The most interesting new year in the world. The most interesting New Year's traditions in the world. New Year's traditions of European countries

For some countries, the celebration of the New Year is not only drinking and feasting, but also a great occasion to scare naughty children and tickle the nerves of adults. Breaking dishes, parades of mummers, getting rid of old furniture, as well as fights to the point of losing consciousness - all this happens on the New Year and here in Russia, you think, and you will be right. But! In other countries, all this happens because it was done that way, and not because someone went too far with alcohol.

Bulgaria: procession of kukers

The procession of mummers is a pagan ritual that has survived to this day and is popular in Bulgaria. Men dress up in frightening masks, hang bells on their belts, put on goat furs turned inside out, and arrange a carnival procession with dancing. The purpose of kukers is to exorcise evil spirits, and usually such games take place on the New Year and Shrovetide.

Denmark: Jump into the New Year and Smash the Dishes

On the last day of December, the Danes love to have a lot of fun and fool around. And they also have an interesting New Year's tradition: with the chimes, you need to find where you are, the highest point available - a chair, sofa, table - climb on it and with the last blow literally "jump" into the new year. In addition, the New Year is a time to strengthen friendships, so all year round they collect old china plates and mugs to smash them on the porch of relatives or close friends on New Year's holiday. They say it brings good luck, and the more pieces on your porch, the better.

Italy: throw away everything old

In Italy, on December 31, it is customary to throw away old things. That is, while we in Russia are slicing Olivier for the "Irony of Fate", the Italians send clothes, dishes and even household appliances to the scrap! They believe that if you get rid of something old on New Year's Eve, then something new will certainly appear in the coming year. So that there is something to throw away in a year ... They do the same in Argentina. True, instead of unnecessary things, calendars, bills and other documents fly into the bin. Dangerous tradition. What if the payment didn't go through? How then can you prove housing and communal services that the apartment was paid for in June?!

Micronesia: choose a new name

In Micronesia - a state in the northwestern part of Oceania - on January 1 of each new year, they change their name! Yes Yes! Given name. Well, you know, to mislead evil spirits. Imagine: on January 2 you are walking barefoot and in a light dress, and a childhood friend is meeting you. What her name is is unknown. However, she is confused. You move closer and whisper softly into each other's ears how you should now be addressed.

And be sure to create some kind of noise at the same time: clap your hands, hit a tree with a stick. So that the evil spirits do not hear anything!

Cote d'Ivoire: run with an egg in your mouth

In the Republic of Cote d "Ivoire, they believe in eggs! An egg for the inhabitants of this country in West Africa is a symbol of life. If you philosophize, the shell shows how fragile our life is. It is not clear why they arrange races with such fragile eggs on New Year's Eve Get on all fours, put an egg in your mouth and run, you have to come to the finish line first without damaging this very symbol of life!

Peru: fight

In Côte d'Ivoire they run with an egg, and in Peru, in the village of Santo Tomas, they fight. So to speak, they relieve stress in order to enter the New Year kind, calm and balanced. Everyone can participate - there are no restrictions either by gender or by The Takanakuy Festival is an official event, neither prison nor fines threaten fighters.

Also in Peru on New Year's Eve you can meet girls with willow twigs. So they are looking for suitors - whoever is offered to grab the twig, he got it. True, girls rarely find a mate for themselves, because the hands of the grooms are busy that night! They carry a suitcase and believe that in the New Year they will definitely go on a big trip. Yes! This is also a tradition.

Chile: Celebrate in a Cemetery

The inhabitants of this country celebrate the New Year ... at the cemetery! In the circle of relatives. Both the living and the dead. And the atmosphere is festive: lanterns, music… Romance! This tradition began over a hundred years ago. Of course, there is a legend: some children decided to spend the New Year with their late father and on the evening of December 31 they came to his grave. Since then, the gates of Chilean cemeteries open on New Year's Eve. So that everyone can celebrate the year with those whom they love, but who, unfortunately, are no longer alive.

Australia: ride the seven waves

Have you ever fantasized what the New Year would be like without snow and cold? For example, such as in Australia. Residents of the Green Continent, where the summer season is at this time of the year, celebrate the New Year by the ocean. They pitch a tent on the beach, make a fire and wait in an embrace with a surfboard. Those who believe in miracles (well, or can still stand on their feet) are trying at this time to jump over seven waves in a row - for good luck.

