Customs of the countries in the new year. Quirky New Year traditions in different countries. New Year traditions of Korea
Most countries in the world celebrate New Year on January 1, just like you and me. However, there are a number of countries in which the New Year falls on other dates, and is celebrated in a completely different way. For example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated during the winter new moon at the end of the full lunar cycle after the winter solstice. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21. According to Chinese traditions, celebrating the New Year is one of the most important and significant family traditions. On the first day of the new year, the Chinese launch fireworks, and also burn incense sticks, which, in their opinion, can scare away evil spirits and drive them out of the house. In ancient China, the so-called holiday of the beggars was declared on this day, when anyone could enter the house. If the owner refuses him, the neighbors will turn away from him and look with contempt. According to the Chinese, on this day, nature awakens, the earth and the sprouts of life that it preserves come to life. In the evening, the Chinese celebrate the return of the deities home. According to legend, the deities visit the world of spirits and "give an account" of the past year, and then honor the memory of their deceased ancestors. At first, the Chinese called this holiday "Xinyan" (New Year). However, today, in order to distinguish this day from the European New Year on January 1, the Chinese have renamed it "Chunjie", which translates as "Spring Festival". This happened in 1911 after the Xinhan Revolution, as a result of which a new style of chronology was introduced in China.
A similar holiday is also celebrated in Mongolia. It is believed there that the more guests come to the house that day, the more successful and richer the year will be.
In Japan, bells are rung on New Year's Eve 108 times. Each blow of the bell signifies one of six vices: stupidity, frivolity, anger, greed, indecision, and envy. However, according to the Japanese, each defect has 18 different shades, resulting in 108 bells. There is also a tradition here to present postcards with the image of the animal whose year is coming. The decoration of a Japanese house in the New Year is kadomatsu, which translates as "pine at the entrance". Kadomatsu is made from pine, bamboo and woven rice straws and then decorated with mandarin and fern branches. Little Japanese traditionally receive their New Year's gifts on this day.
A very interesting New Year tradition exists in Myanmar. Here on this day, everyone you meet pours cold water on another. This is due to the fact that the New Year in Myanmar falls on the hottest time of the year. In the local language, this day is called the "water festival".
A bizarre mixture of Indian and African rituals with European flavor turned the Brazilian New Year into a ritual of unbridled carnival and traditional worship of ancient gods. While on Copacabana Beach, almost a million spectators watch the magical transformations of lights flying into the sky from specially installed rafts in the sea, in Laguna di Freitas, the world's tallest floating tree, 82 m high, is illuminated with fireworks against the background of the equally famous statue of Christ. The Redeemer who stretched out his hands to bless the magnificent city.
In England, on New Years, the whole house is decorated with sprigs of mistletoe, which makes a great addition to the Christmas tree. Bouquets of mistletoe are everywhere, even on chandeliers and lamps. The British have a very interesting tradition of kissing a person who is standing in the center of the room under a bunch of mistletoe.
The Italian custom of getting rid of all unnecessary things in the New Year is well known. On the first day of Christmas in Italy, a Christmas log is burned - a large wooden log that is brought into the house in advance. According to legend, it is believed that a burning log should smolder slowly until the New Year, in order to get rid of everything bad, to burn all the troubles that happened in the house in the past year.
Jews also celebrate their New Year. Rosh Hashanah (which translates as the Head of the Year) is celebrated between September 5 and October 5 (163 days after Passover - Easter). Jews believe that on the day of Rosh Hashanah, the fate of a person is decided for the entire next year. As a person behaved on this day, so he will spend the entire next year. On the night of Rosh Hashanah, Israel greets everyone they meet with the following words: "May you be inscribed and signed for a good year in the Book of Life!" Then 10 days of self-knowledge and self-repentance are read, which are called "days of returning to God." Believers these days dress only in light clothes and eat apples dipped in honey.
In Bulgaria, as in many other countries, the New Year is celebrated at home. At the beginning of the holiday, the youngest member of the family stands under the tree and sings New Year's carols, for which he receives gifts from all family members. When the clock strikes 12 times, the lights go out in the houses for a moment. This is the traditional time for New Year's kisses. Then the hostess cuts the New Year's cake, which is stuffed with surprises. Anyone who finds a coin in his piece of pie will spend the next year in wealth. The same tradition of serving the "surprise" cake is widespread in Australia and Romania.
In Germany and France, they also prefer to celebrate the New Year in a homely, family atmosphere. In Germany, the whole family gathers at the festive table and the so-called Bescherung takes place - the traditional exchange of New Year's gifts.
In Austria, for the New Year, it is customary to give porcelain or glass pigs, often in the form of a piggy bank. According to local customs, such pigs must certainly bring wealth to the person to whom they are presented.
In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other homemade candles, since here the light symbolizes joy and fun. Swedish dads go out to take out the trash, and return in the guise of the local Santa Claus, which in Sweden is called Jul Tomten.
But Santa Claus can visit Icelandic kids any day from December 1 to December 24. Knowing this, many try to behave themselves, as they know that they can find an ordinary raw potato in their holiday stocking instead of a gift.
Going to New Year's Eve to visit Spain, be sure to bring along a bottle of champagne and a piece of nougat. It is customary to put them in the New Year's basket, which is in every home.
But the Greeks, in addition to the traditional baskets of wine and champagne, give each other a new deck of cards in the New Year.
There are many excellent traditions of New Year celebrations in the former Soviet states as well. So, for example, in Moldova, on the first day of the new year, grain is certainly scattered in all houses, which symbolizes a bountiful and fruitful year. In Latvia, the same is symbolized by peas. When celebrating the New Year, you must eat at least one pea. In Georgia, on the first day of the New Year, it is not customary to visit each other without an invitation. The owner himself invites those who, in his opinion, are associated with good. Such a guest must certainly bring sweets to the house. And in Armenia on this day it is necessary to congratulate all relatives.
