Italians throw old irons out of windows, Panamanians whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear ... In general, there are many oddities in the world associated with the New Year!

Italy. Irons and old chairs are flying out of the windows on New Year's Eve
In italy New Year starts on January 6th. According to legends, on this night on a magic broomstick arrives Kind fairy Befana. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings specially hung from the fireplace with gifts. For those who did not study well or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.

Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year 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.

In the Italian province, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring home water from a source. "If you have nothing to give your friends," the Italians say, "give water with an olive sprig." It is believed that water brings happiness.

It is also important for Italians who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1, the first person he meets is a monk or priest, this is bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, and to meet a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate.


Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at exactly midnight, the dolls will be burned under the so-called "cry of widows" who mourn their "bad husbands". As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.

For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.

Do you want to get rich a lot in the coming year or find a lot of love? In order for money to "fall like snow on the head" in the new year, it is necessary, as soon as the clock strikes 12, to put on underwear of yellow shades.

If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the underwear should be red.

Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens.


Sweden. New Year is a celebration of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of the World, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, a crown with lighted 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 - a carrot. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in houses, the streets are brightly lit.


SOUTH AFRICA. The police closes the neighborhoods for traffic - refrigerators fly from the windows

In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing out their windows various subjects- from bottles to large furniture.

South African police have already closed the Hillbrow neighborhood to traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police spokesman, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.

"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking you not to throw objects like refrigerators out of windows and not shoot firearms in the air," said South African police spokesman Kribn Nedu.

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


England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, it is customary 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. All New Year's Eve street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.

It was in England that the custom arose to exchange for the New Year greeting cards... The first New Year 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 put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.

The coming of the New Year is announced by a bell. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a "whisper" - the blanket that is wrapped around him prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.

At these moments, the lovers, in order not to part next year, should kiss under the branch of mistletoe, which is considered a magical tree.

In English houses to New Year's table serves 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 "admitting the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone in the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, open the back door of the house to release Old year and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened, letting in the New Year.

Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street
In Scotland, the New Years holiday is called "Hogmani". On the streets, the holiday is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

The Scots believe that whoever enters their house first in the new year determines the success or failure of the family for the whole next year... Great luck, in their opinion, comes from a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first-footing.

On New Year's Eve, special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast, they usually serve oat cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.

Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors are thrown wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.


Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
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 seek shelter.

Irish women bake a special seed cake treat for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, one for New Years, and one for Epiphany Eve.


Nepal. New Year is celebrated with sunrise
In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated with 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, arms, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.


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. According to tradition, a good host-winemaker should certainly clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink to the next harvest.


Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
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.


Israel. One should eat sweet foods and refrain from bitter foods.
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.

Celebration New Year is a day of prayers. According to custom, special food is eaten on the eve of the holiday: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet foods and refrain from bitter ones. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer.


Japan. Best gift- rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good fortune in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under a pillow a picture of a sailing ship on which seven fairy-tale wizards float - seven patrons of happiness.

Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairytale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.

108 bells ringing to herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing 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 why the Japanese bell tolls for them.

In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - it should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, more precisely front door, sprigs of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine stands for longevity, bamboo stands for loyalty, and plum stands for vitality.

The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice - wealth, carp - strength, beans - health. Each family prepares a New Year's meal mochi - koloboks, cakes, rolls of rice flour.

In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their homes to meet the sunrise. With the first rays, they congratulate each other and give gifts.

Branches decorated with mochi balls, a motibana Christmas tree, are placed in houses.

Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Favorite New Year's entertainment girls play shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.

The most popular New Year's accessory is the rake. Every Japanese person believes that it is necessary to have them so that there is something to rake in happiness for the New Year. A bamboo rake - kumade - is made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and decorated with various designs and talismans.

In order to appease the Deity of the Year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build a small gate in front of the house of three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine, a bamboo shoot, and a small plum or peach tree.


Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are kept from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lit candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by the Scottish Highlanders, funny songs, brought from Britain two centuries ago, sing every Christmas morning.


