New Year is the main holiday in many states. Each country has its own special traditions and customs, according to which it should be met.

Celebrating New Year in China strikingly different from how the Slavic people used to meet him. The first thing that is shocking is the fact that the holiday comes on different dates every year depending on the lunar calendar. In addition, people associate their New Year with “ Spring holiday"And from ancient times they celebrated it in an extremely strange way: locked themselves in houses and feared a terrible monster.

People did not leave their homes prayed and ate and drank as on the last day of their lives. In the morning, those who survived until the morning ran out into the streets. They wanted to know the magnitude of the damage done Nian(the name of that terrible monster) and check all your loved ones.

This lasted until it became clear that the monster is very afraid of red, bright flashes and loud noise. People began to dress themselves in bright clothes, light fires, sing and dance loudly, knock, blow up firecrackers and fireworks.

Nian is a terrible monster for the Chinese, emerging from the water in new year's eve

New Year is a reason for every Chinese stock up on lots of pyrotechnics. We can say with confidence that it was the Chinese who initiated such a stormy tradition of celebrating the holiday, which migrated to other peoples.

Except Nian it was customary to scare away all possible evil spirits who flew around the city that day and were looking for a refuge. If a person did not make noise and did not drive them away, ghosts settled in his house and harassed the unfortunate until the next Chun Jie.

At the same time, the modern Chinese people considers New Year to be a family holiday. On this day it is accepted set a rich table. If a person, for any serious reason, could not attend the feast, a place is still left for him that no one can take.

After dinner is over every adult should give money to his child. This gift does not have any strict limit in the amount, but must be presented in a red envelope(the color of wealth, happiness and well-being). It was believed that donated money could change a person's life for the better.

A red envelope in China is the best gift

INTERESTING: Now the Chinese can give each other paper bills, and in ancient times it was customary to give a necklace made exactly of one hundred coins... Each person did it on their own. This gift was considered the most best congratulations and the wish to live a hundred years.

There is another interesting New Year habit in modern China and it is called "First exit"... She assumes that after the celebration, the person will leave the house and take exactly six steps in the direction that the horoscope this year considers auspicious and happy. After that, you need to go back. This is necessary for luck and joy in the future.

Festive parade on the streets of China

Lighting up holiday lanterns

New Year's decor

Festive fireworks

Festive table

How the New Year is celebrated and celebrated in Italy: traditions

Like any country Italy is carefully preparing for the meeting of the "winter" holidays: decorates streets and squares, hangs bows of red ribbons, tidies up flower beds. New year people perceived with good mood and a sense of humor For example, in Venice it is customary to wear Santa's hats and beard on every symbol of the city - the Venetian lion.

INTERESTING: As in China, Italy considers red as a symbol of the new year and a talisman that protects a person from evil and brings him good luck. That is why every self-respecting Italian on this day should put on something red: dress, shirt, pants, vest, tie, bow tie, socks.

Italy at New Year's Eve

The most unusual italian tradition –get rid of old and unnecessary things... This is done in the most unexpected way - by throwing out the window... That is why tourists are advised not to walk along the beautiful night streets of Italy, or wear a helmet on their heads.

No one is safe from the fact that instead of an old worn-out T-shirt, a person will not throw a frying pan out of the window. You can also walk freely on the road, because the movement of vehicles on New Year's Eve in Italy is limited.

INTERESTING: In addition to the fact that Italians throw out trash, it is not uncommon for money to fall from the windows. This is because, according to the good old tradition it is customary to put a small amount of coins on the windowsill at random next year.

Throwing old things out the window is an Italian tradition

It's no secret that Italians love and respect food at. They love to eat deliciously every day and especially on New Years. Festive dinner in Italy it is usually called "The Supper of St. Sylvester".

You need to start it not earlier than nine o'clock in the evening, and it lasts mainly until midnight. The interesting thing is that the table must have at least seven different dishes. Lentils, nuts, pork, red caviar and grapes must be in any form!

INTERESTING: There are pork legs at the New Year's table. in honor of the passing old year. Pork is a very important product for Italians. In addition to the legs, they are happy to cook pork head, sausage and stew.

Italian New Year's table

Unlike pork, eating chicken is not accepted, since they consider the bird to be not quick and stupid. But if you eat at least a spoonful of caviar, you will bring yourself wealth and good luck. The feast should end with delicious pies and wine.

INTERESTING: Drinking on New Year's Eve in Italy champagne and beer are not accepted. Moreover, it is considered bad form and a bad omen for the next year.

The funniest Italian New Year tradition - eating 12 grapes under the chimes. It is believed that if a person manages to eat one berry with each stroke, then he will be very agile and happy next year.

In addition, not everyone knows that this tradition has a continuation! Exactly at 12 o'clock in the morning, after the last strike of the clock the light turns off for a few seconds. This is necessary in order to people at the table kissed each other!

Twelve grapes - a New Year's tradition

After 12 o'clock in the morning people start to take to the streets and continue your fun. In Rome, for example, the most popular place to celebrate the New Year is main square... It was immediately accepted launch fireworks. Italians' superstition makes them pay attention to every little thing on the night of the celebration: who they met, how was the night. For example:

• To meet an old man is good luck
• Meet the priest - to disappointment
• Meeting a small child is fun
• Meeting a hunchbacked person is a sign of money and prosperity.

In addition, if an Italian goes to visit on New Year's Eve, he should definitely grab a bottle of clean water with you... It should be presented to the owners, wishing to find new energy next year. After festivities in Italy, it is customary to sleep until lunchtime after sitting down again festive table.

The familiar Santa Claus or Santa Claus in Italy is called Bobbo Natale. It arose in this country quite recently, in the 19th century, his image was borrowed from American culture. Together with Bobbo, he comes to the children’s houses Kind fairy named Befana.

The interesting thing is that the fairy does not look attractive and her appearance is comparable to Baba Yaga. Bobbo Natale leaves gifts under the tree, and Befana puts surprises in her stockings over the fireplace. If the child behaved badly, then in socks he finds embers instead of sweets.