Based on materials from ny.s-i-p.ru
The most cheerful New Year traditions of the TOP-12. The site the site loves to talk about the strangest traditions of different countries, read
But, in different countries, not only such a celebration as a wedding or the birth of a child is celebrated in different ways, they also celebrate the New Year in completely different ways. And given that the New Year is one of the most popular holidays in the world, there are traditions of celebrating the New Year in almost every country.
The most unusual, interesting and original New Year traditions from different countries.
1. Japan - go to bed before dawn!
On New Year's Eve in Japan, bells ring at night, and exactly 108 times. The striking of the bell denotes one of six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy, and indecision. The Japanese believe that every human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strikes. Instead of a New Year tree, the Japanese have kadomatsu, which means “pine at the entrance”. This product is made of bamboo, pine, and rice straws are woven into it. Kadomatsu is decorated with fern and mandarin branches.
But the most interesting thing is that the Japanese do not celebrate the New Year in our understanding. On New Year's Eve, they calmly go to bed, but wake up early in the morning and all together go to meet the dawn of the New Year. We, of course, also meet the New Year's dawn, but in a completely different state! Read,
2. Italy - red cowards!
It is often said that in Italy before the New Year it is customary to throw out of the house (most often directly from the window) everything old and unnecessary: clothes, furniture or even plumbing. But, now this tradition in Italy is practically dying out. But what is incredibly popular in Italy before Christmas and New Year is red! The fact is that Italians love not only Santa Claus, but also the local, Italian Santa Claus - Bobbo Natale. Ah, Bobbo Natale, like a real Italian, is a terrible fashionista and loves red. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, the entire population of Italy - women, men and children, wear something red, even if it's just panties or socks. Therefore, when celebrating the New Year somewhere on the streets of Rome or Milan, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks, on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another New Year's tradition in Italy is eating raisins that have dried right on the bunches. To Italians, dried grapes resemble coins, and it is believed that whoever eats more of them in the coming year will make more money.
3. Argentina - all on paper!
But in Argentina, the Italian tradition of throwing everything away has not taken root, though ... mainly among office workers. On New Year's Eve, the centers of Argentine cities are lined with an even layer of unnecessary paper, sometimes even heaps of papers. According to local tradition, unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers should be thrown out of windows, but most of all Argentines like to throw away last year's bills.
4. Spain - grapes and naked booty!
In Spain there is a tradition - at midnight to quickly eat 12 grapes, and each grape is eaten with each new chime. Each of the grapes should bring good luck in every month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes has been going on for more than a hundred years, for the first time it was the reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.
Talking about New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot but tell about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas priest in Catallonia, or if you still use the funniest word, then about the Ass.
“Booty, booty, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don’t have g @ avna well, I will hit you with a stick. Popa ”, children sing in Catalan Barcelona at Christmas. And at this time they beat the wooden butt prepared in advance with sticks. Yes, such a funny, strange and funny Christmas tradition.
5. Scotland - we celebrate the New Year in silence!
Before the New Year, members of the whole family sit near a lighted fireplace, and with the first chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. Such a ritual is designed to spend the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether good or bad will enter the house depends on who in the new year is the first to cross their threshold.
6.Estonia - New Year in the Bath!
One of the hottest is the New Year in Estonia, since it is customary to spend this holiday in a sauna. In order to enter the New Year clean and healthy, you must even listen to the chimes in this institution. But, in fact, now this tradition is more for tourists than for the Estonians themselves.
7. Panama - Burning Problems!
There is a very unusual New Year's tradition in Panama. It is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other famous people here. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish anyone evil, for example, they can burn an effigy of the Olympic champion of the national running team or the President of Panama. All these stuffed animals are called with one word - muneco, and symbolize all the troubles of the outgoing year. And since if there is no scarecrow, then there are no problems in the coming year. Moreover, every family should burn the scarecrow. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring on the streets of Panamanian cities. In addition, the horns of cars are honking, everyone is shouting. Such noise is intended to threaten trouble in the coming year.
8. Peru - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase!
For Peruvian guys, New Year's Eve is a pretty dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year's tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru pick up willow twigs and go for a walk around the neighborhoods of their city. And her fiancé should be the young man who will invite her to take up the twig. Therefore, sometimes on the streets you can meet strange couples - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Because according to another Peruvian tradition, those who walk around their entire neighborhood with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on their desired journey in the coming year.
9 . Denmark - jump into the New Year!
There is a tradition in Denmark to stand on a chair and jump from it when celebrating the New Year. It is believed that by this action, residents jump into January of the coming year, driving away evil spirits. It will also bring good luck. At the same time, the Danes follow another New Year's tradition - they throw broken dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. Moreover, this does not annoy anyone, but on the contrary, it is very pleasing. After all, the family, on the threshold of which there will be the most broken plates, cups and glasses, will be the most successful in the coming year. It also means that the family has the most friends.
10 . Greece is a stone in the bosom for friends!
On New Year's Eve, residents of Greece, like residents of many other countries, visit each other with gifts. However, there is some peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they bring a stone to the owners, and the more, the better. It will seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the purse of the gifted will be in the coming year. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest member of the family must break a pomegranate fruit in the yard of his house. If pomegranate seeds are scattered throughout the yard, then a happy life awaits his family in the coming year.
11. Micronesia - changing the name!
And the inhabitants of the islands of Micronesia change their name every time on a holiday - in order to confuse the evil spirits and to live the whole next year easily and comfortably. Everyone is free to choose a name for himself, so sometimes most of the population carries the same name all year round.
