New Year's customs and superstitions of different countries. Interesting New Year's traditions of different countries and peoples of the world

As you know, every country and every nation has its own national traditions, related, among other things, to the celebration of 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 - holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from last day year on 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 around the house with a suitcase or a large bag in hand (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 find great 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.

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 is a real celebration of light.

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 for a whole year, lovers must kiss

In England, it is customary on New Year's Eve to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales. 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 greeting cards for the New Year. 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 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 a past life to a 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 on lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when the early spring. 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 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 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 Christmas 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.

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, the Hungarians do not forget about magical power New Year's dishes: beans and grogh 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 it rains on the earth, 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, 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. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is a game of 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 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 furry 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 pure water from mountain springs. And the people themselves are poured with water at the moment when others say in their address new year wishes happiness. 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. Lunar New Year is also the longest holiday in South Korea. Festivals and festivities continue for 15 days.

home Korean new year tradition - festive dinner, which is usually held in the family circle. 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, by 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 Malaysia, the New Year is not an official holiday, but due to the significant strengthening of the state's foreign policy position and the expansion of its political and economic ties with Europe, most Malaysians readily adopt European traditions for 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

In Russia, the New Year is associated with a fluffy, smelling of pine needles, a sparkling Christmas tree, with white, white snow, frost, after which you want to find yourself in a warm...

In Japan, exactly at midnight, the bells in the temples beat off 108 fights. People believe that a person has six vices: stupidity, greed, anger, indecision, frivolity and greed. Each of these vices is divided into eighteen shades. At each stroke of the bell, a person is cleansed of vices. When the last blow of the bell sounds, you need to go outside and celebrate the New Year with family and friends. With the appearance of the first rays of the sun, people congratulate each other on the New Year, give gifts to loved ones, have fun. This lasts all day until dusk. And in the evening they celebrate with the family.

But in Vietnam, this holiday is usually celebrated at night, after dusk. People kindle fires. In parks, on the streets, several families gather around fires. Usually different delicacies are prepared from rice right on the coals, treating each other, they forgive old grievances, forget quarrels. It is customary for them to celebrate the New Year with their families.

New Year in China until recently was considered a holiday for the poor. Any man could enter any house and take what he desired. If the owner of the house refuses this, then the neighbors could turn away from him with contempt. The inhabitants of China with the light of lanterns saw off the cold and winter bad weather and met the warmth and spring awakening of nature. So they called this holiday - the festival of lanterns. Lanterns are made in the most intricate shapes and colors. The symbol of the year influences the design of the lanterns.

In Korea, young women and girls' favorite pastime on New Year's Eve is board jumping. This is done as follows: the board is placed on a mat in the form of a roller. One of the women jumps onto one end of the board, while the woman standing on the other end of the board flies up; when falling on the end of the board, the second - the first woman takes off into the air. It turns out a beautiful sight of beautifully dressed women floating in the air.

In Mongolia, the more guests come to your table on this festive night, the happier this year will be for you.

In India, according to customs, one cannot be grouchy, dissatisfied on the first day of this holiday. Otherwise, it will be like this for you all year. During the day, people compete in archery. It is customary to fly kites.

New Year in Burma is celebrated in mid-April. This is one of the hottest months of the year. Cars with tanks and barrels filled with water rush along the roads, from which young people pour water on passers-by. Cows and other animals are usually released into the wild.

In Africa, villagers perform ritual dances, races with chicken egg in the mouth. The winner is the one who ran first without breaking the egg.

But in Cuba, glasses, glasses, wine glasses are filled with water the day before the New Year. Exactly at midnight, when the clock strikes 12 o'clock, this water is thrown out into the street through open window. This means that the year went well and the New Year will also be prosperous.

In Germany, at midnight on New Year's Eve, people climb various objects and when the chimes strike, they "jump" off them together on New Year's Eve.

In Hungary, the people believe that the shrill and unpleasant sounds of children's pipes, whistles and other musical instruments on New Year's days they scare away and drive away evil spirits from dwellings.

In Scotland, the whole family sits silently by the fireplace and looks at the flame of fire, which symbolically burns the hardships of the outgoing year, foreseeing the future. When the clock strikes twelve, they open the door wide open, believing that the Old Year comes out through it, and the New Year enters.

