve, Italians get rid of old things by throwing them right out the windows, according to medieval traditions. This custom is not observed in all large cities, it is mainly alive in the countryside. On January 1, the inhabitants of Italy go for running water and carry it home, trying to meet a hunched over old man. This is believed to bring good luck, unlike running into children or monks.

Instead of Santa Claus, gifts in the country are distributed by Fairy Befana flying on a broomstick. However, there is also a magic grandfather in Italy, his name is Babbo Natale.

At the festival, the inhabitants of the Apennines eat lentils, nuts and grapes, which are symbols of health, prosperity and for long years life.

South Africa

As in Italy, in South Africa they get rid of old things by throwing them right out the window. True, in last years the authorities are seeking to ban this tradition for security reasons.

Nepal

Nepalese do not throw things away, but immediately burn them in the fire of New Year's bonfires. When the morning comes, the people of Nepal decorate themselves with patterns and begin to dance and sing, celebrating the festival of colors.

England

The British celebrate the New Year peacefully and at the same time in a variety of ways: they play scenes from fairy tales, arrange a carnival and street fairs. For gifts, children prepare not a stocking, as in a number of countries, but a plate that they put on the table. A little before midnight, the silence is broken by the ringing of a bell, which signals the onset of the New Year. At the same time, lovers kiss under the mistletoe branch - it is believed that this romantic ritual saves the couple from parting for the next 12 months.

On the classic holiday table the British have turkey with potatoes, chestnuts, sauce, pastries with meat filling and stewed Brussels sprouts. For dessert, fruit is served, as well as pudding.

Germany

The German Santa Claus, like the English one, puts gifts on a plate for children, but travels on a donkey. Adults have fun with lead divination, board games and fireworks.

The Germans hardly cook for winter holiday hearty meals are limited to snacks such as raclette and fondue. Fish dishes and donuts are popular.

Scotland

Scottish New Year is called Hogmany and takes place in the format of a fire festival. Its participants burn barrels filled with tar and symbolize the old year. It is also a tribute to ancient traditions, according to which the flame protected from evil forces and, thrown into the water, provided people with the support of water spirits.

The most welcome first guest on January 1 in a Scottish house is a brunette who does not cross the threshold empty-handed. A man with dark hair, according to local beliefs, brings good luck. Guests coming to the feast should bring coal with them, which they will later throw into the fireplace for good luck.

On the New Year's table in Scotland, oatmeal, cheese and pudding are served in the morning, beefsteak, goose, apples in dough or a pie in the afternoon.

Japan

New Year in the Land of the Rising Sun is celebrated in new clothes in order to protect themselves from diseases and, in general, to become a favorite of Fortune. The Christmas tree is a small mochibana tree. Pine branches decorate the doors. Bamboo sprouts and branches, peach and plum mini-trees are also welcome. On New Year's Eve, every Japanese dreams of hearing 108 bells in order to become better and get rid of negativity.

Health and well-being in the family are symbolized by dishes such as rice, noodles, beans and carp.

Vietnam

For the Vietnamese, the New Year begins between January 21 and February 19. They decorate the rake, which symbolizes the ability to get money and happiness. The local Santa Claus - Tao Kuen - is considered capable of flying across the sky, riding a carp, and becoming a dragon. For a magical spirit to fulfill a wish, you should tell a real carp about it and release it into a pond. The wonderful fish will certainly convey these words to God. In the New Year, it is also customary to exchange good wishes written in black and red, decorate the house with peach blossom branches and blow up homemade firecrackers.

The main Vietnamese New Year's dishes are made from rice.

Ecuador, Peru

In large cities of these countries, rituals are held on New Year's Eve, people communicate with shamans and try to see the future with their help. Divination by egg and beer remains popular.

Signs are also widespread. To attract good luck, Peruvians and Ecuadorians decorate a beautiful young woman with fruits. Happiness also helps to attract the clothes of an optimistic yellow color and love is red. Ecuadorians who dream of spending a year traveling must run around the house several times during the chiming clock with a suitcase in hand. And in order to get rid of last year's negativity, it is recommended to throw a glass filled with water out of the window. With it, everything evil that is present in human life will be destroyed.

Colombia

A character called the Old Year is hailed as the protagonist of the Colombian carnival. He walks on stilts and entertains children with funny stories. The local Santa Claus, who is called Papa Pasquale, is in charge of the fireworks. Before the New Year, they organize a parade of dolls.

Brazil

The New Year here is based on the celebration of the day of the water goddess Imanji, the patroness of sailors. They bring gifts to her in the form of candles and flowers, which are sent by swimming, and make wishes. On New Year's Eve in Brazil, the chimes are not beaten - the second left until midnight is counted out loud. Of the gifts, mostly souvenirs are given, since the main presents are handed over at Christmas. On a festive night, dressed in white (in small towns - in blue) people fraternize, forgive each other and watch the light show in Copacabana and fireworks in the place di Freitas together. After the New Year, the carnival begins.

USA, Miami

The most noisy and fun events in the New Year unfold on Ocean Drive - the central one in Miami Beach. Here, not only unusual dances and outfits are prohibited, on the contrary, they are welcome. Performances by musicians and artists take place near a Christmas tree hung with toys and garlands. Another option to celebrate the holiday is to go to a cafe or restaurant where stars perform, often world-class. Wealthy tourists go on a New Year's Eve cruise on a yacht and watch the fireworks from the deck of this luxurious ship.

Australia

In the country of kangaroos, the New Year is celebrated not in winter, but in summer. The celebrations take on the most serious scale in big cities, where diverse creative teams perform in the open air. One of the largest fireworks on the planet is launched into the sky at Sydney Harbor. The splendor of the fireworks is very pleasant to evaluate from the tower of the city of Sydney, tickets are sold there in advance. Tasmania and Victoria host The Falls Festival, which is especially popular with young people. In all states, Australians congratulate each other on the New Year loudly and noisily. On January 1, they go to the beach, where they enjoy surfing, dancing and organizing picnics. The parties continue for 5 more days.

Panama

Residents of Panama try to be as noisy as possible on the holiday in order to enlist the support of the forces of good.

Burma

Burmese celebrate the New Year in the middle of spring, 3 days are allotted for the holiday. To appease the gods, tug-of-war competitions are held in Burma.

China

On New Year's Day, Chinese people bathe the Buddha in temples and practice dousing when they hear good wishes to your address.

Israel

For the Israelis, the New Year comes in September. Before the holiday, they eat pomegranate, honey, apples and fish and pray. Particularly important appeals to God are announced next to the reservoirs.

Perhaps you will use some of these ideas when celebrating next New Year. Happy holidays to you!