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In which countries of the world celebrate the new year. What is the name of Santa Claus in other countries? New Year traditions of African countries

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Each nation, each country has its own history, its own important events, from which it all began. Or natural phenomena, after which you can draw a line, draw conclusions, rejoice and count the new year.

site will tell you about several countries in which the traditions of celebrating the New Year are so different.

China celebrates New Year in February

Chinese New Year is a holiday of spring. Its onset is determined by the phases of the moon. And each year is dedicated to one of 12 animals.

There must be an abundance of red in clothes, in the decorations of houses and streets, and it must be very noisy. Explosions of firecrackers, loud firecrackers, fireworks - all this scares away evil spirits and attracts good luck. They clean up the houses, make room for happiness. And for a hearty dinner, even those who work or study in other cities are sure to return home.

The onset of the New Year in Japan is celebrated for almost a month

But in Japan, the New Year is celebrated according to the Gregorian calendar. The holiday starts on December 25 and lasts almost a month. The Japanese decorate their homes with compositions of bamboo, plum and spruce branches - this symbolizes wealth, prosperity and love.

On New Year's Eve, the Japanese must visit temples and ask the gods for happiness and health. And on New Year's Eve, they treat each other with white and pink rice cakes - these colors bring good luck.

Thailand celebrates New Year on April 13

The Thai New Year of Songkran marks the turn of the year according to the ancient Indian astrological calendar and the onset of the rainy season.

Thais treat Buddhist monks with festive food. The Buddha statues are washed with rose and jasmine petals. These days it is difficult to stay dry - people pour water from water pistols, basins and hoses on passers-by and passing by. They are smeared with white clay and talcum powder. This symbolizes cleansing, renewal and getting rid of the negative accumulated over the year.

Burmese also celebrate New Years in April - on dates set by the government

From about April 12 to 17, New Year begins in Burma (Myanmar). The holiday is called Tinjan. The more noise and fun - the better, because this way you can attract the attention of the rain gods. A real flood is being arranged in the streets, abundantly watering passers-by with hoses and buckets.

Young people pay homage to the older generation, my old people
head with bark and bean shampoo. And it is also customary to save a fish from a drying out
reservoir and let her go into a large lake, saying: “I let go 1 time,
to let me go 10 times ”.

In India, New Year is celebrated several times a year.

New Year is celebrated in India more often than in any other country in the world. The traditional Indian year, Gudi Padwa, is celebrated in March. In numerous states, they celebrate the New Year according to the traditional calendars of the peoples living there.

One of the brightest holidays is Bengali New Year, Holi. The festival
paints take place in early spring. On the first evening, they burn an effigy of the goddess Holiki, drive the cattle through the fire and walk on coals. And then the merry festivities begin, showering each other with bright colors and sprinkling with colored water.

Ethiopia celebrates the New Year on September 11

On September 11, when the rainy season ends, Ethiopia celebrates the New Year
- Enkutatash. Ethiopians build tall bonfires of eucalyptus and fir trees. On the main square of Addis Ababa, the assembled townspeople observe in which direction the burnt top of the main fire will fall. The most abundant harvest will be on that side in the coming year.

During the celebration, they wear traditional clothes, go to church and visit.
Children in bright outfits distribute wreaths of flowers, walk to neighbors and for a monetary reward, girls sing, and boys draw pictures.

In Saudi Arabia, there is no specific date for the New Year at all.

In Islamic countries, where the years are counted from the Hijra (the time when the Prophet Muhammad led the Muslims from Mecca to Medina), the year begins on the first day of the month of Muharram. The date is floating - every year it is shifted by 11 days. Therefore, there is no specific date for the New Year.

But this does not bother anyone - in most Muslim countries, the New Year
do not celebrate at all.

In Israel, the New Year comes in the fall

The Jewish New Year of Rosh Hashanah begins in September or October. On this holiday, it is customary to greet each other with a wish to be included in the “Book
life ". During the period of celebration, it is supposed to eat apples with honey, so that the coming year is sweet.

During the service, they must blow the horn - the shofar. This symbolizes a challenge to Divine judgment and calls for repentance. It is believed that it was on Rosh Hashanah that the first man, Adam, was created and the expulsion from paradise took place.

In Italy, the New Year is celebrated on the street with kisses

On New Years, Italians throw out unnecessary trash and old things from the windows. It is believed that the more junk you throw away, the happier you will be in the new year. Italy celebrates the New Year on the night of January 1. People come out onto the streets decorated with sparkling garlands, traffic is blocked, and performances and fireworks are held in the squares.

In Rome, there is a tradition on a festive night to jump from a bridge into the Tiber River for good luck. And in Venice there is a custom to kiss on New Year's Eve. St. Mark's Square is full of hundreds of kissing couples under the chime of the clock and the roar of fireworks.

Greece celebrates St. Basil's Day

January 1 in Greece, not only New Year, but also the Day of Remembrance of St. Basil,
patron saint of the poor. The main dish of the festive table is vasilopita, pie
with patterns of dough, berries and nuts. A coin for luck is baked inside -
whoever gets a piece of pie with a coin will be the happiest in the new
year. According to legend, this is how Saint Basil distributed his property to the poor.

Old New Year is celebrated in Russia, in all the former republics of the Soviet Union, in Kosovo, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro. In Macedonia, it is customary to celebrate the old New Year on the street - neighbors take out and set the tables and together celebrate the coming of the New Year in the old style. In Switzerland, the old New Year is called "Old Saint Sylvester's Day." And in Serbia it is called the Serbian New Year. In Japan, the old New Year is Rissyun, the holiday of the beginning of spring.