In Italy, on New Year's Eve, kids carefully watch the chimney through which a sorceress named Befan must enter the house. This sorceress leaves desired gifts in the shoes of children. The old custom of throwing old things and furniture out of the windows has been preserved.

In France in the south, in the villages, the woman who first draws water from the stream must leave a bun or a pie. The one following her, collecting water, leaves her treat and takes away the treats of the previous hostess.

In Moldova, it is customary to "sow", coming to visit someone. Wheat, corn and other grains are scattered around the house so that the New Year is fruitful and prosperous.

In Greece, when you come to visit, you must have a stone with you, which is thrown at the doorstep with the wishes that wealth be as heavy as a stone.

In Latvia, when celebrating the New Year, you definitely need to eat a pea.

Let's talk about New Year's rituals and traditions in different countries of the world. Perhaps some of them can be applied by us to attract good luck in the new year.

Belarusians. Pancakes are baked and put on the New Year's table. The meaning of the rite: pancakes represent the Sun and full moon. Both symbols attract fertility to the house. On January 1, Belarusians also put pancakes in the yard and invite Ivan to try them. Ivan is a kind of magical character, obviously, the spirit of fertility. The consequence of the ritual "call Ivan for pancakes" is usually a streak of luck. Researchers of folklore and mythology see in him Ivan Kupala, the lord of forces summer solstice.

Russians. Cookies are baked before the New Year in the form of domestic animals, most of all a bull and a cow. All New Year's holidays to treat guests with these cookies - to prosperity.

Ukrainians. For the same purpose, they cook kutya - porridge from whole grains with honey and treat guests, as well as home spirits.

Austrians they try to meet a chimney sweep on New Year's days and get dirty with soot from him. This achieves contact with the forces of the Earth (pipe, well - a symbol of such contact) - and, as they say, brings unprecedented happiness, which is why conspiracies are often read over the fireplace.

Bulgarians on New Year's Eve, they acquire dogwood sticks - such sticks are considered a connection with ancestors and drive away unfavorable spirits. On the first of January, they congratulate each other by lightly hitting the congratulators with chopsticks.

Brazilian women on New Year's Eve dressed in beautiful dresses, lower flowers, fruits and candles into the ocean. These are donations to the Goddess of Water to receive happiness and good luck in the new year.

English decorate the house with mistletoe. This - ancient tradition druids. Mistletoe lives between heaven and earth, and therefore has the power of the Sun. The sun drives away harmful spirits.

Vietnamese light fires in exotic places and cook the most delicious dishes. Gods, spirits and relatives are treated to dishes. On New Year's Eve, they release live carps into water bodies. 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.

Dutch on New Year's Eve prepare a treat for White Horse(also a symbol of the Sun and contact between the worlds) from hay and carrots so that the horse brings good luck.

A Greeks scatter pomegranate seeds for the spirits in the garden.

Indonesians Bali islands erect two-meter columns of dyed rice. The columns are for the gods. At the end of the festivities, the columns are taken to their homes. Rice is eaten by people - after all, this is already prasad, New Year's communion.

Inhabitants India they decorate houses and temples with flowers, candles in which ghee burns, and fabrics (mostly orange - the sacred color of the brahmins' attire, as well as the navel chakra, which is responsible for good luck in the material world).

Slovaks dress up in the costumes of Veles and the Night Fairy and give each other gifts.

Spaniards January is celebrated with the Feast of the Three Kings. These are the three Magi who came to the baby after the star. In honor of the Kings, they set the table, call them by their names (Caspar, Melchior, Balthazar) and ask for good luck. Spanish magicians also practice the magic invocations of the Three Kings these days.

Kenyans The New Year is spent on the water - they bathe in rivers, lakes, the ocean, ride boats. They believe that flowing water prevents evil spirits from harming them and ruining a good year.

Chinese they use flashlights to light their way to happiness, firecrackers and firecrackers - to destroy obstacles in the way.

Most interesting to the rite Colombians. They make puppets from dry grass, representing everything old and obsolete. And they fill them with gunpowder. After the clock strikes, the dolls are blown up to blow up the unnecessary.

Cubans fill glasses with water and, during the chiming of the clock, throw water out into the street, creating spirits new year luck waterways to your home.