Bobbo natale

Celebration in Venice

Fairy Beffana

Celebration in Italy

How New Years are celebrated and celebrated in England: traditions

In England celebrate Christmas and New Year. As in Italy, Christmas is treated with reverence here, spending it with those closest to you and family members, and They celebrate the New Year with friends. Instead of Santa Claus, it is customary to call the main wizard here Santa claus... All over the country, two weeks before the holidays, special performances for children and adults start.

Country streets fill with holiday parades in which loved ones take part fairy tale characters: Humpty Dumpty, Punch, March Hare, Lord Mess. Anyone can buy on the counters of street vendors colorful masks, firecrackers, whistles, sparklers and toys. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to make noise, have fun, sing and dance.

INTERESTING: Congratulate each other holiday cards- a tradition that originated in England. It was here in 1843 in London that the first card with wishes and drawings was sent.

The English New Year tradition assumes that children, going to bed, will put out a large plate. In this plate, Santa Claus should put gifts. They believe that to their home Santa arrives on a donkey and therefore it should also be appeased. To do this, leave some hay or oats in the stockings above the fireplace.

That he came to England New Year, it is customary to notify by ringing a bell. There is a tradition that if a couple in love kissing to the ringing of the New Year's bell, they will spend the whole new year together.

The main dish on the English New Year's table is roasted turkey... It is customary to cook it with potatoes and chestnuts. In addition, meat pie, pudding and Brussels sprouts are served as a side dish.

Festive fireworks

Festive table

Festive decor

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in Japan?

At New Year's Eve the streets of the country are full of holiday fairs with gifts, clothes and goodies. Every Japanese must buy hamaimi- these are a kind of arrows that serve as a traditional amulet against evil spirits. It is also necessary to have takarabune- special boats filled with food (rice, lentils, beans). They bring prosperity and good luck to their owners in the coming year.

INTERESTING: In Japan, it is also customary to dress up a festive tree - a pine tree. But, this tree is not natural, but made from bamboo, straw and fern.

Home decor for a holiday: motebana

Ancient Japanese tradition- decorate the house with a moteban. These are bamboo branches painted with bright colors. You need to hang the moteban in a conspicuous place to appease the Gods. In addition, it is imperative that at 12 o'clock in the morning ring a buddhist bell exactly 108 times. This will attract the God of Happiness.

New Year in Japan adopted celebrate at home for a family dinner. It is not accepted to make noise and have fun, on the contrary, you need to sit quietly and remember the events of the past year. After the feast, everyone begins to read the presented cards and review the gifts.

Japanese delicacies for the New Year

Outfit for the New Year

New Year parade in Japan

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in America?

Christmas in America matters more than New Years. On Christmas Day, all family members gather at a rich table, to have dinner. Comes to children at night Santa Claus and leaves gifts under the tree and in stockings on the fireplace. The little ones, in turn, leave a glass of milk and cookies for Santa so that he can have a snack after a long journey.

However, New Years in the USA are also celebrated on a grand scale.... It is customary to meet him with friends and family. Some love celebrate the New Year in public institutions... In any case, the streets of the country are "noisy", people are having fun, shouting and letting off fireworks.

One of the most striking traditions of New Year's celebration in New York is dropping the ball... This has been done since 1097. On the night of December 31, at exactly 23:59, a huge ball falls from the 23-meter height of the attraction, the last ten seconds people count down loudly and amicably on their own. At exactly 00:00 the ball reaches its lowest point.

INTERESTING: One of the most popular traditions for Americans is kiss the person you are standing next to, exactly at the last chime. Also, if two people were lucky enough to be under the mistletoe bush hung as a decorative piece, they must kiss.

House, yard decoration

Celebrating on the streets of New York

Festive fireworks

Santa Claus

Christmas ball in New York City

Dropping the christmas ball

How the New Year is celebrated and celebrated in Germany: traditions

The Germans are used to celebrating the New Year only in the circle of close people. Celebrate the holiday being alone is a bad omen. If you don't have a company, just go outside and start congratulating all the passers-by.

In addition, its the dwelling must be prepared for the New Year. It is imperative that every German decorates the door with a Christmas wreath at the beginning of December, and thus begin the countdown to the holidays.

In the German tradition of preparing for the New Year great value It has festive table and a beautiful elegant Christmas tree. The tree must be large and lush, richly decorated with garlands, toys, tinsel. The main New Year's dish is stollen... This is a baked goose, it is customary to drink it with mulled wine.

Festive stollen

At the beginning of December, every child in Germany receives Advent calendar Is a special calendar for December that counts down the days until the holidays. Instead of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas comes to the house, leaving gifts all over the house: under the tree, in stockings, under pillows.

Advent calendar

New Year's parade in Germany

Saint Nicholas

Celebration in Germany

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in Spain?

It is customary to celebrate the New Year in Spain noisy and loud and necessarily - not at home... This is why most Spaniards have fun in clubs, restaurants, cafes. The streets are decorated with festive processions and lush carnival festivities, large figures with the symbols of Christmas and New Year appear, scattering sweets, coins, tinsel.

Celebrating New Year in Spain should be until the morning... Every self-respecting Spaniard on New Year's Eve be sure to treat loved ones and strangers with sweets and goodies: nuts, honey, wine. On New Year's Eve, be sure to have red in your wardrobe, which will bring good luck and wealth in the coming year. Decorate the house with flowers poinsettia.

INTERESTING: There is no Santa Claus in Spain, but there is Papa Noel... He is dressed in a bright embroidered suit. He walks around the city and throws gifts on the balconies. It is interesting that in his hands he is not holding a staff, but a bottle of wine. Paella, turkey, jamon, melon, wine must be used to decorate the New Year's table.

Celebrating in Spain New Year's Eve in Spain

New Year's table in Spain

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in India?