12. Bulgaria - turning off the lights!
In Bulgaria, the lights go out for a few minutes at midnight. When all the guests remain in the dark, you can kiss even an unfamiliar guest - the holiday will keep the secret of the New Year's kiss.
The most interesting New Year traditions TOP-12
And we watch "Enjoy Your Bath."
But in many countries, the celebration takes place in a completely different way. We have collected the most unusual New Year traditions from different countries, so that on the eve of the holiday you can even more imbued with the spirit of the New Year!
Traditions of European countries
European options for celebrating the New Year are similar to the Slavic ones, but Christmas (December 25, according to Catholic tradition) is a more significant holiday for them. However, this does not prevent the existence of interesting customs that accompany his meeting in various countries.
Latvia
If the weather is favorable, unusual competitions are held in Jurmala on the first night of the year:
- for skiing the biggest snowball;
- by the accuracy of throwing snowballs;
- snow battles;
- sled speed racing.
Among all this fun, you can choose as a souvenir handicrafts from local artisans: straw and wooden figures, masks, as well as delicious national first and second courses and pastries prepared by professional chefs.
Norway
On the eve of the holiday, the Norwegians visit the temple to receive the blessing to enter the new year. It is not accepted to congratulate with gifts on this holiday, the exception is a box of matches, as a symbol of warmth and prosperity. Children expect gifts from the goat. To lure her in, the toddler's Christmas socks and boots are filled with hay for the animal to eat. And in the morning, instead of goat food, there are sweets for the children.
Residents of the country are limited to a traditional dinner in the family circle.
Finland
The features of the holiday in Finland in general look like this:
- in contrast to most countries of the world, in Finland the population listens to the New Year's address not from the president, but from the mayor of the capital;
- fireworks and firecrackers are not yet sold in the country to persons under 18 years of age and adults who do not have a special permit;
- the country is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus and on the first of January of every year you can meet adults who, in all seriousness, talk about how they saw him at night;
- there is a candle on the Finns' New Year's table, washed and peeled turnips, often grown by the head of the family, serve as a candlestick;
- the population of the country says goodbye to all the negativity of the outgoing year, setting fire to barrels of tar;
- during the New Year holidays, the world famous festival of snow and ice sculptures is held.
Denmark
The Danes are lucky to have not one, but two Santa Clauses - the old big Yulemanden and the young little Yulenisse.
An obligatory dish on the New Year's table is a large bowl of rice porridge with a secret - almonds or any other nut. Whoever gets it will certainly be happy next year.
Denmark has an interesting and unusual New Year's way to preserve conifers, it would not hurt to borrow it as well. Foresters treat spruce with a special agent, which in the warm conditions of living quarters begins to smell very unpleasant and harsh. Therefore, no one chops down living trees there.
Albania
It is customary for the Albanians to burn a tree generously sprinkled with herbs on New Year's Eve. They bring it to every home about a week before the holiday. The smoother and more beautiful the tree is, the better according to their beliefs. The ritual is carried out with the aim of driving out negativity and calling well-being into the house.
Greece
Unusual traditions of this country are associated with plants:
- On December 31, it is customary for the Greeks to expose the root of the sea onion beyond the threshold of the house. The next morning, his mother picks him up and knocks all the sleeping family members with it;
- a few minutes before the arrival of the New Year, the entire Greek family goes out into the courtyard and waits for midnight. With its onset, relatives congratulate each other, and the most successful of them smashes pomegranates on the threshold of the house, and only after that everyone enters the house, always with the right foot.
Italy
Everyone knows that on New Year's Eve it is customary for Italians to throw out everything unnecessary from windows and balconies, including pieces of furniture. In reality, this is a myth to attract tourists. And here's what their celebrations really stand out for:
- costumes: on New Year's Eve, all the inhabitants of the country are dressed in clothes of the colors of the Santa costume. Every Italian has something red - be it socks, underwear or the whole image;
- raisins: Italians have an unusual tradition of eating as much dried grapes as possible straight from the bunches. They believe that this ritual will bring them wealth in the coming year, because raisins are associated with coins.
Austria
The Austrians call December 31 St. Sylvester's Day or Old Year's Day. People in the costumes of Perchten, a mythical character who looks more like a devil, walk the streets. They ring a bell, thereby announcing the departure of the current year. On the first day of January, the Austrians begin the carnival season, which continues until Lent.
Germany
In general, the celebration of the New Year in Germany is similar to ours. But they have one amusing and cheerful tradition: to jump on chairs with their feet as soon as the chimes start beating and jump with the last knock with joyful shouts and congratulations. Germans of all ages do this.
Netherlands
The only time of the year when fireworks are allowed in Holland is from 10am on December 31st to 2am on January 1st. In addition to them, the streets are lit by bonfires, in which Christmas trees serve as firewood. So quickly the Dutch are parting not only with Christmas trees - it is customary to present gifts on the 5th of December, often to receive them it is necessary to go through a whole one.
It is customary to give bulbs of rare varieties of tulips in beautiful pots or glasses, shortbread cookies with spices, waffles in the form of Christmas wreaths, chocolate letters and souvenirs. Usually, you must follow the instructions left on notes throughout your home or workplace to receive your gift. A surprise can be hidden in the basement, somewhere on the street or in the yard, and sometimes very close in a shoe or stocking, but before you discover it, you need to play the role of a detective.
Also, in order to receive a gift, you may need to complete several playful and funny tasks - sing, dance, recite a poem, shout a phrase in a crowded place. In large families, the ritual of exchanging holiday souvenirs can last an entire day. This tradition is especially loved by all Dutch children.
The Sinterklass appears in an interesting and unusual way in the country - it sails by sea on a brightly decorated ship in mid-November. He is greeted by the floor of the capital, led by the mayor.