Peruvians walk around their homes with suitcases to evoke good travels in the new year.

A Scots identify the old with a barrel filled with resin. She is rolled through the streets and then burned.

Ecuadorians for this, a straw effigy is used, which is burned on New Year's Eve.

And here Japanese The bell is rung 108 times and then fruit is offered to the gods, spirits and ancestors.

And yet there is something in common in the New Year traditions of different countries, so to speak, of all peoples of the world.

An opulent table for gods, spirits, ancestors and humans. A treat to supernatural forces and their invitation to a feast. Laughter, sneezing, smiles at the New Year's table - good luck. The symbols of what they want to get rid of are destroyed (burned, eaten or thrown away). Once again he says that the ritual and esoteric component of all peoples and cultures on the planet is the same.

And watch "Enjoy Your Bath".

But in many countries the celebration is quite different. We have collected the most unusual new year traditions different countries, so that on the eve of the holiday you will be even more imbued with the spirit of the New Year!

Traditions of European countries

European options for celebrating the New Year are similar to the Slavic ones, but Christmas (December 25 according to Catholic custom) is a more significant holiday for them. However, this does not prevent the existence interesting customs accompanying his meeting in various countries.

Latvia

If the weather favors, unusual competitions are held in Jurmala on the first night of the year:

• to ride the biggest snowball;
• on the accuracy of throwing snowballs;
• snow battles;
• sled racing.

Among all this fun, you can choose products for memory self made from local artisans: straw and wooden figurines, masks, as well as a delicious meal of national first, second courses and pastries prepared by professional chefs.

Norway

On the eve of the holiday, Norwegians visit the temple to receive blessings to enter the new year. It is not customary to congratulate with gifts on this holiday, with the exception of a box of matches, as a symbol of warmth and prosperity. Children expect gifts from a goat. To lure her, the babies' Christmas socks and boots are filled with hay for the animal to eat. And in the morning, instead of goat food, there are sweets for children.

Residents of the country are limited to a traditional dinner in the family circle.

Finland

Features of the holiday in Finland in general terms look like this:

• unlike most countries of the world, in Finland, the population listens to the New Year's address not from the president, but from the mayor of the capital;
• even in the country they do not sell fireworks and crackers to persons under the age of 18 and adults who do not have a special permit;
• the country is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus and on the first of January of each year you can meet adults who, in all seriousness, talk about how they saw him at night;
• on the New Year's table, the Finns have a candle, washed and peeled turnips, often grown by the head of the family, serve as a candlestick for it;
• the population of the country says goodbye to all the negativity of the outgoing year, setting fire to barrels of tar;
• during new year holidays the world-famous festival of snow and ice sculptures is held.

Denmark

The Danes are lucky to have not one, but two Santa Clauses - the old big Julemanden and the young little Julenissa.

Mandatory dish New Year's table- a large bowl of rice porridge with a secret - almond or any other nut. Whoever gets it will certainly be happy next year.

In Denmark, interesting and unusual New Year's way save coniferous trees, it would not hurt to borrow it for us. Foresters process spruce special means, which in warm living conditions begins to smell very unpleasant and sharp. Therefore, no one cuts live Christmas trees there.

Albania

It is customary for Albanians to burn a tree generously sprinkled with herbs on New Year's Eve. They bring it to every house about a week before the holiday. The more equal and prettier tree so much the better according to their beliefs. The ritual is carried out with the aim of expelling negativity and calling well-being into the house.

Greece

Unusual traditions of this country are associated with plants:

• On December 31, it is customary for the Greeks to put the root of the sea onion outside the threshold of the house. The next morning, his mother takes him out of there and hits all the sleeping members of the family with him;
• a few minutes before the arrival of the New Year all Greek family goes out into the yard and waits for midnight. With its onset, relatives congratulate each other, and the most successful of them smashes grenades on the threshold of the house, and only after that everyone enters the house, always on the right foot.

Italy

Everyone knows that on New Year's Eve it is customary for Italians to throw everything unnecessary out of windows and balconies, including furniture. In reality, this is a myth to attract tourists. But what is actually noticeable about their celebrations:

• costumes: on New Year's Eve, all the inhabitants of the country are dressed in the colors of Santa's costume. Every Italian wears something red - whether it's socks, underwear, or the entire look;
• eating raisins: the Italians have unusual tradition eat as many dried grapes as possible straight from the bunches. They believe that this ritual will bring them wealth in the coming year because raisins are associated with coins.

