New Year traditions of different countries. Strange omens and superstitions from different countries
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 offers 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
New Year's signs from different countries are varied and very interesting. Let's start our story with Western countries - they are somehow closer to us, and then we will gradually move east. For example, in Of Italy on New Year's Eve, it is unsafe to walk under the windows: residents throw old things and furniture out into the street in order to get rid of old problems in the New Year. Italian children leave their shoes at their beds: they believe that a fairy named Befana comes to the house and leaves gifts in the shoes.
On Cuba walking under the windows on New Year's Eve is also not worth it. No, Cubans do not throw furniture away, but they can pour water out of the window. A day before the New Year, Cubans fill wine glasses, glasses and glasses with water. And exactly at midnight, as soon as the clock strikes 12, they pour this water onto the street through the open windows. This symbolizes the fact that last year was successful, and the next year should be the same.
V England prepare a Christmas cake or pudding and hide a small sixpence coin inside. It is believed that luck will be with the one who got a piece of pudding or cupcake with a coin inside. And in Scotland believe that the fire of the fireplace burns all past adversities, therefore it is customary to sit silently by the fireplace, admiring the flame. At 12 o'clock in the morning, the Scots open the door wide to let out the old year and let in the new one.
V Hungary on New Year's Eve, they scare away evil spirits from the dwellings. To do this, use whistles, children's pipes and other instruments that can make harsh unpleasant sounds. And in Moldavia"Sow" happiness: coming to someone's house, guests scatter grains of wheat, corn and other cereals around the house. It is believed that thanks to this, the coming year will be prosperous and fruitful.
And what New Year's signs and customs exist in the East? Let's start with Of Japan... The most famous New Year tradition in Japan is the chiming of temple bells. According to Buddhist beliefs, six basic vices are inherent in man: greed, gluttony, indecision, anger, frivolity, and stupidity. Each of these vices can manifest themselves in eighteen shades. Therefore, at midnight the bells are struck exactly 108 times, so that with each blow people are cleansed of one vice. With the last blow of the bell, people go out into the streets to celebrate the New Year with their families and friends.
V China it is customary to celebrate the New Year in red clothes. This sign is associated with an old legend telling about a monster that crawled out of a hole on New Year's Eve and killed people. However, one family managed to survive: they were in red robes, because they were celebrating the wedding of one of their relatives. People realized that the monster is afraid of red. Since then, China has celebrated the New Year in bright red outfits. As a gift, guests bring two tangerines to the hosts, and when they leave, the hosts give them other tangerines, also two. This sign is due to the fact that in Chinese the word combination "pair of mandarin" and the word "gold" are consonant.
In Vietnam They celebrate the New Year not at home, but on the street, and certainly at night, after dusk. The Vietnamese light bonfires and gather around them with families. Rice delicacies are cooked on coals and treated to each other. It is believed that this helps people to forget about old quarrels and grievances. It is customary to celebrate the New Year in Vietnam with the family.
New Year's signs of other countries may seem interesting to us or not, understandable or not very clear. But as long as a person believes in New Year's omens, he believes in his own luck, which means that in the coming year everything will be just fine for him.
As you know, every country and every nation has its own national traditions, related, among other things, to the holding of various holidays. Sometimes among such traditions there are very exotic, unusual and extravagant ones. Let's see how New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world.
New Year - a holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from the last day of the year to the first day of the next year. Celebrated by many peoples in accordance with the adopted calendar. The custom of celebrating the New Year already existed in Ancient Mesopotamia in the third millennium before ad. The beginning of the year from 1 January it was foundRoman ruler Julius Caesar in 46 BC.Most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. Standard Time New Year's Eve always begins in the Pacific Ocean on the islands of Kiribati. The last to see off the old year are the inhabitants of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
From Wikipedia
For those who want to travel with pleasure all year round, i.e. for you and me, the best way to celebrate the New Year is Ecuadorian. Ecuadorian tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, one must run around the house with a suitcase or a large bag in hand (can be around the table ).