Holland: swim in the North Sea

The most cheerful and persistent people are the Dutch! Because on January 1 they swim and not just anywhere, but in the North Sea! And nothing that the water temperature is 5 degrees above zero, and nothing that a hangover ... On the contrary, a good way to recover after a stormy night. So, for the Dutch New Year you will need: a Schengen visa, a plane ticket, a swimsuit and a New Year's red hat with a pompom.

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 of the world.

New Year - a holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from the last day of the year to the first day of the next year. Celebrated by many peoples in accordance with the accepted calendar. The custom of celebrating the New Year already existed in Ancient Mesopotamia in the third millennium before ad. Beginning of the year with 1 January it was foundRoman ruler Julius Caesar in 46 BC.Most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. New Year's celebrations, taking into account standard time, always begin in the Pacific Ocean on the islands of Kiribati. The last to see off the old year are the 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. In Ecuador, special importance is attached to underwear, which brings love and money, in Bulgaria they turn off the lights, 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.

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 clothes, 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 your personal life, then the linen should be red.

Good for women - they can choose the upper part of their underwear in yellow, and the lower part in 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 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

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, throwing out various items from their windows - from bottles to large-sized 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 greeting cards for the New Year. 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 magic tree.

In English houses, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.

In the British Isles, the custom of "letting in the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from 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 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

The main character of the New Year's carnival in Colombia is the Old Year. He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.

On New Year's Eve, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of puppet clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.

australiaI

New Year in Australia starts on the first of January. But just at this time there is such a heat that Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden deliver gifts in bathing suits.

The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous salutes and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city.

Vietnam. New Year sails on the back of a carp

New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these names are the most fun Vietnamese holiday. Branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.

Children look forward to midnight when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.

In Vietnam, the New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when early spring comes here. 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

Finns don't like to celebrate New Year's at home.

In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the house, leaving a large basket with gifts for the delight of the children.

New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at a table bursting with various dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.

Cuba. Water is poured out of the windows

Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. The wizard-kings who bring gifts to children are Balthazar, Gaspard and Melchor. On the eve, the children write letters to them, in which they talk about their cherished desires.

Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes that are in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of the island of Freedom wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you for all twelve months.

Panama. The Loudest New Year

In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everything that falls into their hands. And all this noise in order to "appease" the year that is coming.

Hungary. On New Year's Eve you need to whistle

In Hungary, in the "fateful" first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - moreover, using not fingers, but children's pipes, horns, whistles.

It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the dwelling and call for joy and prosperity. Preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and groh retain strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from trouble, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.

Burma. Tug of war brings good luck

New Year in Burma begins on the first of April, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people heartily pour water on each other. There is a New Year's festival of water - 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 hope for the 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 of India, the 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. The best gift is 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 - a New Year's mochibana tree.

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 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. Wealthier people buy dwarf pine, bamboo sprout, and small plum or peach trees.

Labrador. Keep your turnips

In Labrador they store turnips from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, founded by the Scottish highlanders, merry songs brought over 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 jokes 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 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 they don’t get a big stone, 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 starts 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- a festive dinner, which is usually held with the family. According to beliefs, on a festive night, the spirits of ancestors are present at the table, which are considered full participants in the celebration, so there should be as many dishes of national Korean cuisine as possible on the table. There is also a feast on the day of Seollal - the first day of the new year. All relatives gather at a richly laid table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and plans for the future.

All subsequent days after the onset of the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea It is customary to visit relatives and friends, congratulate and present gifts. Moreover, according to Korean traditions, on the first day of the new year, it is necessary to perform the rite "sebe" - a solemn worship of parents and all the elders. Throughout the first day of the new year, young people visit their elders and bow three times in a row, falling to their knees and leaning their foreheads on their hands folded in front of them in a certain way. In return, the elders give the children traditional Korean sweets and money.

However, the Lunar New Year in South Korea It is not only a family holiday, but also a national holiday. For 15 days, street processions, traditional mass festivities with costumed dances and masquerades are held in the country. Such a vivid sight does not leave indifferent either the Koreans themselves or the numerous tourists.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, the European New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. This holiday is celebrated in all Malaysian states, except for those where the Muslim population predominates (for example, in the states of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and some others). Some Muslims still take part in New Year's 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

The most cheerful New Year's traditions TOP-12. The site site likes to talk about the strangest traditions of different countries, read

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

The most unusual, interesting and original New Year traditions from different countries.

1. Japan - go to bed before dawn!

On New Year's Eve in Japan, bells ring at night, and exactly 108 times. The tolling of the bell denotes one of the six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy, and indecision. The Japanese believe that each human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strokes. Instead of a New Year tree, the Japanese have 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.