India New Year Is a big family holiday that gathers everyone at a rich table... The place of the Christmas tree here is taken by an elegant and decorated with tinsel and toys mango tree... Interestingly, instead of Santa Claus, people are expecting an arrival Christmas women with gifts. It is customary to decorate the home with banana leaves and bright lamps.

The attitude to alcohol in India is strict, but it is during the New Year holidays drinking strong drinks and being tipsy is officially allowed absolutely everyone: men, women, policemen. It is not customary for women to celebrate the New Year alone, they should be close to their husbands or parents (unmarried).

Celebrating New Year in India

How the New Year is celebrated and celebrated in Finland: traditions

In Finland the celebration traditionally falls on the night of December 31 to January 1... The traditions and customs of this celebration are very similar to the Slavic ones. The Finnish holiday is very similar to a fairy tale: lights, house decorations, fancy Christmas trees, elves and, of course, Santa Claus.

Fun, songs, masquerades and festive processions in Finland lasts until January 1. The scope of the holiday is simply impressive. One of the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year among the Finns is it is setting fire to butterflies, smeared with tar. Watching how such a butterfly burns, people see off all the failures and problems that happened to them last year.

Another ancient tradition - to honor deceased ancestors. This must be done a few days before the New Year. You just need to come to the cemetery and light the memorial candles. Such lights can be found throughout the country during the New Year season. Moreover, Finns try to decorate everything they can with illumination: house, facade, roof, doors, windows, yard, trees.

Instead of the traditional Santa Claus, here Joulupukki gives gifts to children. Two days before the New Year, numerous attractions for local residents and tourists: skiing, ice skating, sledging, snowboarding. The main thing holiday event at this time for the Finns - “ Snow and Ice Festival". Craftsmen carve beautiful realistic figures of fairytale characters and people from pieces of ice.

Youlupukki

New Year's town in Finland

How the New Year is celebrated and celebrated in Africa: traditions

In Africa, people perceive the New Year as the beginning of a new stage of life... On this continent, the celebration began to be celebrated for the first time in Egypt, where the world's first calendar was created. Surprisingly, the arrival of the New Year in those days accounted for at the end of September.

In the small tribes of Africa, the New Year, of course, was not counted or celebrated. The changes took place when Africa became a European colony: along with the Europeans, European traditions migrated as well. Now, the New Year is traditionally celebrated here on January 1 and, despite other beliefs, the New Year has little in common with Catholic traditions.

It is worth noting that most of the African population - poor... Precisely because celebrating the New Year on a large scale is not accepted here... Nevertheless, this holiday brings families closer together, forcing men to return from work to their wives and children. The house is decorated with palm leaves and other plants. For dinner, the hostesses try cook meat dishes, and home-made beer from hops is accepted to drink.

Other customs for celebrating the New Year in Africa:

• Kenya and Tanzania They celebrate the New Year in the usual way for everyone: a magnificent table, congratulations and gifts. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to church (there are many Orthodox people and Catholics in the countries).
• In South Africa on New Year's Eve, it is customary to do charity work and make offerings to the poor. Well-to-do locals and the government do it.
• In Western Africa there are a lot of unusual traditions for celebrating the New Year. For example, race competitions, ritual dances around the fire and inflicting wounds on oneself with knives.

Celebrating New Years in Africa

How is the New Year celebrated and celebrated in Brazil?

New Year in Brazil- this is a cheerful lavish holiday. If Brazilians modestly celebrate Christmas with their families, then on New Year they strive leaving home and spending time with friends... The streets of all cities literally "whiten" and not from the snow, but from the fact that everyone is trying throw the paper out the window. This tradition symbolizes the end of the working year.

It's hot in Brazil on New Years. Summer streets, houses and apartment windows are hung with festive lights and garlands. Jewelry is not removed until the February carnival. People do not sit in stuffy houses, but celebrate the holiday on the street, in the square and even on the beach. Dress only white clothes are accepted on this day.

In Brazil, many are intertwined customs with different cultures : European, African, Indian. Interestingly, the traditional name of the holiday "New Year" is not used here, but sounds like "Brotherhood" or "fraternization"... This happened because local residents believe: the holiday brings people together so much that everyone can call each other "brother".

INTERESTING: Exactly at midnight, the black sky of Brazil is filled with bright colors of fireworks, as a sign of the New Year. In these first seconds of the new year, every Brazilian must jump exactly seven times to be happy and healthy.

Celebration in Brazil

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in France?

France after meeting Christmas on December 25, preparing for the celebration New Year... They do it on December 31 in restaurants or cafes, they can just go to visit. The French love celebrate the holiday with delicious food: turkey, chicken, pig. In addition, passers-by can sprinkle candy on each other.

INTERESTING: An elegant Christmas tree in France is of great importance, it should be beautiful and lush. Colorful Christmas trees stand not only in houses, but also decorate the courtyard. Performances and concerts are held in the cathedrals.

French Santa Claus is called Per Noel... According to custom, he arrives on a donkey and climbs into the house through the chimney. To appease the wizard children put gifts in shoes for him and always believe in what he will leave them great gifts for good behavior.

An original French New Year tradition - set fire to a log made back in Christmas. This is done on the street, watching the flame, it follows make a wish... The remaining coals must be collected by each family member and keep it for good luck until next year.

INTERESTING: Another original tradition is associated with wine. Those who are engaged in winemaking, or simply appreciate this drink, should wish the best barrel (bottle) of their wine a Happy New Year.

Celebration in France

Celebrating New Year in France

How is New Year celebrated and celebrated in the Czech Republic?

Celebration in the Czech Republic starts with "St. Nicholas Day" December 6. The main holiday is still Catholic Christmas ... The main dish on the festive table is carp. It is customary to store fish scales under the plates. A coin is also put there, which should bring happiness to the guest.

INTERESTING: The scale of the New Year's carp in the Czech Republic is considered a money talisman and therefore it is often carried in a wallet.