American traditions
America is a very diverse country in mentality and customs. Each nationality has its own flavor in celebrating the new year, we will tell you about the most interesting ones.
Celebration in the USA
The New Year's symbol of Americans is a baby (Baby) in a diaper, which, according to their beliefs, grows and ages over the year, transferring its powers to the next baby every December 31st.
The spectacle that attracts more than a billion viewers from all over the world is the fall of a huge colored ball during the last minute of the outgoing year from a 23-meter height in Times Square. The tradition has existed since 1907.
Each state interprets it in its own way and in different parts of the country on New Year's Eve, giant peaches (Georgia), acorns (North Carolina), and ping-pong balls (Pennsylvania) descend on the ground.
Canada
Oddly enough, Canadians are close to us by the tradition of swimming in the ice hole in winter. But they do this not on the Baptism of Water, but on December 31. They call this ritual “bathing a polar bear” and those who perform the ritual will have a healthy year.
Even in Canada, it is not customary to give expensive gifts for the New Year; Canadians are limited to small souvenirs for friends and family.
In addition, residents of the country eat pea soup the day before. They jokingly claim that the "musicality" with the smells it evokes scares away evil spirits on a festive night. This is the custom of Canadians of French origin, who inhabit the largest province of the country, Quebec. The soup should be thick, and yellow peas should be chosen for it.
Argentina
On New Year's Eve in Argentina, it is customary to throw out of the window irrelevant papers: old calendars, statements, documents that lose their validity in a matter of hours. By noon on December 31st, the country's sidewalks are thickly covered with papers. Where and how the tradition arose is unknown.
There is a story about how temperamental Argentines once went too far. Employees of one of the country's newspapers tried so hard to clear their offices of old papers that they threw the entire archive out of the windows.
Brazil
For a Russian person, the New Year is associated with a frosty winter with snow slides and cold. In Brazil, this holiday takes place when the weather is hot and sunny. Every inhabitant of the country on this day brings gifts to the goddess Imanji, who is identified with the Christian Virgin Mary: snow-white flowers and small candles. They are allowed into the sea: the flowers are simply thrown, and the lit candles on flat wooden planks are carefully placed on the water. The sight is very beautiful. At the same time, the Mexicans make a cherished wish and firmly believe that it will come true if the flowers float far away, and the candles will not fade out for a long time. These rituals have African roots.
Another curious custom, similar to Italian, is to eat 12 grapes at the last minute of the outgoing year. In Brazil, there is no chiming clock, the population, cheerfully celebrating the New Year in the company of friends, counts the last seconds out loud and in chorus.
Mexico
Mexicans celebrate the New Year for at least nine days. In this state, the holiday is associated with fun and carnivals, during which scenes from the Bible stories are played out.
Like the people of Brazil, Mexicans eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve.
It is customary here to break clay pots (pinatas) in the form of stars or animals, filled with sweets. The activity is loved by children, although its meaning is grown-up - the dish symbolizes the sins that are forgiven before the New Year, and the gifts serve as payment for faith in God.
Peru
If in some countries on New Year's Eve it is customary to get rid of old things, then in Peru people at this time discard negativity with the help of fights. On the streets of cities at the end of December, you can find men and women of all ages beating each other - from children to the elderly.
Peruvians who want to travel in the new year must jump out of their accommodation at 11:55 pm on December 31st with a huge suitcase and run around their entire block with it until midnight. Having returned home, the out of breath resident of the country, like his neighbors on the continent, eat grapes, but not 12, but 13 berries. They believe that it is the last grape that brings good luck in the new year.
Girls of Peru on a festive night can still choose a pair for themselves - they go out into the street with twigs of willow and those guys whom they touch with them become their chosen ones.
The celebration in the squares of the country is accompanied by the ritual burning of the effigy of the outgoing year. To make it more fun, firecrackers are stuffed into his clothes. Thus, in addition to the fire, you also get fireworks.
New Year traditions of Asian countries
The East is a delicate matter, as everyone knows. Unlike most countries in the world, almost all Asian states celebrate the New Year not only in winter with the whole world, but also in spring and autumn (Israel). Their traditions are varied, original and very interesting.
Japan
Thailand
The one who is lucky with the New Year the most is the Thais: they meet it three times:
- December 31 - January 1;
- Together with the Chinese in late January - early February;
- Your New Year, Songkran - April 13.
The celebration in spring is accompanied by the obligatory pouring of water, absolutely all people on the streets of the country are wet and happy. In addition, on the same day, it is customary to smear each other with clay. It is forbidden to wipe and wash it off, you need to wait until it dries up and falls off by itself.
Vietnam
Vietnamese New Year is celebrated between January 20th and February 20th and is called Tet. On the day of the holiday and a few days after, not a single store is open in the country.
A peach or apricot branch, as well as a tangerine, is often the New Year tree. All these plants bloom during this period.
On the first day of the new year, it is customary to get up early and immediately go to the temple. There, monks give people money in red bags, this is considered a gift from the Buddha.
Israel
Jews are no less lucky than Thais, they celebrate the New Year three times:
- With the whole world, December 31 - almost no special attention is paid to the holiday, with the exception of Russian-speaking repatriates.
- New Year of Trees - floating date, falls in January. On this day, trees are planted and songs glorifying their fertility are sung.
- The Jewish New Year is celebrated in September-October and is called Rosh Hashanah. It is customary to eat apples, honey and sweet cakes on this day to make the next year happy. Before the holiday, it is customary in the house to conduct an audit of all things, followed by the elimination of unnecessary ones.
According to Judaism, it is during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in heaven that a person's fate is recorded for the coming year, therefore the traditional congratulation literally translates as “a good record”.
Cambodia
New Year in Cambodia begins when the harvest season ends and the rainy season has not yet begun. It lasts three days, usually April 13-15. This is essentially the same Songkran that the Thais have.