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


Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21st. This is the time of the beginning of agricultural work. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, funny fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.


China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
Preserved in China new year tradition bathing Buddha. On this day, all the statues of Buddha in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves are doused with water at the moment when others say in their address new year wishes happiness. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in soaked 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 chronology only in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year varies from January 21 to February 20 each time.


Iran. Everybody fires their guns
In Iran, New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment shots from rifles are thundering. All adults hold in their hands silver coins as a sign of 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 earthenware 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 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 stone with the words: "Let the eyesore of the owner be as small as this stone."

New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their boots by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the boots with gifts.

New Year is the most magical holiday. A decorated Christmas tree, the clink of glasses of champagne, shiny toys, the chiming of a clock - this is what the average citizen of the Russian Federation associates with the New Year.

However, not all countries celebrate this date as we do. Many peoples have very unusual, and sometimes even strange traditions, which are customary to observe on New Year's Eve. And the celebration of the New Year itself does not always fall from December 31 to January 1, and, moreover, in some countries the date of New Year's celebration is "floating" and is often set by the government. There are many more interesting traditions and customs, which we will tell you about today.

In italy

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Hot and temperamental Italians celebrate this holiday in the same emotional way, which is quite consistent with their character. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw out old and unnecessary things from the windows: absolutely everything is used - from dishes with cracks to a broken refrigerator. Walking the streets in the evening, you need to be extremely careful, otherwise you risk getting a powerful blow from an iron or a chair. After all the rubbish has been ruthlessly thrown away, Italians also take to their wardrobe - on New Year's Eve, the wardrobe should be filled with new clothes, and the holiday should also be celebrated in new clothes. It is believed that such a custom helps a person to cleanse himself of everything old and prepare for a new one.

As in many other countries, the New Year in Italy is a time of gifts. Children prepare their shoes for surprises from the fairy Befana, while adults are waiting for Babbo Natale (Italian Santa Claus). Even if you have nothing to give, don't worry. Just bring your friend "new water" from the spring and an olive sprig. Such a gift will surely bring happiness.

In Austria

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In Austria, the New Year begins with Strauss's operetta “ Bat"At the Vienna Opera is the most important symbol of the holiday. The feast is fun and loud: people release fireworks into the air and open a masquerade to drive out evil spirits; housewives prepare a festive table: suckling pig, hot punch, green ice cream, chocolate or marzipan pigs.

Also, the Austrians do not miss the chance to find out what awaits them next year - in this they are helped by fortune telling on lead. Molten metal is poured into cold water, and then they look at what kind of figure it turned out.

In Finland

As you know, Finland is the birthplace of Santa Claus, but here his name is Joulupukki. He has talking deer and a mountain of goodies. He delivers them to obedient children, managing to travel the whole world in one night.

For Finns, the New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas: they get together again with the whole family for festive table, arrange funny performances and read fortune-telling on wax.

In Ireland

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During the New Year celebrations, the Irish are distinguished by their hospitality - looking into any house, you can count on a treat and a place of honor at the table. And it will not be difficult to go into the house of an Irishman on New Year's Eve, since they open all the doors and windows so that the evil forces leave. Here you will be treated to traditional pastries - seeded cakes (cookies with caraway seeds), as well as a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Pudding takes a special place. It is worth noting that Irish housewives prepare it three times a year: for Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.

As in many other countries, in Ireland it is also customary to guess. The girls put mistletoe, clover, ivy and lavender under their pillows and go to bed to dream of their betrothed.

In brazil

Although the New Year is celebrated in Brazil on December 31st, it is summer holiday because the sun, the sea and the beach always reign here. Unlike many other peoples, Brazilians celebrate this day outside the home - they go to bars and restaurants to watch the New Year's fireworks and how to relax.

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Since Brazilian culture has African origins, it is customary to pay tribute to the sea goddess Imanje on New Year's Eve. To do this, make a wish and send candles and white flowers to the sea on wooden boards. It is believed that the further the candle floats without extinguishing, the more likely it is that the wish will come true.