But, the most interesting thing is that the Japanese do not celebrate the New Year in our understanding. On New Year's Eve, they calmly go to bed, but wake up early in the morning and all together go to meet the dawn of the New Year. Of course, some of us also meet the New Year's dawn, but in a completely different state! Read

2. Italy - red shorts!

It is often said that in Italy before the New Year it is customary to throw out of the house (most often right out of the window) everything old and unnecessary: ​​clothes, furniture or even plumbing. But, now this tradition in Italy is practically dying out. But what is incredibly popular in Italy before Christmas and New Year is red! The fact is that Italians love not only Santa Claus - but also the local, Italian Santa Claus - Bobbo Natale. And, Bobbo Natale, like a real Italian, is a terrible fashionista and loves red. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, the entire population of Italy - women, men, and children, wear something red, even if it's just panties or socks. Therefore, meeting the New Year somewhere on the streets of Rome or Milan, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks, on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another New Year's tradition in Italy is eating dried raisins right on the bunches. To Italians, dried grapes resemble coins, and it is believed that those who eat more of them will earn more money in the coming year.

3. Argentina - all in paper!

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

4. Spain - grapes and a naked ass!

In Spain, there is a tradition - to quickly eat 12 grapes at midnight, and each grape will be eaten with each new strike of the chimes. Each of the grapes should bring good luck in each month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid in order to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes for more than a hundred years, the first time it was a reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.

Talking about the New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot help but talk about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas priest in Catalonia, well, or if you still use the funniest word, about the Ass.

“Butt, butt, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don't have g@avna well, I'll hit you with a stick. Popa, children sing in Barcelona at Christmas. And at this time they beat the wooden ass prepared in advance with sticks. Yes, such a curious, strange and cheerful Christmas tradition.

5. Scotland - celebrate the New Year in silence!

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

6.Estonia - New Year in the bathhouse!

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

7. Panama - burning problems!

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

8. Peru - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase!

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

9 . Denmark - jump into the New Year!

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.

10 . Greece is a stone "in the bosom" for friends!

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

11. Micronesia - changing the name!

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

12. Bulgaria - turn off the light!

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

The most interesting New Year's traditions TOP-12

In the first part of this article, we mentioned the traditions inherent in the Russian celebration of the New Year and talked about the fact that many years of repetition of rituals can be tiring. But after all, there are festive customs in other countries, and they are completely different from ours. To paraphrase folk wisdom, we can say: what is a tradition for an Australian, then a show for a Russian. And today we invite you to learn about how the New Year is celebrated around the world in an unusual way, and, perhaps, choose where to meet the most magical night of the year.

Kiss and clean up

Let's start our tour of countries and their holiday traditions with Argentina. Here, they prepare for the holiday in a very unusual way - they throw out all unnecessary paper products from the windows: old bills, newspapers, letters. As a rule, in the middle of the day the streets are already covered with a thick layer of paper. The main thing is not to throw away anything you need in the festive frenzy. By the way, there is a similar custom in Italy, but it is customary to throw away all the old things so that the new year will bring you a replacement.

Inhabitants Bulgaria consider the New Year a family holiday and, like most Russians, celebrate it at home. But with the first strike of the chimes, all the similarities end, because with the onset of midnight, the Bulgarians begin “ kiss pause". At this time, the lights go out in the houses, and instead of long toasts, it is enough to kiss a loved one - this will be a wish for happiness. When the three minutes are up, the lights are turned on and the Christmas cake is cut, which contains several surprises that bring good luck, love and wealth to the person in whose piece they end up.

patriarchal Great Britain also similar to Russia in many ways. But it is customary to make wishes here by writing on paper and throwing a letter into the fireplace - the smoke will convey to Santa all the most secret dreams. And the most ancient tradition of the British, which came to them from the Vikings, of course, is the Christmas log. It is believed that if it burns to the ground, then the family living in this house will be happy in the coming year.

We beat the dishes and feed the goats

IN Norway the role of Santa Claus is played by a goat. This strange fact has a historical explanation: according to legend, King Olaf II was a merciful man and, seeing a wounded goat on a hunt, ordered to cure her in the palace and release her into the wild. The goat turned out to be a difficult animal and, in gratitude, brought rare medicinal plants to her savior every night. According to tradition, on New Year's Eve, children put treats for the magic goat in their shoes, and those who behaved well all year receive a gift from her, and naughty and fidgety find a potato in their shoes.