The holiday is inherently associated with religion, so many residents of the country go to temples on the last day of the outgoing year. There they worship Buddha, thank him for everything, donate money and burn incense sticks. On this day, it is customary to wash your face in the morning, torso at lunchtime, and legs with sacred water in the evening.
On the second day of the New Year, it is customary to engage in charity work and, if possible, help everyone in need.
On the third day, Cambodian Buddhists wash Buddha sculptures with scented water.
Philippines
The inhabitants of the Philippine Islands believe that all family members will stay alive in the new year if the whole family celebrates the holiday together.
They have circles as a symbol of good luck, so these figures are used in decorations and prints of clothes. On the festive table, there must certainly be 12 round fruits that will make you happy every month of the year.
The population of the Philippines is also in a hurry to fill their wallets with paper bills and coins to waste before the New Year. This should bring them wealth and wealth. Some even in order to succeed financially put coins in a saucepan, walk around their own house and shake it, creating a ringing sound.
Filipino children are jumping up and down, believing that this will help them grow up sooner.
In general, the celebration of the New Year in the country is very noisy, because residents believe that loud sounds scare away evil spirits.
New Year traditions of African countries
Africa is mysterious. This is a separate world with its own beliefs, rules and outlook on life. But the presence of many countries in the colonies of France and Spain left your imprint - despite the frequent refusal of the population to accept the traditions of the ruling country, African states nevertheless "became European" in some issues.
Cameroon
In this country, on New Year's Eve, every adult who is congratulated by a child is obliged to give him a coin. This is how the locals placate the spirits. The kids of Cameroon are happy to try to congratulate everyone, make noise and have fun, emptying the wallets and pockets of passers-by. Therefore, many adult residents even try not to leave their homes on this day.
Nigeria
A feature of the traditions of Nigeria is that only men participate in the festive New Year's parades and masquerades. Theatrical performances are played out, the essence of which is necessarily the victory of good over evil.
Burning torches in the hands of local residents are evidence of the coming of the new year. Nigerians make them with their own hands.
Ivory Coast
A very unusual and interesting tradition of celebrating the New Year in Ivory Coast. Local residents are divided into 63 tribes and one of them is customary to arrange original competitions. Their essence is that the participants race on all fours, carrying a raw egg in their teeth. It acts as a symbol of the birth of the coming year, and its shell reminds of the fragility of life in general.
New Year traditions of Australia and Micronesia
During the New Year celebrations in faraway Australia there is no snow and frost, but, like all year round, there is a warm ocean. Therefore, Santa Claus emerges from the water on the surf in a surfer suit, the colors of which are identical to those of the classic Santa Claus. A must-have beard and traditional hat that look original, complete with red beach trunks and a large bag of gifts. The spectacle is original, exotic and humorous - just like the Australian mentality in general.
On a festive night, it is customary to visit crowded open-air places where fireworks are let out. Most Australians go to bed at 00:10, right after the New Year, due to their national tradition of going to bed early. But young people can celebrate noisily until the morning.
Micronesia
Among all the countries of the world, Micronesia is distinguished by originality.
A mandatory event every year is the change of the name of every inhabitant of one of the Caroline Islands. The goal is to drive away evil spirits and evil spirits. The ritual goes like this: on the morning of January 1, family members cover their mouths with their hands and tell each other their new names. At the same time, a person responsible for protection from evil spirits is appointed, who has the power to color the tambourine so that the noise does not give them new names. Going out into the street and meeting a neighbor, the inhabitants of this island squat down and tell each other their new names in a whisper.
Our planet is amazing in its diversity and New Year's traditions in different countries are a vivid proof of this. In addition to the listed features of the holiday, each nationality is interesting for its cuisine and outfits. What customs did you like the most?
New Yearis a magical holiday celebrated all over the world. We all know and honor the traditions of celebrating the New Year in our country, but other countries of the world have their own traditions, many of which are very unusual and interesting, and we will tell you about them.
India
Very beautiful rituals for celebrating the New Year in India. The people of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with multi-colored, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on the rooftops. The Hindus have their own rule of giving gifts. For example, gifts for children are placed on a special tray. In the morning, the children are closed their eyes and brought to this tray.
Ireland
In Ireland, on the evening of New Year's Eve, the doors of houses are opened wide, everyone who wishes can enter any house and become a welcome guest there. He will be seated in a place of honor, treated with a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: "For peace in this house and in the whole world!" At half past eleven, the Irish go out to the central square, sing, dance, have fun.
Italy
In Italy, on New Year's Eve, no one is surprised if someone gets rid of unnecessary things. Old flower pots, unnecessary furniture, clothes and knickknacks are flying straight from the window. Italians believe that the more things left on the street, the more luck and money a generous New Year will bring.
Cuba
In Cuba, before the New Year, everyone fills their glasses with water, and when the clock strikes twelve, they throw it out through the open windows onto the street. This means that the old new year has ended happily and the Cubans wish each other that the new one is as clear and pure as water. And, of course, happy! Cuba's New Year clock strikes only 11 times. Since the 12th strike falls just on New Year's, the clock is allowed to rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone.
Finland
The "face of the holiday" in Finland is represented by the old man Frost, or, as the Finns themselves call him, Joulupukki. According to the Finnish tradition, this winter old man brings rods to naughty children, and gifts to obedient ones. In addition, the housewives brew festive plum jelly. Unmarried girls in the New Year throw a slipper over their shoulders. If he falls toe to the door - there will be a wedding.
Netherlands
The Netherlands and Belgium take the first day of the new year very seriously. People try to behave correctly, not borrow money and wear only new things. It is believed that a person himself determines his future for the entire next year. If the first day of the New Year is fun, then this will be the whole year.