Austria

Austrians refer to December 31st as Saint Sylvester's Day or Old Year's Day. People dressed as Perchten walk the streets, a mythical character that looks more like a devil. They ring the bell, thereby announcing the departure of the current year. On the first day of January, the Austrians begin the carnival season, which continues until Lent.

Germany

In general, the celebration of the New Year in Germany is similar to ours. But they have one amusing and cheerful tradition: to jump on chairs with their feet as soon as the chimes start to beat and jump off with joyful cries and congratulations with the last knock. This is what Germans of all ages do.

Netherlands

The only time of the year when fireworks are allowed in Holland is from 10 am December 31 to 2 am January 1. In addition to their streets, bonfires are lit, in which Christmas trees serve as firewood. So quickly the Dutch part not only with Christmas trees - it is customary to give gifts on the fifth of December, often you need to go through a whole quest to receive them.


It is customary to give bulbs of rare varieties of tulips in beautiful pots or cups, shortbread cookies with spices, waffles in the form of Christmas wreaths, chocolate letters and souvenirs. Usually, in order to receive your gift, you must follow the instructions left in the notes throughout the house or workplace. A surprise can be hidden in the basement, somewhere on the street or in the yard, and sometimes very close in a boot or stocking, but before you find it, you need to play the role of a detective. Also, in order to receive a gift, you may need to complete several playful and fun tasks- sing, dance, recite a verse, shout a phrase in a crowded place. IN large families exchange ritual holiday souvenirs can last all day. Especially this tradition is loved by all Dutch children.

Sinterclass appears in the country in an interesting and unusual way - it sails by sea on a brightly decorated ship in mid-November. He is met by half of the capital, headed by the mayor.

American traditions

America is a country with a very diverse mentality and customs. Each nationality has its own zest in the celebration of the new year, we will talk about the most interesting ones.

Celebration in the USA

The New Year's symbol of Americans is a baby (Baby) in a diaper, which, according to their beliefs, grows and ages in a year, transferring its powers to the next baby every December 31st.


A spectacle that attracts more than a billion viewers from all over the world is the fall of a huge colored ball during the last minute of the outgoing year from a 23-meter height in Times Square. The tradition has been going on since 1907.

Each state interprets it in its own way and in different corners countries on New Year's Eve, giant peaches (Georgia), acorns (North Carolina), ping-pong balls (Pennsylvania) descend to the ground.

Canada

Oddly enough, Canadians are close to us in the tradition of swimming in the ice-hole in winter. But they do this not at Water Baptism, but on December 31st. They call this ritual "bathing polar bear and those who perform the ritual will have a healthy year ahead.

Even in Canada, it is not customary to give expensive gifts for the New Year, Canadians are limited to small souvenirs for friends and relatives.

In addition, the inhabitants of the country eat pea soup the day before. They jokingly claim that the scented "musicality" it evokes scares away evil spirits on a festive night. This is the custom of Canadians of French origin, who inhabit the largest province of the country - Quebec. The soup should be thick, and yellow peas are chosen for it.

Argentina

On the eve of the New Year in Argentina, it is customary to throw out of the window irrelevant papers: old calendars, statements, documents that lose their validity in a matter of hours. By noon on December 31, the sidewalks of the country are thickly covered with papers. Where and how the tradition originated is unknown.

There is a story about how temperamental Argentines once went too far. The employees of one of the country's newspapers tried so hard to clear their offices of old papers that they threw the entire archive out of the windows.

Brazil

For a Russian person, the New Year is associated with a frosty winter with snow slides and cold. In Brazil, this holiday takes place when the weather is hot and sunny. Every inhabitant of the country on this day brings gifts to the goddess Imanji, who is identified with the Christian Virgin Mary: snow-white flowers and small candles. They are allowed into the sea: flowers are simply thrown, and lit candles on flat wooden boards are carefully placed on the water. The sight is very beautiful. At the same time, the Mexicans are guessing cherished desire and they firmly believe that it will be fulfilled if the flowers float far away, and the candles do not die out for a long time. These rituals have African roots.


Another curious custom, similar to Italian - in last minute outgoing year to eat 12 grapes.