One of the names of Christmas Eve is "Generous Evening". On the table that day should be present at least twelve lean dishes, moreover, you need to try every... According to tradition, it is necessary to put an extra plate on the festive table, as they say, "For a casual guest."

INTERESTING: Besides the fact that carp is the main New Year's dish, on the streets of the Czech Republic you can find sellers offering small carp fish. Such a fish must be bought and immediately released into the water to attract good luck.

Often New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic is called "Silvestrova"... On this holiday, the table should also have a lot of delicious treats... The main dish is small cereal porridge, which will allow "to find money in their pockets." In the New Year, fireworks are also launched, cards and gifts are given to each other.

Celebration in the Czech Republic

Which countries are the first to celebrate the New Year in the world?

The onset of the New Year earlier or later in countries depends on the time range. If you look at the unfolded map of the world, then visually the New Year "moves" from right to left. That is, the first to meet him are New Zealand and Australia, the last are the Hawaiian Islands and Samoa.

Video: "How New Year is Celebrated in 10 Different Countries of the World"

The New Year is celebrated in every country, but it is celebrated in different ways. Each nation has its own traditions and features of celebrating the New Year ..

Italy. Irons and old chairs are flying out of the windows on New Year's Eve

In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should be started free of everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows. The Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with their passion, characteristic of the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish are flying out the window. According to the signs, the vacant space will certainly be taken by new things. On the Italians' New Year's table, nuts, lentils and grapes are always present - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.

England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss

In England, it is customary for the New Year to play performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a fun carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, Balloons... It was in England that the custom arose to exchange for the New Year greeting cards... The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.

Mongolia. Santa Claus in a shaggy fur coat and a fox hat, and is very similar to a shepherd

The New Year in this country coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, therefore, it is characterized by sports, tests of dexterity and courage. Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the New Year at the Christmas tree, Santa Claus also comes to them, but he is dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a fox hat and is very similar to a shepherd.

Mexico. Smashing clay pots for good luck

In Mexico, on New Year's Eve, a clay pot is filled with sweets, which is hung in the room, and then the assembled guests are alternately blindfolded and given a stick in their hands. The one who broke the pot will certainly be lucky in the new year.

Colombia. The old year walks on stilts

The protagonist of the New Year's carnival in Colombia - Old year... He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is a Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to arrange fireworks better than him. On New Year's Eve, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll 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.

Brazil. Colorful New Years carnivals

Brazil has always been famous for its colorful carnivals and festivals. Celebrating the New Year is no exception. At this time of year, the streets of Brazilian cities are filled with colorful parades and processions of locals and visitors. Such events are always noisy and fun.

France. The main thing is to hug a barrel of wine and congratulate her on the holiday.

French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. Whoever gets a bean baked into a New Year's cake gets 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. Traditionally, a good host-winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink to the next harvest.

Denmark. A nut in porridge - whoever finds it, will definitely get married

Housewives on New Year's Eve serve rice porridge in a huge bowl. A small nut is hidden in the porridge. If a girl finds him, then it is believed that she is in next year will definitely get married.

Finland. Repetition is the mother of learning

In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome the long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the houses, leaving for the joy of the children large basket with gifts. New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at the table breaking from a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and wonder, melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey

In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey in the New Year. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.

Cuba. Water is poured from the windows

Child New Year's celebration in Cuba it is called the Day of the Kings. The wizard-kings who bring gifts to children are called Baltasar, Gaspar and Melchor. On the eve, children write letters to them, in which they tell them about their cherished desires. Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes in the house with water, and at midnight they start pouring them out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of Freedom Island wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. And while the clock strikes 12 strikes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you all twelve months.

Canada. Traditional New Year's Eve rides

In Canada, it is traditionally customary to celebrate the New Year on the street in the company of friends and strangers... A lot of people gather in all squares of the country, pop stars perform. Canadians really enjoy skating on a skating rink on New Year's Day.

Panama. Loudest New Year

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

Hungary. You need to whistle for the New Year

In Hungary, in the “fateful” first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - and, 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 invoke joy and well-being. Preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and thunder keep the strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts are able to protect from harm, garlic - from disease, and honey - to sweeten life.

Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat

A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a high lamb hat, with a box behind his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts.

Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship

Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. Children happily meet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny jokes and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers.

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 are called 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 is thrown at the doorstep, saying the words: "Let the wealth of the owner be as heavy as this stone." And if a large stone is not received, they throw a small pebble with the words: "Let the eyesore of the owner be as small as this stone."

Sudan. Green walnut for good luck in the New Year

Sudanese people usually celebrate the New Year near the Nile River or other bodies of water. They believe that it will bring happiness and prosperity to their home. It is a great happiness for a Sudanese to find a green nut on New Year's Eve. This promises a lot of joy. And so that no one was offended, they began to scatter green nuts in advance.

Japan. Meeting the sunrise

On the morning of January 1, all residents of cities and villages in Japan go out to greet the sunrise. With the first sunbeams the Japanese congratulate each other on the new year and exchange gifts. On New Years in Japan, they eat long noodles to keep life long.

Australia. Santa Claus on the surf, in some swimming trunks and with a beard

Australians don't like to celebrate the New Year at home. All the festivities take place in restaurants and on the beach, as they have summer and it is very hot at this time of the year. Interestingly, Santa Claus appears in Australia. After all, in a hot country it is not like wearing a fur coat, so he sails on the surf in the same swimming trunks. But the beard remains the same attribute.

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

Finland

On New Year's Eve, the Finns use wax to tell fortunes, and they put a lot of food and drinks on the festive table. The most coveted treats for northerners are sweet rice porridge and plum jelly.

Finnish Santa Claus is called Joulupukki. This name is translated as "Christmas goat", so the good grandfather is called for the fact that he drives a cart pulled by goats. The old man hears well, so it is better for him to talk about his desires in a whisper so that the evil spirit does not know about them.