IN Sweden it is customary to wish happiness in a very peculiar way - you need to break the dishes at the door of the one you want to congratulate. However, the whole holiday with the Swedes is very noisy. On the eve of the celebration, shops begin to sell special whistles and rattles that must be used at midnight. By the way, one of the obligatory New Year's gifts for the Swedes are handmade candles. In cold winter, when daylight lasts only a few hours, these candles symbolize friendship and care.

Scots on the last day of the outgoing year, they roll a barrel of burning tar along the central street of the city - this is how they clear the way for everything new. And when the clock strikes twelve, the owner of the house opens the door to let out the old year and let in the new one. Traditionally, a New Year's gift should include bread, wine and coal, symbolizing the food, fun and warmth that the guest wishes for the house. By the way, the expected well-being largely depends on who will be the first guest to cross the threshold of the house after midnight.

Santa Claus in ... swimming trunks

For an exotic holiday worth going to Australia. On the Sydney beach you can meet, perhaps, the most unusual Santa - because of the heat, he comes in a hat, with a beard and ... in swimming trunks! And instead of deer, he has a surfboard. Australians spend midnight itself on beaches and squares where they watch fireworks, after which they quickly return home and go to bed, because the new year must be met with full strength.

A wonderful place on New Year's Eve will be brazilian beach. The traditions of this country have preserved the features of the ancient cult of the ocean goddess Iemanje: beautiful girls dressed in long dresses enter the water and throw flower petals into the surf. And those who dream of fulfilling their cherished desire should launch a boat with a burning candle into the water. After midnight, a grandiose disco begins on all the beaches of the country, lasting until the morning.

Instead of a Christmas tree - bamboo and daffodils

Mysterious China celebrates the holiday with daffodils and lanterns. Moreover, the latter have a specific practical purpose - along with crackers and fireworks, they are designed to scare away evil spirits and light the way for the New Year. By the way, the holiday itself in China is celebrated later than in other countries - on the new moon, which falls at the end of January.

IN Japan the main holiday of the year is celebrated in a big way. It is preceded by golden week”, during which almost all organizations do not work, and friends and relatives meet in restaurants and give each other symbols of the coming year. In matters of preparation for the New Year, the Japanese are quite a superstitious nation: in every house, straw wreaths are hung to protect against evil spirits, and a straw rope is pulled in front of the door, bamboo branches are used to decorate the house (for children to grow quickly), pine trees (for longevity) and plums (for strength and health). At midnight, every Japanese should laugh, because laughter brings happiness that will accompany him all year. And on the first night of the coming year, you should definitely visit the temple to hear how the bell beats 108 strokes, chasing away all the bad.

Of course, these are far from all the amazing traditions inherent in the cultures of different countries.

It is better to plan a trip for the New Year abroad now - or not to plan it at all. The bigmir)net poster has chosen the most interesting options.

Finland, Rovaniemi

Perhaps the most New Year's country in the world is Finland. Snow is strewn all around here, you can day and night ride a sleigh pulled by a couple of reindeer, in a dog sled or go ice fishing. But the main thing here is the presence of a foreign colleague of our Father Frost - Santa Claus. You should definitely visit his residence. The trip will cost you 60 euros per person. And on the way back you can look at the farm where huskies are bred. They are located near every tourist town. It costs 75 euros and if you wish, you can even buy a dog.
Albiz Tour company will take you for a week for 2108 euros. Tel: 522-9315

Czech Republic, Prague

It is only two hours from Kyiv to Prague, but you will feel the difference as soon as you get to this incredible city, which is especially beautiful at the end of December. Everyone knows about Charles Bridge - the most beautiful Gothic building in Europe, Golden Lane and many cozy cafes that this city is famous for. But you need to go to celebrate the New Year on the Old Town Square under the 14th century astronomical clock, surrounded by a motley crowd from all over the world. And if you do not want to freeze - go to the restaurant at the Prince's. There, listening to the piano music of the 1930s, you can watch what is happening on the square or simply admire the view of Prague's tiled roofs. But we recommend booking a table in advance.