In Brazil, there is no chimes, the population, celebrating the New Year in the company of friends, counts the last seconds aloud and in unison.

Mexico

Mexicans celebrate the New Year for at least nine days. In this state, the holiday is associated with fun and carnivals, during which scenes from Bible stories are played out.

Like the people of Brazil, Mexicans eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve.

Here it is customary to break clay pots (pinatas) in the form of stars or animals, filled with sweets. Children love the lesson, although its meaning is adult - the dish symbolizes the sins that are forgiven before the New Year, and the gifts serve as payment for faith in God.

Peru

If in some countries on the eve of the New Year it is customary to get rid of old things, then in Peru people at this time shed negativity with the help of fights. On the streets of cities at the end of December, you can find men and women of all ages beating each other - from children to the elderly.


Peruvians who want to travel in the new year must jump out of their homes at 11:55 pm on December 31 with a huge suitcase and run around their entire block with it before midnight. Returning home, the breathless resident of the country, like his neighbors on the continent, eat grapes, but not 12, but 13 berries. They believe that it is the last grape that brings good luck in the new year.

The girls of Peru can still choose a couple on a festive night - they go out into the street with willow twigs and those guys whom they touch with them become their chosen ones.

The celebration in the country's squares is accompanied by the ritual burning of an effigy of the outgoing year. To make it more fun, firecrackers are stuffed into his clothes. Thus, in addition to the fire, fireworks are also obtained.

New Year traditions of Asian countries

The East is a delicate matter, as everyone knows. Unlike most countries of the world, almost all Asian states celebrate the New Year not only in winter with the whole world, but also in spring and autumn (Israel). Their traditions are diverse, original and very interesting.

Japan

The Japanese New Year is the same date as ours since 1873. It is not customary to use natural trees for interior decoration in the country, if this happens, then the plants are cut down in specially designated places.

The symbol of the New Year is a composition of bamboo, plum and pine, which symbolize health, help to parents and longevity, respectively. Such a “bouquet” is called kadomatsu and every house is decorated with it, both inside and outside. In the second case, they put two compositions and connect them with a straw ribbon.

Instead of chimes in this country, bells ring as many as 108 times, since the holiday is considered religious. On January 1, most Japanese people go to temples to light straw ropes from the sacred fire and bring them to own house for a fire - this symbolizes happiness in the coming year.

China

In the Land of the Rising Sun, the New Year is celebrated in late January - early February. The Chinese launch many lanterns into the sky to light the way for the New Year. Flappers and fireworks are used to strike fear into evil evil spirits and evil spirits.


During the celebration, Chinese people do not drink medicines and neglect herbal medicine, otherwise, they believe, the disease will not leave a person throughout the coming year.

It is customary for the Chinese to present sums of money with the first odd digit as gifts for the New Year, banknotes must be new and beautiful. Put them in traditional red ones.

Thailand

That's who was the most lucky with the New Year - it's the Thais: they meet it three times:

1. December 31 - January 1;
2. Together with the Chinese in late January - early February;
3. Your New Year, Songkran - April 13th.

The celebration in the spring is accompanied by the obligatory pouring of water, absolutely all the people on the streets of the country are wet and happy. In addition, on the same day, it is customary to smear each other with clay. It is forbidden to wipe and wash it off, you need to wait until it dries and falls off by itself.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese New Year is celebrated between January 20 and February 20 and is called Tet. On the day of the holiday and a few days after, not a single store is open in the country.

A peach or apricot branch, as well as a tangerine, often serve as a New Year's tree. All these plants bloom during this period.

On the first day of the new year, it is customary to get up early and immediately go to the temple. There, the monks give people money in red bags, this is considered a gift from the Buddha.

Israel

The Jews are no less lucky than the Thais, they celebrate the New Year three times:

1. With the whole world on December 31 - a holiday special attention almost do not pay, with the exception of Russian-speaking repatriates.
2. The New Year of the Trees is a floating date, falling in January. On this day, trees are planted and songs glorifying their fertility are sung.
3. The Jewish New Year is celebrated in September-October and is called Rosh Hashanah. It is customary to eat apples, honey and sweet cakes on this day so that the next year will be happy. Before the holiday, it is customary to audit all things in the house, followed by the elimination of unnecessary ones.