Sweden

On New Year's Eve, Swedish children hold elections for Lucia, Queen of the World. Assigned Girl Wears Dress white and a crown on which lighted candles are fixed. Lucia treats pets to treats and presents gifts to children. The festival of light is accompanied by bright lights lit on the streets, as well as in houses.

Hungary

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

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

France

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

Spain

Every Spaniard eats a dozen grapes to the chimes of the local chimes - this ritual bestows good luck for the next year. Spanish shops even sell jars of grapes without seeds and skin. Another interesting point: the New Year should be met in red underwear so that during the next 12 months you will not experience material problems. The tradition applies to both men and women.

Italy

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

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

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

South Africa

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

Nepal

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

England

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

The classic British festive table features turkey with potatoes, chestnuts, sauce, pastries with meat filling and stewed Brussels sprouts. Fruit and pudding are served for dessert.

Germany

German Santa Claus, like English, puts gifts in a plate for children, but travels on a donkey. Adults have fun with lead fortune telling, board games and fireworks.

The Germans almost never prepare hearty dishes for the winter holiday; they limit themselves to snacks such as raclette and fondue. Fish dishes and donuts are popular.

Scotland

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

The most coveted first guest on January 1 in a Scottish house is a brunette who crosses the threshold not empty-handed. A man with dark hair, according to local beliefs, brings good luck. Guests attending the party should bring with them charcoal, which they later throw into the fireplace for good luck.

On the New Year's table in Scotland, in the morning they serve oat cakes, cheese and pudding, in the afternoon - steak, goose, apples in dough or pie.

Japan

New Year in the Country rising sun They are greeted in new clothes to protect themselves from diseases and generally become a favorite of Fortune. The tree is a small motibana tree. The doors are decorated with pine branches. Bamboo shoots and twigs, peach and plum mini-trees are also welcome. On New Year's Eve, every Japanese person dreams of hearing 108 bell strikes in order to become better and get rid of negativity.

Foods such as rice, noodles, beans and carp symbolize health and well-being in the family.

Vietnam

For the Vietnamese, the new year begins from 21.01 to 19.02. They decorate the rake, which symbolizes the ability to get money and happiness. Local Santa Claus - Tao Kuen - is considered capable of flying across the sky, riding a carp, and becoming a dragon. In order for a magical spirit to fulfill a desire, you should tell a real carp about it and release it into a pond. A wonderful fish will certainly convey these words to God. On New Year's Eve, it is also customary to exchange good wishes, written in black on red, decorate the house with blossoming peach branches and blow up homemade firecrackers.

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

Ecuador, Peru

In large cities of these countries, ceremonies are held on New Year's, people communicate with shamans and try to see the future with their help. Fortune telling with eggs and beer remains popular.

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

Colombia

A character called Old Year is proclaimed the protagonist of the Colombian carnival. He moves on stilts and entertains children with funny stories. The local Santa Claus, who is called Pope Pasquale, is in charge of the fireworks. Before the New Year, a parade of dolls is held.

Brazil

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

USA, Miami

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

Australia

In the country of kangaroos, the New Year is celebrated not in winter, but in summer. The most serious scale of the celebration is taken in large cities, where diverse creative teams perform in the open air. One of the planet's largest fireworks is launched into the sky at Sydney Harbor. It is very pleasant to appreciate the magnificence of the fireworks from the tower of the city of Sydney, tickets there are sold in advance. Tasmania and Victoria host The Falls Festival, which is especially popular with young people. In all states, Australians wish each other a Happy New Year loudly and noisily. On January 1st, they go to the beach, where they enjoy surfing, dancing and organizing picnics. Parties continue for another 5 days.

Panama

The inhabitants of Panama on the holiday try to behave as noisy as possible in order to enlist the support of the forces of good.

Burma

The Burmese celebrate the New Year in mid-spring, with 3 days for the holiday. To appease the gods, a tug-of-war is held in Burma.

China

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

Israel

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

You may be using some of these ideas when celebrating next New Year. Happy Holidays!

For all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.

It is also noteworthy that in each state the New Year is celebrated at its own time. Many peoples, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year, at night from December 31st to January 1st. Taking into account the standard time, residents of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to celebrate here. But in Europe, Christmas is considered the main holiday, which is celebrated on the night of December 24-25. In China, the holiday is timed to coincide with the winter new moon, which occurs from January 21 to February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Further we will talk about them.

New Year is a holiday from ancient times

How old this holiday is, no one will say for sure now. But it is known that it already existed in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition of celebrating the New Year from January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days in ancient Rome, on this day, the god Janus was especially honored - the master of choice, doors and all beginnings. He was depicted with two faces: one was turned back (the past year), and the other - forward (new year). As now, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world have existed for many centuries. Then people piously believed that their lives were controlled by higher powers. This is reflected in traditions and customs. So, in our country, Santa Claus had predecessors - the spirit of Zimnik, the evil deity Karachun, the Slavic god of bad weather and storms Pozvizd. As a rule, they were feared. They carried with them hail, snowstorms, destruction and death. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on the night of October 31st. This day was considered mystical. People believed that the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead was erased at this time. A horde of wickedness falls on the ground. In Samhain, it was necessary to burn fires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirits will not dare to go outside. Later, this holiday replaced the well-known Halloween.

New year in Russia

The people of our country love this holiday. After all, he is the kindest, funniest, brightest. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia it began to be celebrated in 1700. Then Tsar Peter 1 issued a corresponding decree. True, our country then lived according to the Julian calendar. Since 1919, Russia began to be celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of our celebration is dressed up Christmas tree... In the evening of December 31, all relatives and friends in many families gather to spend the old year and meet the new one. Traditional dishes on the table on this holiday: Olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, stuffed cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, the kind Santa Claus comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver patterned fur coat, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, shaggy eyebrows that have turned white from frost, ruddy cheeks ... Who does not recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand and a large bag of gifts behind him. Sometimes he is accompanied by his granddaughter - the beautiful Snow Maiden.