New Year is truly an international holiday, but in different countries it is celebrated in its own way. Italians throw out old irons and chairs from windows with all their southern passion, Panamanians try to make as loud noise as possible, for which they turn on the sirens of their cars, whistle and shout. In Ecuador, they attach particular importance to lingerie, which brings love and money; in Bulgaria, they turn off the lights, because the first minutes of the New Year is the time of New Year's kisses. In Japan, instead of 12, 108 bells sound, and the rake is considered the best New Year's accessory - to rake in happiness.
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
Let's start with Germany, from where the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree at the New Year's Eve has spread throughout the world. By the way, this tradition appeared there in the distant times of the Middle Ages. The Germans believe that Santa Claus rides a donkey, so children put hay in their shoes to treat him. And in Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, the most interesting thing happens: hundreds of thousands of people make toasts to the reunification of East and West Germany - there the holiday is celebrated very emotionally.
Italy. Irons and old chairs are flying out of the windows on New Year's Eve
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 the passion typical 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 depicted as men dressed in women's clothes, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run 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.
It's good for women - they can choose the upper part of their underwear in yellow and the lower part in red, or vice versa.But what about men if you want both?
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens.
Sweden. New Year is a celebration of light
But Sweden gave the world the first glass Christmas tree decorations (in the 19th century). 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, 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
You should not walk under the windows in South Africa during the New Years celebration.
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year, throwing out various items from their windows - 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 such as refrigerators out of windows and not shoot firearms into 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 New Year's greeting cards. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and 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, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.
In the British Isles, the custom of "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, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last strike of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.
USA
For Americans New Year's Eve is when the huge luminous clock on Times Square shows 00:00. At this moment, thousands of people gathered in the square begin to kiss and press the horn with all their might. And the rest of the country understands - here it is, New Year. You can start with the traditional dark pea dish. It is believed that it is he who brings good luck.
In the USA, where in 1895. the first in the world luminous electric garland was hung at the White House, and from where the tradition of writing "New Year's tasks" with promises and plans for the coming year spread around the world, it is not customary to arrange solemn feasts, as well as to give gifts, everything is arranged there only for Christmas , and they necessarily transplant the Christmas trees into the ground, and do not throw them away, as we do.
Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street
In Scotland, the New 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 the success or failure of the family for the next year depends on who enters their home first in the new 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.
Colombia. The old year walks on stilts
The main character of the New Year's carnival in Colombia is the Old Year. He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is a Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to arrange fireworks better than him.
On New Year's Eve, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.
AustraliansI am
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.
The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous fireworks and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city.
Vietnam. New Year is sailing on the back of a carp
New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these are the names of the most cheerful Vietnamese holiday. Blooming peach branches - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children look forward to midnight when they can start shooting with small homemade firecrackers.
In Vietnam, New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when early spring comes here. At the festive table - bouquets of flowers. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other twigs of a peach tree with swollen buds. With the onset of dusk, Vietnamese make fires in parks, gardens or on the streets, and several families gather around the fires. Special rice delicacies are cooked on charcoal.
On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Year's Day this god goes to heaven to tell there how each of the family members spent the outgoing year.
Once upon a time, the Vietnamese believed that God swims on the back of a carp. Nowadays, on New Year's Eve, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will bring good luck or bad luck in the coming year.
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
Finns don't like to celebrate New Year at home
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 a large basket with gifts for the joy of the children.
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.
Cuba. Water is poured from the windows
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. The wizard-kings who bring gifts to children are called Baltasar, Gaspar and Melchor. On the eve, children write letters to them, in which they tell them about their cherished desires.
Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes in the house with water, and at midnight they start pouring them out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of Freedom Island wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. And while the clock strikes 12 strikes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you all twelve months.
Panama. Loudest New Year
In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time loudly shout and knock on everything that falls under their hands. And all this noise in order to "appease" the year that is coming.
Hungary. You need to whistle for the New Year
In Hungary, in the "fateful" first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - and, moreover, using not fingers, but children's pipes, horns, whistles.
It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the dwelling and invoke joy and well-being. Preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and thunder keep the strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts are able to protect from harm, garlic - from disease, and honey - to sweeten life.
Burma. Good luck in tug-of-war
The New Year in Burma begins on April 1st, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people heartily pour water on each other. There is a New Year's water festival - Tinjan.
According to ancient beliefs, the rain gods live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then it rains on the ground, which promises a rich harvest.