According to Judaism, it is during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in heaven that the fate of a person is recorded for the next year, so the traditional congratulation is literally translated as “good record”.

Cambodia

The New Year in Cambodia comes when the harvest season ends and the rainy season has not yet begun. It lasts three days, usually April 13-15. This is essentially the same Songkran as the Thais.

The holiday is inextricably linked with religion, so many residents of the country go to temples on the last day of the outgoing year. There they worship the Buddha, thank him for everything, donate money and burn aroma sticks. On this day, it is customary to wash the face in the morning, the torso in the afternoon, and the legs in the evening with sacred water.

On the second day of the New Year, it is customary to do charity work and, if possible, help all those in need.

On the third day, Cambodian Buddhists wash the Buddha sculptures with scented water.

Philippines

Residents of the Philippine Islands believe that all family members will remain alive in the new year if the whole family celebrates the holiday together.

They use circles as a symbol of good luck, so these figures are used in decorations and prints of clothes. On the festive table, there must certainly be 12 round-shaped fruits that will make every month of the year happy.

Another population of the Philippines is in a hurry to fill their wallets paper notes and coins to the dump before the New Year. This should bring them wealth and wealth. Some even, in order to succeed financially, put coins in a pot, walk around their own house and shake it, creating a ringing sound.

Filipino children are jumping up with all their might, believing that this will help them grow up faster.

In general, the celebration of the New Year in the country is very noisy, because the inhabitants believe that loud sounds scare away evil spirits.

New Year traditions of African countries

Africa is mysterious. This is a separate world with its own beliefs, rules and outlook on life. But the presence of many countries in the colonies of France and Spain left your mark - despite the frequent refusal of the population to accept traditions ruling country, African states nevertheless "Europeanized" in some issues.

Cameroon

In this country, on New Year's Eve, every adult who is congratulated by a child is obliged to give him a coin. Thus, the locals cajole the spirits. The children of Cameroon are happy to try to congratulate everyone, make noise and have fun, emptying the wallets and pockets of passers-by. Therefore, many adult residents even try not to leave the house on this day.

Nigeria

A feature of the traditions of Nigeria is that only men participate in festive New Year's parades and masquerades. Theatrical actions are played out, the essence of which is without fail is the victory of good over evil.

Burning torches in the hands of local residents serve as evidence of the onset of the new year. They are made by Nigerians with their own hands.

Ivory Coast

A very unusual and interesting tradition of celebrating the New Year in Côte d'Ivoire. Local residents are divided into 63 tribes, and in one of them it is customary to organize original competitions. Their essence is that the participants in the race run on all fours, carrying in their teeth a raw egg. It acts as a symbol of the birth of the coming year, and its shell reminds of the fragility of life in general.

New Year Traditions in Australia and Micronesia

During the celebration of the New Year in distant Australia there is no snow and frost, but, like all year round, there is a warm ocean. Therefore, Santa Claus appears from the water on a surfer in a surfer suit, the colors of which are identical to the classic Santa Claus. A must-have beard and a traditional hat, with an original look, complete with red beach trunks and a large bag of gifts. The spectacle is original, exotic and humorous - just like the Australian mentality in general.


On a festive night, it is customary to visit crowded open-air places where fireworks are fired. Most Australians go to bed at 00:10, immediately after the New Year's Eve - this is due to their national tradition of going to bed early. But young people can celebrate noisily until the morning.

micronesia

Among all the countries of the world, Micronesia is distinguished by its originality.

A mandatory event every year is the change of the name of every inhabitant of one of the Caroline Islands. The goal is to drive away evil spirits and evil spirits. The ritual goes like this: on the morning of January 1, family members cover their mouths with their hands and tell each other their new names. At the same time, they appoint a person responsible for protection from evil spirits, who, with all his might, will color the tambourine so that the noise will not let them hear new names. Having gone outside and met a neighbor, the inhabitants of this island squat down and tell each other their new names in a whisper.

Our planet is amazing with its diversity, and New Year traditions in different countries are a vivid proof of this. In addition to the above features of the holiday, each nationality is interesting for its cuisine and outfits. What customs do you like the most?

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 beautiful legend to attract tourists. And the New Year traditions in the country are completely different. 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 a rather 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.