Vietnam, Phan Thiet

Vietnam is the exact opposite of the usual idea of ​​winter holidays. But if you want exotic or variety, you need to look for them there. After all, the history of this country is built on solid legends, the landscapes stagger any imagination, the cuisine is unique, however, as in any Asian country, and the beauty of the underwater world will surprise even the most sophisticated diver. You can celebrate the New Year, for example, on the white beach of the Phan Thiet resort. And after that, look at Halong Bay, which is on the list of the new 7 wonders of the world, Pacu cave, Kuang Shi waterfall, Lake of the Returned Sword, ancient royal palaces and temples and floating villages.
Joinup offers 13 nights for 4330 USD. Tel: 303-9999

Austria Vienna

Vienna is a small city, but it does not hold diversity. If you arrive a little earlier on December 31, you can still catch the Christmas markets, whose history goes back to the 13th century, buy all kinds of handmade toys, eat gingerbread cookies and drink hot mulled wine. But the New Year itself can be celebrated in any of the coffee houses or restaurants, each of which is unique in its own way and is famous for its chefs and, of course, Viennese coffee. Vienna is very cozy and compact, in a few hours you can walk through snow-covered parks, admire the Gothic in St. Stephen's Cathedral or the best examples of Baroque in local churches, imagine all the luxury of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, looking at palaces, moving from squares to the vaults of opera and theaters, looking in for a while to warm up in a small restaurant. And you can linger and if you're lucky - get to one of the Viennese balls.
Teztour offers 6 nights in Vienna for around 1500 euros. Tel: 392-7777

Israel, Red, Dead Sea and Jerusalem

In Israel, you can combine the incompatible: entertainment with a pilgrimage. The plan is this: first, have a good New Year's Eve at one of the resorts of the Dead or Red Sea, and then go on Christmas to atone for your sins in Jerusalem. In winter, the season begins on Israeli beaches, the temperature of the air and sea at this time becomes ideal. A huge number of entertainment, bars, clubs - for those who do not like to celebrate the New Year in a close family circle. Having thoroughly enjoyed the stormy holidays, you can join the pilgrims and go to the holy places. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Jerusalem for Christmas, so the atmosphere here is very special. To touch all the shrines of the ancient city, you will need to visit Jerusalem more than once, but you can see the main sights and historical sites in a few days. Well, and, of course, it would be a sin not to go to Bethlehem, the place where, according to the Gospel, Jesus Christ was born.
Joinup offers a combo tour for $2820. Tel: 490-6592

France Paris

Better than a trip to Paris can only be a trip to New Year's Paris. The city, beautiful at any time of the year, day or night, sparkles with lights on New Year's holidays, is filled with the aroma of hot mulled wine and the smell of roasted chestnuts. But, you need to immediately prepare for the fact that there will be no snow in Paris on New Year's Eve, rather rain, and there will be no usual scope in the celebration either. Since Christmas is considered the main holiday throughout Europe, Parisians are used to celebrating the New Year quite calmly. The first classic version of the celebration is a procession on the Champs Elysees, champagne and fireworks under the Eiffel Tower. The second is an evening in one of the many restaurants, cabarets or bars, which, of course, spawn with a varied New Year's program. We have travel agencies that offer a tour to Paris with the ability to immediately pay for the New Year's Eve at the Moulin Rouge, Lido or several other expensive and famous places. You can book an evening in less fashionable establishments on the Internet yourself.
Many mistakenly think that visiting Paris, especially on New Year's Eve, is a story only for the rich. Paris is a very large city with an incredible number of different hotels, restaurants, cafes for any budget.
Also, if you're bringing your kids, it's the perfect time to take them to Disneyland Paris with shorter ride lines compared to summer and a fabulous Christmas atmosphere.
Bus tour for 6 days will cost 375 USD. from a person. Lucky ptv.com. Air flight and seven days of accommodation - 1565 euros. Firm Nadra Marina.

United States, New York

During the Christmas holidays, New York turns into a fabulous village of Santa Claus. The city just shines these days. Absolutely everything, including shop windows, people's dwellings, huge buildings, trees, bushes, benches, is decorated with electric garlands that flood the city with light beyond recognition. Santa Clauses, elves and New Year's deer roam the streets in droves, and you can even whisper your wishes for the New Year into the ear of the American Santa Claus. In general, being in New York for the New Year is the best way to plunge headlong into an idealized festive mood.
Most often, tourists go to celebrate the New Year in Times Square. Here, everyone is traditionally waiting for colorful confetti, an incredible laser show, fireworks, fireworks, performances by show business stars and a cheerful multinational crowd of 50 thousand people. This pleasure will cost 350 USD, which is the cost of an entrance ticket to the celebration in Times Square.
A trip to New York will cost about four thousand dollars. Will take you