There is one more custom that will help to fulfill the desire. To do this, you need to eat twelve grapes. Brazilians also call everyone around them brothers and sisters, forgiving grievances and promising to be more tolerant towards each other. It is interesting that there is no Santa Claus here at all.

In Japan

In Japan, New Year is exclusively a family holiday. It is believed that on this day, seven gods descend to earth, including those who are the patrons of rice and fishing, the main food products in Japan.

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The fact that the new year has come to earth is announced by 108 blows that are heard from the temple. The Japanese believe that there are six basic human vices - greed, greed, envy, frivolity, anger and stupidity, each of which has 18 subspecies. One blow of the bell is designed to expel one attack from a person. When the last blow strikes, people go out into the street to wish each other a happy ... birthday. It is interesting that many years ago this date was not celebrated in Japan and all at the same time added "one" to their age on New Year's Eve.

In the evening, the whole family gathers at the festive table. There is no place for fun, noise and clamor - everyone should seriously think about the coming year full of new events.

And for the little Japanese O-shogatsu(New Year) is one of the most anticipated holidays, because Segatsu-san (Santa Claus) will bring interesting gifts, which the kids have been waiting for a whole year.

In Guatemala

In Guatemala, the New Year is celebrated very noisy: merry festivities on the streets, grilled vegetables and meat, street performers - all these are integral attributes of the holiday. As in Italy, it is customary here to get rid of old things. However, here they are not just thrown out the windows, but burned in bonfires on the main square of the city. While unnecessary irons and pans are burning, people walk around the fire, beat drums and set off fireworks. And here you can not do without alcoholic drinks: local rum, beer and the famous cocktail "Rompopo".

IN USA

As in Russia, in the United States, the New Year begins on the evening of December 31st. Americans celebrate this holiday noisily, cheerfully, with bubbling champagne and clinking glasses. On this day in the USA there are two major events a year: Pantomime Parade and Tournament of Roses.

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The pantomime parade was first held in Philadelphia by Irish settlers, who organized the celebration in the form of a ten-hour performance. It is accompanied by songs and dances. People under the leadership of the King of pantomime parade through the streets of the city. The Tournament of Roses is also a very bright, beautiful and memorable event. This was the first time this holiday took place in the state of California. The end of the tournament is evidenced by the "Pink Ball" football match, which is broadcast on all television channels in the country.

Americans have their own new year symbols... The most famous are the old man and the baby. The first symbolizes the outgoing year, and the second a new one. Also, Americans write to themselves “ new year tasks"- what they should do in the new year, for example, quit smoking, lose weight or spend less money on entertainment.

In Germany

New Year in Germany is called Sylvester and it is usually celebrated outside the home. With the first strikes of the chimes announcing the arrival of the new year, the Germans take to the streets with champagne, launch fireworks and congratulate each other on the holiday. There is also an interesting custom in Germany: a few seconds before the clock strikes, people climb on chairs to "jump" into the new year.

It is also a very long-awaited event for the little ones. Children believe in Santa Nikolaus, who will bring them gifts on a donkey and leave them on the windowsill.

In Denmark

New Year's traditions in Denmark are very interesting and unusual. Very important role playing food. On the evening of December 31st, the hostesses prepare a large bowl of porridge, on the bottom of which they put almonds or a nut. If he gets caught by an unmarried girl, then a wedding awaits her in the near future, for the rest it means a happy and auspicious year. Other popular dishes are potatoes and fish.

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This holiday is especially long-awaited for children. They are looking forward to Yulenisse, the younger Santa Claus. By the way, it is worth noting that there are two of them in Denmark - the second is called Ülemanden. But it is Yulenesse who makes toys for children in her forest house for a whole year, and takes them home on New Year's Eve. And Ülemanden is an old, old grandfather, the elves help him.

Parents also make their children happy. Children receive as a gift a Christmas tree made of wood or in the form of a soft plush toy, from under which the paws of a troll peep out - it is believed that this is the soul of a tree.