To gain the favor of the celestial spirits, the Burmese invented a tug-of-war competition. They are attended by men from two villages, and in the city - from two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging on the lazy rain spirits.
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.
India. New Year is a holiday of lights
In different parts of India, New Years are celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer - Lori holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, old things at home in advance. In the evening, big fires are kindled, around which they dance and sing.
And when autumn comes, Diwali is celebrated - a festival of lights. Thousands of lamps are placed on the roofs of houses, on the windowsills and they are lit on a festive night. The girls put small boats on the water, on which there are also lights burning.
Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good 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. 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. The girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is the game of shuttlecock, and the boys fly a traditional kite on the days of 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, merry songs brought from Britain two centuries ago are sung 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
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all the statues of Buddha in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves pour water over them at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes for happiness in their address. 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 are holding silver coins in their hands as a sign of their constant stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old 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.
South Korea. New Year
Koreans treat each holiday with special trepidation and try to spend it beautifully, brightly and cheerfully. South Korea- this is a country where holidays are appreciated and they know how to spend beautifully. Not surprisingly, in the process of globalization, Western winter celebrations have been added to the traditional Eastern New Year for the Country of morning freshness.
New Year in South Korea it is celebrated twice - first according to the solar calendar (that is, on the night of December 31 to January 1), and then according to the lunar calendar (usually in February). But if the "Western" New Year in the Land of Morning Freshness does not carry a special symbolic meaning, then the traditional New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea has a special meaning.
New Year in Korea starts with Catholic Christmas. As in Europe, Koreans decorate the Christmas tree, and also prepare many postcards and gifts for relatives, loved ones, friends and colleagues. It is worth noting that Christmas celebrations in South Korea are even brighter than the calendar New Year, which is celebrated very formally. These days in the Land of Morning Freshness are perceived more like a rare weekend than a holiday. Therefore, everyone wants to get out to their hometown, visit their parents or just relax outside the city, for example, in the mountains. By the way, there is even an interesting mountain route that allows you to meet the first day of the new year at the top of the mountain.
We also celebrated the New Year at the top, or rather on the roof of our house!
The real New Year in South Korea comes according to the lunar calendar and is also called the "Chinese New Year", since it spread throughout Asia from the Middle Kingdom. This holiday is the most beloved and important for the inhabitants of the Country of morning freshness. Lunar New Year is also the longest holiday in South Korea. Festivals and celebrations last for 15 days.
home korea's new year tradition- a festive dinner, which is usually held with the family. According to legends, on a festive night, the spirits of ancestors are present at the table, who are considered full participants in the celebration, so there should be as many dishes of the national Korean cuisine on the table as possible. There is also a feast on Seollal day - the first day of the new year. All relatives gather at the richly set table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and plans for the future.
All subsequent days after the onset of the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea it is customary to visit relatives and friends, to congratulate and present gifts. Moreover, according to Korean traditions, on the first day of the new year, it is necessary to perform the "sebe" rite - a solemn worship of parents and all the sufferers. The entire first day of the new year, young people visit their elders and bow down three times in a row, falling on their knees and putting their foreheads on their hands folded in front of them in a certain way. In return, the elders give the children traditional Korean sweets and money.
However, the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea- it is not only a family, but also a national holiday. For 15 days, street processions, traditional mass festivities with costumed dances and masquerades are held in the country. Such a vivid spectacle does not leave indifferent either the Koreans themselves or the numerous tourists.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, the European New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. This holiday is celebrated in all Malaysian states, except for those with a predominantly Muslim population (for example, in the states of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and some others). Some Muslims still take part in the New Year's celebrations, although alcohol is prohibited for them.
We are not Muslims, so we celebrated the New Year according to Russian customs, although instead of a Christmas tree we had a palm tree
On New Year's Eve, Malaysian television does not recommend drivers to drive, since all kinds of accidents involving cars driven by drunk drivers have long become an integral part of the holiday. For Malaysia, the New Year is not an official holiday, but thanks to the significant strengthening of the country's foreign policy position and the expansion of its political and economic ties with Europe, most Malaysians willingly adopt the European traditions of celebrating the New Year. In the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, as well as in other large Malaysian cities, on New Year's Eve, the magical atmosphere of the New Year holiday reigns.