All the kids are waiting for this event for a whole year, sending them with wishes for future goodies and gifts. These are our traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries for children, it has its own meaning.

China

If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with winter cold, snow, frost, then in other countries it has a different meaning. So, in China, it is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated between January 21 and February 21, when the moon completes its full cycle and a new moon comes. The celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children take part in the events. From the very morning, people clean the house, as they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. The streets at this time are dazzled by bright holiday clothes, fairs and lights. In the evening, people gather in a close family circle for dinner, where they often give each other not gifts, but red envelopes with money. It is customary even for children and work colleagues to present such gifts. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to launch fireworks, holiday fireworks, and burn incense. The Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs, as a rule, are associated with folk epics. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in the ancient legend about the terrible monster Nian, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the livestock, supplies and grain from people, and sometimes children. One day, people saw how Nian was frightened by a child wearing red clothes.

Since then, on New Year's Eve, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their homes to scare off the beast. Festive fireworks and incense are also considered to be good scarers of this monster.

Bright India

The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world are original and mysterious. In India main holiday year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in late October or early November. What can you see on this day on the streets of Indian cities? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with colorful flowers, lights, lanterns and lighted candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of wealth, abundance, prosperity, luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary here to give everyone interesting gifts... Gifts for children are placed on a specially designed tray, and then brought to it with closed eyes. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go outside to launch holiday fireworks and firecrackers.

Land of the Rising Sun

Japan also has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, treats are prepared for children on this day. Japan is no exception. Mochi is a sweet delicacy that both children and adults adore. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated with an orange fruit on top. To give mochi means to wish a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.

And on this day, the Japanese eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, sweet soy. And, of course, the New Year's celebration is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition of getting everyone together and playing games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock game), board game with chips sugoroku, uta-garuta and others. The streets are crowded on holiday. The shops are full of New Year's souvenirs: hamaimi (arrows that drive away evil spirits from the house), kumade (bamboo rake like a bear's paw), takarabune (boats with rice for good luck). As a rule, on holiday, children here, as well as in China, are not given gifts, but money put into a special envelope called potibukuro.

In France and England

We are considering what traditions of celebrating the New Year exist in different countries. I wonder how this day is celebrated in Europe? For example, in England houses are decorated not only with Christmas trees, but also with sprigs of mistletoe. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. A wreath of mistletoe is decorated and front door... It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from diseases. In France, it is not Santa Claus who comes to children, but the old man Père Noel in a fur coat, a red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Père Noel climbs into the chimney and puts presents for them in specially prepared shoes in front of the fireplace.

On this day, adults dance in red caps, fool around, have fun, joke, sprinkle each other with confetti. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries, in English, the shortest congratulations are: "Happy New Year!", Which means: "Happy New Year!"

Italy

In this country, the celebration begins on January 6th. On the eve of the holiday, children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to receive many delicious and wonderful treats. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we have, but a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. Children believe that she flies in on a broomstick at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-mannered children. Anyone who only played naughty and mischievous for the whole goal will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Grown Italians don't believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is the time to pay tribute centuries-old traditions... For example, the inhabitants of this country, while the clock strikes, throw out old and unnecessary things from their homes, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace discarded items will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday, people give each other gifts. In the provinces, you may be presented with a sprig of olive in water taken from a source. It is believed that such a symbolic present brings happiness. On this day, every family has lentils, nuts and grapes on the table. In order for good luck to accompany all matters for a whole year, you must definitely eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all kinds of signs. For example, it is believed that if in the morning after New Year's Eve the priest meets first on the way, then the year will be unhappy. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the humpbacked grandfather, who came out to the meeting, promises health and good luck for the whole next year.

In Ireland

We continue to travel across Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have a lot in common. In English, congratulations on the occasion can be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only a family one. On the eve of his, the doors of all houses are wide open. Anyone can enter any of them and join the celebration. The guest will surely be seated in the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and toasts will be made to “World Peace!”. Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here called seed cake. This is a cupcake with caraway seeds. The local housewives also prepare a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feast, everyone goes for a walk outside. By half-past eleven, the Irish gather in the central square of the city, on which there is a large Christmas tree. Real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.

Bulgaria

It has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, it can be candied pumpkin, caramelized apples or homemade marmalade. The traditional New Year's dish is a banny. It is puff. And in Bulgaria there is also a tradition to put a loaf of bread with a coin on the festive table. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in their piece. After the feast, both adults and children here make dogwood sticks, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, heads of garlic, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called suruvachki. This item must be sure to hit everyone in the family in order to bring him health and good luck. Sometimes with suruvachkas they go to neighbors to wish them all the best. And then the youth pour out into the street with songs and dances.

When the clock strikes midnight in the city tower, marking the beginning of the year, the lights for kisses are switched off throughout the city for three minutes. Even competitions are arranged: who will kiss the most.

In Cuba

We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday goes where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year are distinctive in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba. Here on this day they dress up a coniferous tree araucaria or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluted with orange juice, liqueur and ice. In Cuba, there is interesting tradition on the eve of the celebration, fill all the buckets, jugs and basins in the house with water. At midnight this water is poured out of the windows. It is believed that in this way people protect their home from adversity and misfortune. Until the clock strikes 12, everyone must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Then you can be sure that the whole year will be accompanied by good luck, peace and prosperity. There is also a Santa Claus here. Only he is not alone, like ours. There are three of them in Cuba: Valthazar, Gaspar and Melchior.

On the eve of the holiday, the child writes notes to them with the wishes of what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night long Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and pour water over each other. It is believed here that this brings happiness to a person and charges with positive energy.