In China

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The Chinese celebrate the onset of the new year between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. In China, as in Japan, New Year is a traditional family holiday. But preparation starts early.

People glue the doors and windows with paper so as not to let the evil spirits that envelop the new year into their homes. Firecrackers and fireworks on New Year's Eve have the same meaning. The hostesses prepare a festive dinner and set the table in the living room. Before eating in a small family circle, food is first “offered” to deceased relatives.

Also on this day all offenses are forgiven. After dinner, no one goes to bed so as not to miss their "new" happiness.

In Estonia

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Although New Year is not an original Estonian holiday, this day is officially recognized as a day off. Due to the fact that there are many Russians living in Estonia, New Year is celebrated here four times: Russian time, Estonian time, old style and eastern calendar... As in most Eastern European countries, New Year is celebrated in Estonia very merrily and noisily: champagne flows like a river, a richly set table allows you to enjoy the taste of traditional New Year's dishes, alcoholic drinks are striking in their variety.

Estonians decorate city streets in European style with garland lights and glittering hanging toys; candles flicker in houses and fluffy ones burn christmas trees... There is a wide range of entertainment for young people: many nightclubs and hotels offer New Year's programs.

In Switzerland

It is customary for the Swiss to celebrate the New Year two times: from December 31st to January 1st and according to the old Julian calendar. As in many other European countries, this holiday is celebrated here noisily and cheerfully. People bawl, blow up firecrackers and firecrackers, trying in this way to drive away evil forces. On the night of January 13-14, you can see very unusually dressed people - they wear either Dollhouse or a small botanical garden. These are residents who are highly respected by the townspeople. They are the main "fighters" against evil spirits.

There is a very interesting New Year's belief in Switzerland: if a drop of cream falls on the floor, then the year for the owners of the house will be successful and happy.

In Australia

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The Australian New Year is not at all like the European one, as there is no traditional Christmas tree, toys, gifts from Santa and snow-white snow. But Australia has its own special holiday. Instead of traditional spruce, Australians dress up pine or cedar.

It also hosts the world's largest New Year's fireworks display, followed by a boat parade. For lovers of marine technology, this is a real event, since here you can see boats, ships and boats of all shapes and sizes. Well, if you are not a big fan of such technical innovations, then take a walk along the beach - here you will meet a Snow Maiden in a bikini who will give you a nice souvenir as a keepsake.

In the Dominican Republic

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Rest in the Dominican Republic is the dream of the most fastidious tourist. And probably every person on the planet dreams of celebrating the New Year among exotic trees, flowers, hot beaches and passionate Latin American rhythms. The symbol of the New Year in the Dominican Republic is, like ours, a spruce. However, not everyone can afford a living tree, so people buy artificial coniferous beauties and decorate them with corals, interesting shells and luxurious fresh flowers.

New Years are celebrated here noisily and cheerfully with dancing until the morning. Definitely worth buying new clothes- this promises good luck and prosperity in the new year. And if you want to travel a lot, then take your favorite suitcase, pack it as if for a vacation and run around your house with it several times. Do not forget about the decor of the house - the Dominicans decorate their homes. balloons and multi-colored ribbons.

In Scotland

New Year's traditions in Scotland are very interesting and have ancient roots. One of the oldest customs is associated with a barrel of tar. It must be set on fire and rolled down the street. In this way, the Scots burn the old year and light the way for the new.

Scottish New Year is called Hogmani and it is celebrated for four whole days. On these days, the doors of houses are open to everyone. The most welcome guest is a black-haired man, preferably a chimney sweep. According to an ancient belief, if he walks into a house with a piece of coal and throws it into a blazing fire in the fireplace, it will bring happiness and good fortune to the family. New Year's Eve kicks off four of the most important Scottish festivals - a torch parade, street performance and party, and a music event.

In France

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New Year's traditions in France are very interesting and unusual. So winemakers have a custom to be the first to congratulate ... their wine barrel. The owner pours a glass of wine, clinks glasses with the barrel, and then hugs her. Meanwhile, the housewives bake a traditional pie and put one bean in it. The one to whom he finds himself at the festive table is declared the "king of beans", and this evening everyone will fulfill his wishes.