Another tradition that the inhabitants of these countries adhere to is the election of the king of the holiday. The women make a cake that holds a bean or pea. It is the person who gets a piece of baked goods with a bean who becomes king for the whole New Year's Eve, then chooses a queen and retinue.
Burma
Since the New Year in Burma falls on the hottest time, its arrival is celebrated with a water festival. The sight must be said, very amusing: when they meet, people pour water on each other from different dishes. But dousing with water does not offend anyone, because this ritual is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.
Denmark
In Denmark, it is customary for the New Year to protect the forest from poachers. On the eve of the holiday, foresters process forest spruce with a special composition, which is absolutely odorless in the cold. and at room temperature emits a suffocating odor.
Austria
In Austria, it is considered an unwritten commandment to hear the solemn sound of the "Peace Bell" installed at St. Stephen's Cathedral on New Year's in Vienna. Thousands of people gather at Cathedral Square on December 31. In the old days, in this country, it was considered a good omen to meet a chimney sweep, touch him and get dirty. It was believed that this brings great happiness and good luck.
Australia
A very exotic New Year's celebrations take place in Australia. Due to the lack of snow, trees, deer and other usual attributes of the holiday, Santa Claus appears in a swimming suit, on a special brightly decorated surfboard on the beaches of Sydney. Moreover, observing the traditions of the Old World, his clothes must include a white beard and a red cap with a pompom at the end.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, on New Year's Eve, cornel sticks are purchased - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching family and friends, lightly hitting with sticks, congratulate you on the holiday. With the last strike of the clock of the outgoing year, the lights go out for 3 minutes in all houses: these are the minutes of New Year's kisses, which replace toast. Bulgarians rejoice when someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.
Japan
In Japan, it is customary to celebrate the New Year on January 1. The Japanese are afraid that evil spirits will penetrate the house along with happiness and wealth. To keep themselves out of trouble, people hang bundles of straw in front of the house. As soon as New Years comes, the Japanese laugh happily.
Brazil
On New Year's Eve in Brazil, thousands of candles light up on the sand on an ocean beach. Women in long dresses step into the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf.
Vietnam
On New Year's Eve in Vietnam, it is customary to release live carp into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who on New Year's Day goes to heaven to tell there how people live on Earth.
Greece
In Greece, there is a custom according to which, exactly at midnight, the head of the family goes out into the courtyard and breaks a pomegranate fruit against the wall. If his grains scatter around the yard, the family will live happily in the new year. Going to visit, the Greeks bring a mossy stone with them as a gift, and leave it in the owners' room. They say: "Let the owners' money be as heavy as this stone."
Portugal
In Portugal, on the eve of Christmas, it is customary to give a "Christmas cake" with almonds and candied fruits. By the way, surprises are also baked into such a muffin - a figurine or a medal. The finder will be lucky all year round, peace and tranquility will reign in the house!
Spain
In Spain, before the New Year, boys and girls draw lots - the names of people of both sexes are written on scraps of paper. Girls recognize the names of their "suitors", and young people - "brides". Sometimes the lot procedure is performed near churches, and the resulting couples behave like lovers until the end of Christmas time.
Sweden
In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at neighbors' doors.
A very exotic New Year's celebrations take place in Australia. Due to the lack of snow, trees, deer and other usual attributes of the holiday, Santa Claus appears in a swimming suit, on a special brightly decorated surfboard on the beaches of Sydney. Moreover, observing the traditions of the Old World, his clothes must include a white beard and a red cap with a pompom at the end.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for large companies to visit various public places in the open air, where fireworks take place. A feature of the Australian New Year's celebration is the virtual absence of such immediately after midnight. Australians wake up at 5-6 am, regardless of weekends or holidays, and go to bed no later than 10 pm. So New Year's midnight is an exception in itself. But at 00.10 everyone is already in bed.
In Austria it is considered an unwritten commandment to hear the solemn sound of the "Peace Bell" installed at St. Stephen's Cathedral on New Year's in Vienna. Thousands of people gather at Cathedral Square on December 31. In the old days, in this country, it was considered a good omen to meet a chimney sweep, touch him and get dirty. It was believed that this brings great happiness and good luck. In Austria, for the New Year, it is customary to give porcelain or glass pigs, often in the form of a piggy bank. According to local customs, such pigs must certainly bring wealth to the person to whom they are presented.
In Argentina According to a long-standing tradition, employees of institutions on the last day of the outgoing working year throw out old calendars, unnecessary statements and forms from the windows. In the business part of the country - Buenos Aires - by noon the sidewalks and the roadway are thickly covered with a puffy layer of paper. Nobody knows how and when this custom arose. Not without incidents. Once, the employees of one of the newspapers, who played too much, threw the entire archive out of the window.
Insofar as in Burma the onset of the New Year falls on the hottest time; its arrival is celebrated with a water festival. The sight must be said, very amusing: when they meet, people pour water on each other from different dishes. But dousing with water does not offend anyone, because this ritual is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.
In Bulgaria on New Year's Eve, they acquire dogwood sticks - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching family and friends, lightly hitting with sticks, congratulate you on the holiday.
With the last strike of the clock of the outgoing year, the lights go out for 3 minutes in all houses: these are the minutes of New Year's kisses, which replace toast. Bulgarians rejoice when someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.
A bizarre mixture of Indian and African rituals with a European flavor turned brazilian new year into the ritual of unbridled carnival and traditional worship of the ancient gods. While on Copacabana Beach, almost a million spectators watch the magical transformations of lights flying into the sky from specially installed rafts in the sea, in Laguna di Freitas, the world's tallest floating tree, 82 m high, is illuminated with fireworks against the background of the equally famous statue of Christ. The Redeemer who stretched out his hands to bless the magnificent city.