Sultry Brazil

The life of this country has always been closely associated with the ocean. The goddess of the seas, Iemanja, played the leading role in local folklore for many centuries. It is with her that the local customs of celebrating the New Year are associated. In different countries of the world on this day, people pronounce magic spells and perform ritual ceremonies. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents are trying to appease the goddess Iemanja so that she would show favor and patience to them throughout the next year. She is portrayed as lovely woman in long blue robes with her hair down, the color of moonlit silvery tracks. Many Brazilian women try to dress the same way on this day. Iemanja is very fond of fun and dancing. Therefore, people go to the beach in the evening, sing, walk, congratulate each other and perform magic ritual for luck. It consists in sending small rafts with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lighted candles into the ocean. While doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long robes throw themselves into ocean waters bright flowers making wishes. The action ends with a half-hour fireworks display. These are the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries, where there is eternal summer.

In Australia

Tired of snow and cold? Where to go to We continue to consider the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. As a rule, a comic performance is held everywhere. Australians are among the first on the planet to celebrate this holiday. As a rule, the festival is held here in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs fun dances, fantastic fireworks, music festivals featuring world stars: all of this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Years Eve. Santa Claus in a red cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach ... You can only see this in Australia.

Exactly at midnight, the city streets are filled with the sounds of car horns and the ringing of bells. So the Australians are trying to "ring" the new year to visit them. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.

Colombia

To remember the summer and enjoy its beauty in winter period, let's go to Colombia. It has its own interesting customs of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, the main character is Santa Claus, whose arrival marks the beginning of the new year. And in Colombia, the main hero of the holiday is the Old Year, which walks the streets and amuses local children. It is often played by a scarecrow on a long stick, which is burned on the beach at midnight. It is believed that after that the old year left the country forever and gave way to a new one. There is also a Grandfather Frost here. His name is Pope Pasquale. He is dressed in a red fur coat and a hat, just like ours main character holiday. Only he walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly amused.

Seeing him, the inhabitants of the city begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire into the air with guns. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Pope Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who decorates the New Year's sky with colorful fireworks and lights.

New Year in Africa

The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are interesting. Curiously, how is the celebration celebrated in African countries? After all, it is this continent that is considered the homeland. this holiday... If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, then palm trees are often decorated here, not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits.

In many African states, there is a tradition of scattering green nuts on the streets. It is believed that whoever finds such a nut will definitely be happy this year. As a rule, this holiday in the countries of the "black" continent is celebrated on January 1. But there are also exceptions, for example Ethiopia. Here the celebration takes place on September 1st. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the ripening period for fruits. On the eve of the main holiday of the year, old and young people try to swim in the river. People believe that in this way they leave all sins in the past and enter the new year with a pure soul. The holiday itself is held with songs, festivities and dances around a set on fire a sheaf of palm branches, decorated with yellow flowers.

There are traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Photo, Interesting Facts from many parts of the world: everything can be found in our article.

A story for children about the New Year holiday. As the New Year is celebrated in different countries.

A story for children about New Year's traditions in different countries.

New Year Is one of the oldest and happiest holidays in the world. At the same time, it is surprising that there is no other holiday that would be celebrated around the world on such different dates and whose traditions would be so different. In Russia, as in most European countries, as well as in the USA and Australia, the New Year begins on January 1. Back in the distant 1700, the Russian Tsar Peter I issued a decree according to which the coming of the New Year was to be celebrated. People decorated houses with pine, spruce and juniper branches, arranged fiery fun and festive shooting. Over time, they began to decorate the trees brought to the house. So the green tree turned into one of the symbols of this holiday, becoming its main decoration, along with Santa Claus and Snegurochka. By the way, Santa Clauses look different in all countries. Our Russian Santa Claus wears a toe-length fur coat, felt boots, a high fur hat, and holds a staff and a bag of gifts in his hands.

In America, New Year's grandfather - Santa Claus - wears a short red jacket and a funny cap on his head. He travels through the air on a reindeer sleigh and enters the kids' homes through the chimney.

In Belgium and Poland new year grandfather Saint Nicholas is considered the very first Santa Claus, because, as the ancient pre-ancient legend says, he left golden apples in a shoe in front of the fireplace to his family who sheltered him. Saint Nicholas wears a white robe and rides a horse, accompanied by a Moor servant, Black Peter, who helps carry a heavy bag of gifts for obedient children. The mischievous people do not receive gifts - for them Black Peter wears rods.

In France, a grandfather with a staff and a wide-brimmed hat, whose name is Père Noel ("Christmas Grandfather"), puts gifts directly into the chimney.

The Swedish grandfather - Jologomten - puts the presents by the stove, and the German Santa Claus leaves his gifts on the windowsill.

Mexican kids find gifts in a boot, and English kids in a sock. With the first blow new year clock the British and Scots open the back door of the house to let out the Old Year, and with the last blow of the clock, they open the front door to let the New Year in.

In Italy, on New Year's Eve, grandfather Babo Nattale and the good fairy Befana visit children. They give gifts to obedient children, which they leave on the balcony, while the lazy and capricious get only a coal. And on New Year's Eve, Italians throw old things out of the windows - cracked flower pots, ragged chairs, holey boots fly onto the pavement ... The more things you throw away, the inhabitants of sunny Italy believe, the more wealth the new year will bring.

The funniest name, perhaps, is that of the Finnish Santa Claus - Joulupukki (in Finnish “yolu” is Christmas, and “pukki” is a goat).

This name was not given to him by chance: many years ago he wore a goat skin and delivered gifts to children on horseback.

The Uzbek snow grandfather Corbobo, who, dressed in a striped robe, delivers gifts to kids on a donkey, is not far behind Joulupukki.

The Snow Maiden Korgyz accompanies him. In Mongolia, grandfather Uvlin Uvgun wears cattle clothes, because the Mongolian New Year coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding.

Australian Santa Claus named Sylvester cuts across the country kangaroos in swimming trunks and on a scooter - it's unusually hot there on a holiday. A local Snow Maiden in a swimsuit helps Sylvester deliver gifts.