Also, the French have their own Santa Claus, his name is Pierre Noel. By the way, he has an assistant named Pierre Fouetard. He strictly monitors Noel and makes sure that he gives only obedient, hardworking and kind kids, and bad children receive a rod instead of a gift.

In Peru

Peruvians, like almost all Latin Americans, are very emotional, so they celebrate the New Year just as vigorously. In particular, there is a custom to throw away bad emotions and thoughts, just as Italians get rid of unnecessary and old things. And they do it with the help of fights! Yes exactly. Everyone, including women and adolescents, joins the general process. In this way, they do not allow fate to punish itself for any wrongdoing in the outgoing year - it is unlikely that it wants to harm the already beaten Peruvians.

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And for those who are planning or really wanting to make a long-awaited trip, there is another tradition - you need to take your favorite suitcase and run around your neighborhood with it, moreover, you must have time to do this before the new year.

And those who want to attract good luck in the coming year must eat 13 grapes before the clock strikes twelve. Particular attention is paid to the last, thirteenth grape, as it is this that brings success. And right after the onset of the new year, Peruvians take to the streets and burn a scarecrow stuffed with firecrackers. In this way, fireworks are also launched.

In Cuba

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Cuba also has a New Year tradition associated with grapes. But, unlike Peruvians, Cubans eat 12 grapes - you can make one wish every month. Some traditions are very similar to Russian ones, for example, Christmas tree... However, Cubans have their own symbol of the New Year - this is araucaria (coniferous tree) or an ordinary palm tree. And instead of champagne, they have Cuban rum. For the new year, a traditional cocktail is made here, consisting of rum, orange juice, liqueur and ice.

As for Santa Claus, it is worth noting that the Cubans have three of them: Gaspar, Valtasar and Melchior. They are the masters of magic and fulfill all the wishes of the children, which they inform the kings about in their letters.

Once on New Year's Eve in Cuba and going out into the street, few people remain dry. And it is understandable, because the Cubans have a custom of pouring water out of windows and doors - in this way they see off the old year, and with it everything bad. And the traditional Cuban "wet wish" promises success and happiness in the new year.

In Greece

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As in most other countries, in Greece the New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. In addition, on this day, the Greeks celebrate Vasily's name day. People with this name are congratulated and given gifts, and temples and churches named after St. Basil offer special celebration programs, which often include a variety of foods and drinks. It is customary to play cards on New Years, as it is a happy day for players.

Basil is one of the main symbols of the Greek New Year - it is added to various dishes, people use it to decorate their homes. There is another interesting belief: any container filled with fresh water is cleaned on this day.

New Year's dishes also play an important role. The hostesses prepare a special cake called Vassilopita, in which they put one small coin. Whoever gets it will be especially lucky in the coming year.

Within one year in the world under different religions and different nations New Year is celebrated on different days.

1st of January The New Year officially begins in most countries of the world living according to the Gregorian calendar.

14 january all CIS countries celebrate the Old New Year, it is considered the beginning of the year in Greece. This is the day of St. Basil, who was once famous for his kindness and special love for children.

On the first new moon after January 21(v different years It will be met between January 21 and February 20), the New Year is coming according to the Eastern calendar, which is followed by countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, etc.

On the first day of the holy month of Muharram in Islamic countries, the Hijri New Year begins (starting from July 16, 622 according to the Gregorian calendar, each next Hijri New Year comes 11 days earlier than the previous one). The 1st muhkharama is not included in the number of holidays of Islam and, accordingly, in most Muslim countries, the New Year is not celebrated as a holiday in the secular sense. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the transfer of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

24 February Indian New Years holiday Holi. (In India, New Year is celebrated several times on different days).

10th of March The people of Kashmir are beginning to celebrate the New Year in India and continue to celebrate it until the end of the New Year's celebrations in all Indian states.