In addition, on New Year's Eve in Brazil, thousands of candles light up on the sand on the ocean beach. Women in long dresses step into the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf.
In Great Britain it is customary to decorate the house with branches of holly and white mistletoe. According to custom, once a year, on Christmas Eve, men have the right to kiss any girl who stops under the decoration of this plant.
One of the ancient traditions is the Christmas log. It is believed that even the ancient Vikings brought this rite to England. At Christmas, they cut down a huge tree, and all year it matured - dried. And only the next Christmas it was brought into the house, and it burned in the hearth for a long, long time. If it went out without burning to ashes, the owners expected trouble.
In vietnam New Year is celebrated at night. At dusk, Vietnamese people light bonfires in parks, gardens or on the streets. Several families gather around them and cook special rice delicacies on the coals. On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven, because the New Year is a holiday of friendship! The Vietnamese spend the next day with their families. Vietnamese believe that the first person who enters their house in the New Year will bring them good luck, or vice versa - grief and misfortune. Therefore, these days, meet only with trusted people, just in case.
Even on New Year's Eve in Vietnam, it is customary to release live carp into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who on New Year's Day goes to heaven to tell there how people live on Earth.
In Holland, once a year, donuts with raisins are prepared for the New Year's table. Children here adore the white foal. In the evening they put carrots and hay in wooden shoes in order to find their favorite cakes in them in the morning.
A in Denmark Foresters have come up with a great way to keep their forests safe from poachers who want to decorate their home with a forest beauty. On New Year's Eve, they treat the trees with a special composition. In the cold, the liquid is odorless. And in the room, the tree begins to emit a pungent suffocating smell, punishing violators.
New Year is celebrated in a very unusual way in Indonesia... So, on the island of Bali, it lasts 10 days. These days, two-meter columns of dyed rice are being erected. They are for the gods. At the end of the festivities, the columns are disassembled to their homes. Rice is eaten by people, while the gods are left with memories of gifts.
Very beautiful rituals of meeting the New Year in India... The people of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with multi-colored, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on the rooftops. The Hindus have their own rule of giving gifts. For example, gifts for children are placed on a special tray. In the morning, the children are closed their eyes and brought to this tray.
A in Iran New Year is celebrated on March 21. There, people plant wheat grains in small pots a few weeks before the new year. By the New Year, they sprout - this symbolizes the beginning of spring and New Year.
In Ireland on the evening of New Year's Eve, the doors of houses are opened wide, everyone who wishes can enter any house and become a welcome guest there. He will be seated in a place of honor, treated with a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: "For peace in this house and in the whole world!" At half past eleven, the Irish go out to the central square, sing, dance, have fun.
In italy the festivities begin with the day of St. Lucia (December 13): on this day, the festival of light is celebrated. On December 24, Babbo Natale, the local Santa Claus, comes. All this ends with the appearance of Befana, a little old witch who brings children all kinds of sweets (traditionally chocolate) on January 6, the Epiphany holiday. Befana is a very picky fairy: she brings chocolate to obedient and kind children, and to little playfuls and pranksters she stuffs a stocking specially hung for this purpose from a Christmas tree or from the ceiling in a nursery with tiny black coals.
On New Year's Eve, it is at Befana's insistence that Italians, who are not devoid of a sense of humor, deal with all the junk that has accumulated over the year. Often they throw it all right out of the windows, curiously following the reactions of passers-by.
In Spain Christmas remains the main holiday: this evening is spent exclusively with the family, at a richly set table (it is for this dinner that the hostess tries to stock up on the most incredible delicacies). Despite their age, gourmets, young and old, prefer sweets, which can be represented by dozens of different dishes. Here you can find pies made of wine dough, almond cakes, and cookies with caraway seeds.
As for gifts, according to tradition, they are received mainly by children, as in Italy on January 6. The kids hang out the window the night before, a stocking prepared ahead of time, which is full of gifts in the morning. But December 31 - St. Nicholas Day - is a true holiday in the circle of friends. Here no one is already bound by religious rites, and everyone is having fun as his heart desires.
In Kenya New Year is celebrated on the water. Kenyans swim in rivers, lakes, the ocean, ride boats - in a word, they have fun.
In China New Year is always celebrated during the new moon in late January - early February. During the festive procession that runs through the streets of China on New Year's Eve, people light many lanterns. This is done in order to illuminate your path in the New Year. Since it is believed that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits and unclean forces, they are scared away with firecrackers and fireworks.
According to Chinese traditions celebrating the New Year is one of the most important and significant family traditions. On the first day of the new year, the Chinese launch fireworks, and also burn incense sticks, which, in their opinion, can scare away evil spirits and drive them out of the house. At first, the Chinese called this holiday "Xinyan" (New Year). However, today, in order to distinguish this day from the European New Year on January 1, the Chinese have renamed it "Chunjie", which translates as "Spring Festival". This happened in 1911 after the Xinhan Revolution, as a result of which a new style of chronology was introduced in China.
In Colombia it is believed that there can be no celebration without shooting, fireworks and explosions. Colombians make dolls depicting the old year. They are carried on sticks, funny wills are read. Then, they throw the dolls away from themselves and at midnight the charges, gunpowder hidden in the dolls begin to explode. The old year, surrounded by fire and smoke, scatters, making way for the New Year.
In Mexico, with the striking of the clock, fireworks break out and carnival processions begin. There is a custom here to break clay pots filled with fruits, water, and New Year's gifts.
In Micronesia the inhabitants of one of the islands change their name every year. This is done in order to confuse evil spirits. It happens like this: waking up on January 1st, family members cover their mouths with their palm, tell each other their new name. At the same time, one of the relatives pounds a tambourine so that the evil spirit cannot overhear.