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, like Brazil, on the seaside, and exactly at midnight candles are lit, colorful fireworks are launched and frothy New Year's champagne is poured into glasses. 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.
It does not matter where the meeting of the New Year will take place, the main thing is that it will be remembered!
And one more very important remark: so that your journey - the New Year's Eve - always remains travel with pleasure
On New Year's Eve, many Russians strive to observe established traditions and pay attention to folk signs. For comparison, "Komsomolskaya Pravda" decided to acquaint readers with some interesting ways to attract happiness and money for the next year in other countries. Some of them may well come in handy in Russia, especially the Japanese tradition of decorating a house with figurines of cats. After all, the symbol of the coming year, according to the Eastern calendar, is just a cat or a rabbit.
Italy
In times past, they say, Italians were very serious about celebrating the New Year. They believed that the old year was ending, and with it the old life, and therefore everything had to start from scratch. Therefore, from the window of the house, as the old-timers say, they threw out everything old, including sofas. Now you can hardly see the sofa flying from the window. Italian furniture is not cheap.
To attract good luck, you need to wear red underwear to celebrate the New Year. Therefore, in December, the windows of many shops are decorated with red panties hanging in different corners and photo girls in red stockings.
And in order to have a lot of money, caviar, which must be eaten with spoons, and lentils are always on the table.
Japan
Here a tree - kamadotsu - is displayed at the entrance so that it protects the house from evil forces throughout the year. Then the arrival of the new year at midnight is announced by 108 bells from each church. It is believed that 108 evil spirits or vain harmful concerns live in a person. And each blow expels one of them.
On the Japanese New Year's table, there is always mochi - rice cakes. They attract prosperity and wealth in the New Year. And so that the god of the next year, entering the house, takes care of the owners, it is customary to decorate the house with three bamboo sticks, on which hang these same cakes, only baked in the form of fish, flowers and fruits, tangerines. And after the New Year, each family member should eat as many ornaments as they are. And also put around the figurines of cats that bring good luck.
Spain
The Spaniards begin to fool around already on December 28, which they declared as April Fools' Day, like ours on April 1. At midnight, when the clock strikes the onset of the new year, in order to live the next year richly, well-fed and happily, one must eat one grape for each stroke of the city tower.
To celebrate the New Year in Spain, as well as Portugal and Brazil, one must wear white clothes. Then luck will definitely notice you. And of course, dance more, have fun, do not sit at the table, but rather participate in some kind of carnival parade with fireworks.
France
The symbol of good luck next year in France is the mistletoe branch. And also the French believe that flowers also bring happiness and prosperity. And so they decorate the whole house with bouquets.
For sweets, a pie with one bean is prepared, and whoever gets this bean will be the bean king, and the New Year will obey him.
Holland
The country from where Peter the Great once adopted the tradition of celebrating the New Year in Russia. Only there the New Year itself is celebrated purely formally, but the whole December is filled with a variety of events.
For example, it is customary here to put a shoe with carrots or hay on the threshold. And put notes with a wish for a gift inside. Carrots and hay are needed for the snow-white horse of Santa Claas. He drives home and puts in his shoes the gifts the children have asked for. And the wishes of adults are fulfilled throughout the year.
East Slavic traditions and signs
Here are a few more ways to lure success, money, and love using popular beliefs.
Before midnight, you need to have time to remember all the good events that happened to you in the past year, and thank fate for them.
If you have a cherished desire and want it to come true in the new year, do the following: under the chimes, write your wish on a piece of paper, burn it, throw the ashes into a glass of champagne and drink.
For the New Year to enter your home, after 12, open the door a little and let it in.
You need to celebrate the New Year with laughter, dancing, fun and fireworks, so that evil spirits do not even think to enter your house next year. It is believed that no one should sleep that night, not even children. It is not necessary to keep a very small child at the table all night, but you can wake up at least for a while. If the baby meets the New Year with open eyes, he will be vigorous and healthy all year round.
Other New Year's signs ...
New thing - for success
You need to celebrate the New Year in a new outfit, then all year round you will be accompanied by new vivid impressions and success. This should be a flamboyant festive outfit that you have never worn before. However, if the budget does not allow you to put on new clothes from head to toe, it will be enough to purchase at least one piece of wardrobe. For example, bright jewelry, hairpin, tie. In the end, you can limit yourself to the most budgetary options: tights, socks, and even panties will do.