On the night of March 21-22 New Year comes to the countries living according to the Persian calendar: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. March 22 there is called "Novruz" - the first day of the New Year.

On the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar (late March-early April according to the Gregorian), the Indian New Year of Gudi Padwa is celebrated.

From 12 to 17 April New Year is celebrated in Burma. It falls on the hottest and hottest days there. The exact day of the celebration is announced by the Ministry of Culture by a special decree, and the celebrations last for three days.

13 april Songkran Thai New Year is celebrated. On the same day, residents of West Bengal celebrate the New Year in India.

14th of April New Year comes to the territory of Laos. This is the eve of the long-awaited rainy season. On the same day, the Hindus from Tamil Nadu celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and this day coincides with the official onset of spring.

1st and 2nd of the month of Tishri according to the Hebrew calendar(usually September Gregorian) New Year is celebrated in Israel, where it is called Rosh Hashanah.

11 September the Ethiopian New Year is coming, which marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia.

October 7th new year holidays come to Gambia and Indonesia. This is a special date for locals - you can wear your own best outfits, pretend to be, ask each other for forgiveness for all the insults and enter the New Year with a clear conscience.

Night from October 31 to November 1, known in Catholic countries as "Halloween", is considered the beginning of the New Year among the Celtic peoples, and it is called "Samhain". This date is especially important in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, where the descendants of the ancient Celts still live and keep centuries-old customs.

November 18th one year is followed by another in the Hawaiian Islands, Oceania and Yemen. In these regions, the New Year is celebrated later than everyone else, when other countries are already preparing to celebrate the next year.

Almost all peoples have a New Year's holiday. This is not just a time line, but also a kind of "blank slate", the beginning of a new life, liberation from the troubles and problems of the outgoing year. At the same time, there are significant discrepancies in the date, traditions, and the intensity of the celebration. So, as the New Year is celebrated in different countries?

Few facts from history

• Among the cuneiform tablets of Babylon, one was found that tells about the celebration of the New Year. The record was created in the 4th century BC.
• The change of years was ordered by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, commanding to celebrate it on January 1.
• Later, after half a millennium, Pope Gregory VIII ordered to move the date, and now the Gregorian and Julian calendars differ by 13 days.
• Most eastern peoples celebrate the New Year in spring, rejoicing in the awakening of nature from winter sleep.

The history of the holiday in our country began thanks to Emperor Peter the Great. By his decree, he ordered the celebration of the Julian New Year. True, since Christmas was December 25, the New Year in Russia became one of the Christmastide days and was included in the context of general winter Christian celebrations. Only after the 1917 revolution did the holiday become full-fledged.

Most of the Russian Christmas traditions have passed on to the secular New Year. Christmas tree, gifts, Santa Claus - all of this is borrowed from pre-revolutionary celebrations. Today our unchanging traditions are tangerines, the President's speech and the chimes at midnight, family gatherings and presents.

One of the funniest New Year traditions in Russia that people love is to write their cherished desire on a piece of paper. Then you need to set it on fire to the chime of the clock, throw the ashes into a glass with the selected drink and drink.

New Year in Russia, as elsewhere in the world, is ancient and beautiful holiday... The tasks and expectations of this night are to drive away evil forces, lure good ones, say goodbye to grievances and make wishes for the next year. In general, the New Year in Russia can be safely called a favorite holiday for both children and adults.

Chinese New Year

The largest state in the world celebrates the New Year on the night of the first new moon, which most often falls on the end of January - beginning of February. The holiday does not have a strictly fixed date. However, there is a symbol - a blossoming, but unblown peach branch. In general, the New Year for the Chinese is a symbol of awakening.

In ancient times, every beggar in China could come to any family table and eat what he wants. If the owners closed their doors on New Year's, all the neighbors turned away from them with contempt.