If 2 tribesmen meet somewhere on the road, then both sit on their haunches and whisper their name in the ear of the other, pounding the ground with all their might with a stick or palm. Everyone chooses a name for himself. As a result, various incidents occur. So, one year half of the villagers were called Michael Jackson!
In Mongolia The New Year coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, therefore, it is characterized by sports competitions, contests for dexterity, ingenuity, and courage. Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the New Year at the Christmas tree. Santa Claus also comes to them, dressed, however, in a cattle breeder.
In Norway children are waiting for gifts from the goat. She is greeted with festive treats - dry ears of oats, which are put into children's shoes for the New Year.
In the morning, instead of ears of corn, the children find New Year's gifts in their boots and shoes. In this country, the goat is given a privileged position. The fact is that a local legend tells that the Norwegian king Olaf II once rescued a wounded goat by removing it from a cliff. The animal was taken to the palace, cured and released. As a token of gratitude, she brought rare healing plants to the savior every night.
In Norway it is customary not to forget our lesser ones: before going to bed on New Year's Eve, the kids hang a trough full of wheat grains outside the window, and in a manger, for a horse or foal, they put a bowl of oatmeal so that the gnome who comes with gifts - nisse - can also support his strength.
In Peru, it is believed that whoever walks around his quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will be able to carry out a long-planned journey. If a girl with a willow twig walks around the block, the young man to whom she proposes to take the twig on the other side will become her fiancé.
In Panama New Year's Eve is unusually noisy: trumpets are buzzing, sirens are howling and people are shouting. According to an ancient belief, noise scares away evil spirits.
Celebrate the New Year with old ritual songs and carols residents of Romania... A man in a goat mask and a goat skin thrown over (often replaced by a fleecy blanket) performs a ritual goat dance. On the streets of Bucharest on New Year's Eve, groups of teenagers in national costumes, in high lamb hats and with long whips in their hands meet. They enter the courtyards, stand in a heap, beat in a certain rhythm with a whip on the ground, from time to time shouting the traditional New Year's wishes.
This ancient rite symbolizes work in the field: the guys beat imaginary oxen so that they plow the land better so that the coming year will be rich in harvest. All the flower girls who do not leave the streets of Bucharest all year round have green mistletoe branches in their stalls before the New Year. The leaves of this plant, even in the most severe cold, retain their bright green color and freshness. In Romania it is believed that if, along with the Christmas tree, the house is decorated with a branch of mistletoe, then this will bring great happiness.
In Sudan The green, unripe nut is considered the mascot of the new year. A person's best wish is to find an immature nut that would bring happiness and good luck throughout the year.
In Finland New Year's gifts are laid out on the table and covered with a bowl. Unmarried girls throw a slipper over their shoulders. If he falls toe to the door - there will be a wedding.
In France a large log, which is lit in the fireplaces of houses, is considered a symbol of prosperity and family hearth. Peer Noel, French Santa Claus fills children's shoes with gifts. On New Year's Eve, a bean is baked into a gingerbread. And the best New Year's gift for a fellow villager is a wheel.
In Scotland on the eve of the New Year, they set fire to tar in a barrel and roll this barrel through the streets. The Scots consider this to be a symbol of the burning of the Old Year. After that, the road to the New Year is open. When the hands of the clock are approaching 12, the owner of the house in Scotland silently opens the door and keeps it open until the final blow sounds. So he lets out the old year and lets in the new one. And the guest is supposed to bring a piece of coal with him, throw it into the family fireplace, and wish that the fire in this fireplace burns for a long, long time.
It is believed that the first person to enter a home after the New Year brings happiness or bad luck. A dark-haired man with a gift - fortunately.
In Sweden on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors.
In Japan, New Year is considered the biggest holiday. It lasts for several days. New Years Eve is called "golden week". At this time, many institutions and firms, government organizations, and large department stores cease their work. Even banks are open until 12 noon on December 31 and rest for the first three days of the New Year. The custom of seeing off the Old Year is a must, including receptions and dining. When the New Year comes, the Japanese start laughing. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year.
It is customary to visit the temple on the first New Year's Eve. In the temples, 108 bells are struck. With each blow, according to the Japanese, everything bad goes away, which should not be repeated in the New Year. To ward off evil spirits, the Japanese hang wreaths of straw (or simply bundles) in front of the house. Bamboo and pine trees are placed near the houses - symbols of fidelity and longevity.
Most countries in the world celebrate New Year on January 1, just like you and me. However, there are a number of countries in which the New Year falls on other dates, and is celebrated in a completely different way. For example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated during the winter new moon at the end of the full lunar cycle after the winter solstice. The holiday falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21.
Jews also celebrate their New Year. Rosh Hashanah (which translates as the Head of the Year) is celebrated between September 5 and October 5 (163 days after Passover - Easter). Jews believe that on the day of Rosh Hashanah, the fate of a person is decided for the entire next year. As a person behaved on this day, so he will spend the entire next year.
On the night of Rosh Hashanah, Israel greets everyone they meet with the following words: "May you be inscribed and signed for a good year in the Book of Life!" Then 10 days of self-knowledge and self-repentance are read, which are called "days of returning to God." Believers these days dress only in light clothes and eat apples dipped in honey.
The former Soviet republics, which became independent states, have many excellent traditions of celebrating the New Year. So, for example, in Moldova, on the first day of the new year, grain is certainly scattered in all houses, which symbolizes a bountiful and fruitful year.
In Latvia the same is symbolized by peas. When celebrating the New Year, you must eat at least one pea. In Georgia, on the first day of the New Year, it is not customary to visit each other without an invitation. The owner himself invites those who, in his opinion, are associated with good. Such a guest must certainly bring sweets to the house.
In preparing the article, materials were used
from sites: www.netnotes.narod.ru and www.travel.ru