Money in your pocket - for wealth
Before you sit down at the festive table, put a banknote in your pocket. If there are no pockets in your outfit, hold the money in your hand while the chimes strike. On New Year's Eve, you cannot borrow money, otherwise you will be in debt all year.
Garbage - for peace in the family
On New Year's Day, you cannot throw out garbage, otherwise you will quarrel all year round. To avoid this unenviable fate, try to do the cleaning and all household chores on December 30th.
Overturned salt shaker - good luck
Everyone knows that sprinkling salt is a quarrel. However, on New Year's Eve, this sign should be taken exactly the opposite: turn the salt shaker over - to good luck. Therefore, we boldly put salt on the table next to the most active and noisy guests, increasing the chances of good luck.
Finding - to unexpected gifts
If you find something on New Year's Eve, unexpected gifts await you all year round. By the way, this situation is quite possible to provoke, and at the same time to have fun with the guests. Just make cookies or dumplings with a "surprise" inside - whoever finds it will be lucky all year round.
A rich table - to well-being
The best and most varied dishes should be on the table so that you do not need anything in your house all year round. Many married couples prefer to celebrate together, and it makes no sense for them to cook a chic table. The people figured out how to get out of this situation without breaking the tradition: install a mirror on the table. And immediately there will be twice as much food!
Tangle the legs of the table with ropes - to save the family
Since ancient times, the custom has been known - on New Year's Eve, to entangle the legs of the table with ropes. Everyone at this table will be together for the next year. The family will remain in full force. The ropes will look at least strange, so we offer an alternative option - to tie the table legs with garlands, this is more aesthetically pleasing.
Sneezing at the table is for luck
A sneezing guest on New Year's is not a carrier of infection, but a harbinger of Fortune, according to signs. If one of the guests sneezes at the New Year's table, the year will be successful for everyone present. And if no one intends to sneeze, you will have to sacrifice yourself and smell the pepper.
Kiss under the chimes - for love
If on New Year's Eve there is a loved one next to you, be sure to kiss under the chimes. This kiss will strengthen your love for the next year. And if you have not yet met your soul mate, kiss everyone around you - this will definitely attract the attention of people of the opposite sex. What if your fate will be among them?
An unexpected guest - to pleasant changes
If an unexpected guest comes to your house on New Year's Eve (even if he just made a mistake with the door), do not drive him out, but be sure to invite him to the table. Then next year there will be pleasant changes in your life.
To attract good luck in the coming year, the Austrians are trying to find a heavily soiled chimney sweep on the streets of settlements - people whom he stains with soot will certainly become the favorites of fortune. And in order to unequivocally enlist her support, you should not eat crustaceans on New Year's Eve, otherwise you will not have to move forward all year, but move back.
France
The French villagers simply will not understand a guest who comes to them on New Year's without a wheel, because they consider the wheel to be the best gift that brings good luck for the whole year!
Hungary
In order to lure well-being and joy into the house, as well as to expel all evil spirits from it, in the first seconds after the New Year, Hungarians begin to actively whistle various whistles, horns and pipes.
Greece
If in French villages it is recommended to visit with a wheel, then in Greece it is best to take a pomegranate with you - on the doorstep of the house they break the juicy fruit and hit it with all their might on the floor - the more grains crumble, the more successful the year will be. Only, unfortunately, this sign applies only to the owners of the house.
Russia
Before the New Year, Russians strive to pay off all debts as soon as possible and make peace with those with whom they once quarreled. In the coming year, it is imperative to start life from scratch!
Germany
The Germans are convinced that in order for the entire next year to pass successfully, it is necessary to "jump" into it, as it were, while the clock strikes. Therefore, they always have a chair at the ready, from which they "jump" in the New Year.
England
And the inhabitants of England strive to fill their buffets for the New Year with a wide variety of goodies and fill their wallets with money more strongly - the British firmly believe that if these blessed places are left empty, the whole year will pass in need and poverty.
Cyprus
Cypriots believe that in order to attract good luck, the New Year must be celebrated in complete darkness, which is why the lights go out in all houses a few minutes before midnight.
Ecuador