The main sign of the holiday is the sea of ​​lights in the night sky. Every city or village is lit up with fireworks. The Chinese are happy to blow up firecrackers - after all, it is believed that they drive away evil spirits. Figures symbolizing happiness, luck and wealth are being bought up in huge lots. They are given to relatives and friends, they are kept as a keepsake. Houses are necessarily decorated with flowers, each of which bears deep meaning... For example, daffodils are important in a family for a strong and friendly marriage.

Of particular interest is the money tree that the Chinese create with their own hands. It is a sprig of cypress stuck into a persimmon, which rests on a pillow of boiled rice, decorated with fruits. Coins must be hung on the branch.

The days of the New Year's celebration are closed by the lantern festival, which all Chinese try to attend.

Vietnam

As in China, in this eastern country the celebrated holiday does not take place on December 31st. It falls in early spring, and here they put peach tree twigs on the table.

An interesting tradition was given by the ancient belief that the New Year comes on carp. The Vietnamese buy live fish and solemnly release it into a lake or river. The houses are decorated with tangerine trees with tiny fruits.

Japanese celebration

Speaking about how the New Year is celebrated in different countries, one cannot but mention the country rising sun... The Japanese celebrate New Years on the same day as us, and this event lasts for three days. The rooms of the house are not decorated with spruce, but with a composition of kadomatsu flowers, the center of which is a pine branch. It symbolizes one of the most important categories for a Japanese resident - longevity.

On New Year's Eve, it is imperative, at least for a short time, to return to their native places and visit the temple. The celebrated holiday was not in vain, if 108 bells rang out over the city or village. According to legend, they remove the same number of human worries. Liberation from problems should be accompanied by laughter, because the New Year is a fun holiday.

Celebration in Thailand

The inhabitants of this warm country celebrate the beginning of the year twice. The first time, as in other countries, is on January 1st. On the eve they come to pray at Buddhist temples, and in the morning they give gifts and do charity work.

The national holiday - Songkran - takes place on April 13-15. These days, passers-by on the streets are doused with water, and this is considered a good sign, because life-giving moisture washes away both diseases and troubles. You can also tie a colored string on the wrist to any passer-by. You cannot remove it yourself, you need to wait until it bursts itself.

Putting clay on the neck and face is an ancient New Year's custom that protects against attacks from evil spirits.

India

Since many ancient and new cultures have converged within this country, the New Year is celebrated here eight times. One of the most common is Gudi Padwa. Indians eat the bitter leaves of the nim-nim tree and believe that they cleanse the body of present and future diseases.

New Year in Muslim countries

Syria and Algeria, Bahrain and Morocco, Pakistan and Sudan, and even African Tanzania celebrate Muharram - the first month of Muslim lunar calendar... By this date, they are sprouting seeds as a symbol of a new and happy life.

Jewish celebration

Rosh Hashanah is the day of divine judgment on a person, depending on his actions in the past year. Jews devote this day to repentance and prayer. During the meal, they symbolically dip apples in honey, hoping that the next year will be sweet.

Europe

The traditions of Christian European countries are very similar, however, there are also interesting national customs. New Year is celebrated after Christmas. Sometimes the event also includes ancient modified pagan rituals.

France

Although most regions celebrate the New Year on January 1st, there are a small amount of French territories that do so on December 6, the feast day of St. Nicholas.

Per Noel quietly sneaks into the children on a festive night, if they are obedient. The old man leaves gifts in stockings hanging over the fireplace. However, another old man comes to the harmful children - the unkind Per Fuetar. He leaves them without gifts.

Bouche de Noel is a festive log. It is divided into chips and stored until next year, in order to burn it later. Ashes are kept in underwear, it is believed that it protects from troubles and misfortunes.

The French bake a pie in which they hide a bean. Whoever gets this surprise can give assignments to everyone else on this solemn night.

England

New Year's Eve in Britain has given us the tradition of presenting beautiful postcards With good wishes friends and family. Houses here, as in other countries of Western Europe, are decorated with mistletoe. Lovers are required to kiss under her branches for long and happy years in harmony and tenderness. This should be done at a time when the New Year's bells are ringing at midnight. An interesting custom is to wrap them up in blankets until 12 o'clock in the morning so that the sound is practically inaudible.