In Greece and Cyprus, New Year's grandfather is called Saint Basil, in Spain - Pope Noel, in Cambodia - Ded Heat, in Colombia - Pope Pascual, in the Netherlands - Sanderklaas, in Romania - Mosh Jerilé, in the Czech Republic - Ded Mikulas.

But, for example, in Norway gifts are given to children by small brownies - nissé. They wear knitted caps and are very fond of sweets. Therefore, in order to appease them and get more gifts, children on New Year's Eve lay out various delicacies around the house in secluded corners.

In India, on New Year's Eve, parents put small gifts on a tray, and on New Year's Eve, children should wait with their eyes closed until they are brought to the tray.

In Japan, on New Year's Eve, bunches of straw are hung in front of the entrance to the house, which, according to residents, attracts happiness and scares away evil spirits. At the time of the new year, the Japanese begin to laugh, believing that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. The Japanese Santa Claus's name is Oji-san.

In Belgium and the Netherlands, there is a belief that the behavior of a person on the first day of the new year determines what awaits him in the coming year. Therefore, on this day, people try to do nothing. They prepare a lot of delicious food in advance and put on something new.

In Hungary, on the morning of the first day of the new year, they wash their hands not with soap, but with coins - so that money is not transferred in their hands all year round.

In Yugoslavia, for the New Year, they spread various objects on the table: a pine twig (for luck), a ring (for a wedding), a doll (for the birth of a child), money (for wealth) and cover them with a fur hat. Then everyone sitting at the table must pull out the object three times, and if he comes across the same one three times, this means that in the New Year he will have the event that this object symbolizes.

In Iran, a few weeks before the New Year, grains of wheat or barley are planted in a small dish - the sprouted grains symbolize the beginning of spring and the new year of life.

The nimble Chinese celebrate the onset of the New Year twice: on January 1 and again somewhere between January 23 and February 19 - the date changes all the time, since this day is the New Year, calculated according to the Chinese lunar calendar.

Celebrating the New Year at New Moon is an amazingly beautiful sight! Street processions with firecrackers and firecrackers scare away evil spirits from the houses, and so that they definitely do not get inside, residents seal the windows and doors with paper. Chinese New Year's grandfather Sho Hin takes part in all this fun.

Preparing for New year v eastern countries, as elsewhere, begins long before the holiday. In about two weeks, festive markets open in all crowded squares, where you can buy various toys, stars, lanterns of all sizes and shapes - in the form of fish, dragons, horses, birds. Candles are lit inside these bizarre figurines. A lot of toys made of dough are sold these days: warriors galloping on horses with swords, boats with rowers in colorful clothes, amazingly beautiful lotuses, figurines of animals and birds. And also clay figurines of animals and people.

In Vietnam, the New Year usually starts in February. Locals believe that God lives in every house, and in the new year this God goes to heaven to tell the Supreme Ruler in detail how each of the family members spent the outgoing year.

On a certain day before the image of the Spirit hearth people light candles and incense sticks, and put on sweet dishes. Sweets are offered for a reason - so that the Spirit's lips stick together and he does not say too much there, in heaven. And since the Vietnamese believe that God floats on his back

carp, then on holiday they buy live carp and then release it into a river or pond. In addition, in Vietnam for the New Year, you must definitely buy a hat, which are also sold in a variety of different styles and colors at New Year's markets.

There is a special attitude towards hats in the East. The hat is a symbol of power there and an indispensable attribute of the big boss's wardrobe. In Korea, for the New Year, at numerous Christmas tree bazaars, they do not sell trees, as in our country, but peach branches and trees symbolizing the onset of spring.

The colorful rituals that accompany the celebration of the New Year in the East have a very definite meaning. In addition to the incessant crackling of firecrackers, which drive out evil spirits so that they do not overshadow the holiday in any way, there are many more traditions. Celebration of the New Year, as a rule, lasts several days. On the second day, it is imperative to visit the parents and close relatives if they live separately, and on the third day do not forget to go to the teacher and congratulate him. In the first days of the new year, you cannot wear white clothes (in the East, this is the color of mourning), you cannot talk about death, grimace, imitating monkeys, and take out the trash.

And in some countries, the New Year is generally not celebrated in winter months... So, in Indonesia, this event falls on October. On the first day of the new year, all the people there ask each other for forgiveness for the troubles they caused in the past year. In Burma, New Years are celebrated on the hottest April days. Starting from April 1, for a whole week people shower each other with water and have fun at the Tingjan New Year Water Festival. Iranians celebrate New Year on March 21.

Jews most often celebrate the New Year - as many as four times. At the beginning of autumn, during the harvest season, the festival of sacrifice of the collected fruits to God begins. Addressing the Almighty, people ask to save the harvest. From this holiday, the ancient Jews counted the days of the new year.

Later, in mid-September, Jews celebrate Adam's birthday and Rosh Hashanah. It is considered the beginning of the New Year for the calendar. It is believed that on this day the Lord determines how a person lived. Therefore, on this holiday, people rejoice in the past year and pray for peace, harmony and happiness next year. The prayer says: "May this year be kind and sweet!" In a festive meal, honey is certainly present, in which you need to dip pieces of apple and bread.

In early spring, Jews celebrate the New Year of Trees - almonds bloom in Israel at this time. People welcome the blossoming buds and the first green leaves, thereby honoring the beginning of a new life in the promised land. It is customary to plant trees on this day.

In fact, it doesn't matter when and how people celebrate the New Year or what the name of the snowy grandfather is, the main thing is that on New Year's Eve all kind and obedient children always receive wonderful gifts from Santa Claus!

You can always write a letter to Santa Claus at the following addresses:

Official mailing address: 162340, Russia, Vologda region, the city of Veliky Ustyug, the house of Father Frost.

Moscow residence of Father Frost: 109472, Russia, Moscow, Kuzminsky forest, to Grandfather Frost.

And remember, kid, that Santa Claus answers every letter sent to him, and his friends help him in this - the Snow Maiden, the Bunny and other fairy-tale heroes!

Happy New Year!