New Year is probably the largest and most celebrated holiday in Russia. We traditionally buy champagne, products for the "basin", and watch "With light steam".

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 handmade products 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 part not only with Christmas trees - it is customary to hand gifts on the fifth of December, often to receive them you need to go through a whole quest.


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 vessel 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

Japanese New Year coincides in date with ours since 1873. It is not customary to use natural trees for interior decoration in the country, if this happens, then the plants are cut in specially designated places.

The symbol of the New Year is the composition of bamboo, plum and pine, which symbolize health, help to parents and longevity, respectively. Such a "bouquet" of kadomatsu is called and every house is decorated with it both inside and outside. In the second case, they put two compositions and connect them with a straw ribbon.

Instead of chimes in this country, bells ring as many as 108 times, since the holiday is considered religious. On January 1, most Japanese go to temples to light straw ropes from the sacred fire and bring them to their own fire house - this symbolizes happiness in the coming year.

China

In the Land of the Rising Sun, the New Year is celebrated in late January - early February. The Chinese launch many lanterns into the sky to illuminate the path on New Years. Firecrackers and fireworks are used to strike fear into evil spirits and unclean spirits.


During the celebration, the inhabitants of China do not use drugs and neglect herbal medicine, otherwise, they believe, the disease will not leave a person throughout the coming year.

It is customary for the Chinese to present sums of money with the first odd digit as gifts for the New Year, the bills must be new and beautiful. They are put in traditional reds.

Thailand

The one who is lucky with the New Year the most is the Thais: they meet it three times:

  1. December 31 - January 1;
  2. Together with the Chinese in late January - early February;
  3. 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:

  1. With the whole world, December 31 - almost no special attention is paid to the holiday, with the exception of Russian-speaking repatriates.
  2. New Year of Trees - floating date, falls in January. On this day, trees are planted and songs glorifying their fertility are sung.
  3. 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?

Interesting traditions of the New Year.
Very soon, to the chimes, we will open champagne, raise our glasses and make a wish. The smell of tangerines, fireworks on the street, sparklers, the president's speech - these are the typical attributes of the Russian New Year.
Let's take a trip to other countries of the world and get to know the local traditions of the most beloved holiday of Russians.

Australia

New Year's Eve comes to Australia before everyone else. Australians are among the first in the world to welcome the New Year.
At this time, a hot summer is raging here, because December and January are summer months. All kinds of free shows and concerts are held here. In Sydney, one of the largest fireworks in the world goes off at midnight at Sydney Harbor.


And exactly at midnight, all parties are interrupted and people are buzzing, whistling, ringing bells. This is how the New Year is invited to visit.


On New Year's Eve, the good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broomstick. She opens the doors with a small golden key and fills her socks with gifts. For those who did not study well or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
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 out old things from the windows - irons, chairs.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale.

Sweden.


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.

England.


In England, Santa Claus is called Santa Claus. On New Year's Eve, it is customary 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: the March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
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.

Vietnam.


In Vietnam, New Year is celebrated between January 21 and February 19, when early spring comes here. Instead of a Christmas tree, tangerine trees, apricot and peach branches are decorated here. 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.
New Year is considered a family holiday and is always celebrated with the family. Children are the first to congratulate the older generation, and parents, in turn, give children money in bags. The bills and coins must be new.
Before the new year, it is customary to collect rich gifts for the Buddha and bring them to the temple. Various entertainment events take place on the streets for three days, ending with a nightly bright, magnificent dragon parade.
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. On New Year's Eve, Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond.

France.


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.

Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus


In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome the long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the houses, leaving 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. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and wonder, melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey


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

Cuba.


Water is poured from the windows.
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. 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.

China


Back in the late 80s, the Chinese custom came to us to associate the arrival of the New Year with one of the animals of the Eastern calendar. A little later, traditional European figurines of Santa Claus and reindeer appeared, Russians began to decorate houses with Christmas wreaths, and from the beginning of the 21st century it became customary to launch fireworks.
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.

Japan


Once upon a time, the Japanese celebrated the New Year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. But since the nineteenth century, they began to celebrate according to the generally accepted Gregorian chronology.
They prepare for the holiday for a long time and carefully.
In Japan, there is a tradition of "greeting cards". Such congratulations must be sent to all friends and acquaintances. Moreover, if a Japanese wrote a postcard at least once, he is obliged to do it every year. Even in elementary school, Japanese children are taught the craft of signing postcards. Wishes are written 2-3 weeks before the New Year, but they always date back to January 1. The postmen are trying to deliver the postcard on the 1st.

I wish everyone a fun New Year!

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

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

New Year is a holiday from ancient times

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

New year in Russia

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

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

China

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

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

Bright India

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

Land of the Rising Sun

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

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

In France and England

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

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

Italy

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

In Ireland

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

Bulgaria

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

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

In Cuba

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

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

Sultry Brazil

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

In Australia

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

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

Colombia

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

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

New Year in Africa

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

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

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

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

Few facts from history

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

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

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

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

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

Chinese New Year

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

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

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

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

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

Vietnam

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

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

Japanese celebration

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

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

Celebration in Thailand

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

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

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

India

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

New Year in Muslim countries

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

Jewish celebration

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

Europe

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

France

While most regions celebrate New Years on January 1, there are a small number of French territories that do so on December 6, the feast day of Saint Nicholas.

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

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

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

England

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

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

Italy

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

Hungary

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

Finland

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

Spain

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

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