The British let out the old year by opening the back entrance, and let the new one in at the front door.

Italy

The temperamental inhabitants of the Apennine Peninsula before the New Year throw old things out of the windows - irons, tables, chairs, kettles, believing that then new ones will take their place. On the table are obligatory grapes and lentils - symbols of longevity, fertility, wealth.

Hungary

Here, on a festive night, everyone whistles and rattles. According to legend, this drives away evil spirits and devils.

Finland

The people of Suomi love to use wax figures to read fortunes. To do this, they melt a candle, drip into cold water and take out the resulting intricate pieces of wax. The Finns are trying to see their future in them.

Spain

Going on a visit, people take nougat with them in a basket. By midnight, everyone gathers in the square, where you have to eat 12 grapes before the clock strikes. Even on New Year's Eve, the Spaniards play forfeits, which result in fictitious marriages that last until the morning. "Husband" and "wife" should behave like real people.

In general, it is not so important when (in summer or winter) and how exactly the inhabitants of a particular country celebrate the New Year. Most importantly, the celebration is fun, fireworks and happiness!

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey.

From Germany, the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree when celebrating the New Year has spread throughout the world. She appeared in the distant times of the Middle Ages. The Germans believe that Santa Claus rides a donkey, so children put hay in their shoes to treat him.

Italy. In the New Year, irons and old chairs fly out of the windows.

Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. 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: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to the signs, the vacant space will certainly be taken by new things.

Sweden. New Year is a celebration of light.

Sweden in the 19th century gave the world the first glass Christmas decorations... There, on New Year's Eve, it is customary not to turn off the lights in houses and to brightly illuminate the streets - this is a real celebration of light.

In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of the World, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, a crown with lighted candles is put on her head. Lucia brings gifts to children and treats to pets: a cat - cream, a dog - a sugar bone. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in houses, the streets are brightly lit.

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

In England, it is customary for the New Year to play performances 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. All New Year's Eve street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.

It was in England that the custom arose to exchange New Year's greeting cards. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.

The coming of the New Year is announced by a bell. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket that is wrapped around him prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.

At these moments, lovers, in order not to part next year, must kiss.

United States of America.

For Americans, New Year's Eve begins when the huge, luminous clock in Times Square, New York, reads 00:00. At this moment, thousands of people gathered in the square begin to kiss and press the horn with all their might.

In the USA in 1895. the world's first luminous electric garland was hung outside the White House.

Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street.

In Scotland, New Year's holiday is called "Hogmani". According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors are thrown wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.

Australia. Santa Claus in a bathing suit.

New Year in Australia begins on January 1st. But just at this time it is so hot there that Santa Claus and Snegurochka are carrying gifts in bathing suits.

Nepal. Colorful holiday.

In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated with sunrise. At night, the Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.

France. Bean king.

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.

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 fortune in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under a pillow a picture of a sailing ship on which seven fairy-tale wizards float - seven patrons of happiness.

Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairytale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.

108 bells ringing to herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing 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 why the Japanese bell tolls for them.

In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - it should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with bamboo and pine branches - symbols of longevity and fidelity.

The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice - wealth, carp - strength, beans - health. Each family prepares a New Year's mochi treat - koloboks, flat cakes, and rice flour buns ..

Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year.

The most popular New Year's accessory is the rake. Every Japanese person believes that it is necessary to have them so that there is something to rake in happiness for the New Year. A bamboo rake - kumade - is made from 10 centimeters to 1.5 meters in size and decorated with various designs and talismans.

China. You need to pour water over you while they congratulate you.

In China, people pour water over themselves while others say their New Year's wishes for happiness. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in soaked clothes.

Oceania

And the inhabitants of Bora Bora in Oceania are the last to celebrate the New Year on the planet. The holiday takes place here on the seaside, and exactly at midnight candles are lit and colorful fireworks are launched. There is a belief: if you manage to make a wish a minute before the rising sun appears from under the mountain, then it will certainly come true.