New Year: celebration traditions around the world. New Year around the world
New Year is the main holiday in many states. Each country has its own special traditions and customs by which it should be met.
Chinese New Year Celebration is strikingly different from how the Slavic people are used to meeting him. The first thing that is shocking is the fact that the holiday comes on a different date every year depending on the lunar calendar. In addition, people associate their New Year with " Spring Festival”And from ancient times it was celebrated in an extremely strange way: locked themselves in houses and feared a terrible monster.
People didn't leave their houses they prayed, ate and drank, as on the last day of their lives. In the morning, those who survived until morning ran out into the streets. They wanted to know the extent of the damage done Nianom(the name of that terrible monster) and check all your loved ones.
This went on until it became clear that the monster is very afraid of red, bright flashes and loud noise. People began to dress themselves in bright clothes, light fires, sing and dance loudly, knock, blow up firecrackers and fireworks.
Nian - a terrible monster for the Chinese, emerging from the water on New Year's Eve
New Year is an occasion for every Chinese stock up on a lot of pyrotechnics. We can say with confidence that it was the Chinese who laid the foundation for such a stormy tradition of celebrating the holiday, which migrated to other nations.
Except Nian it was customary to scare away all possible evil spirits flying around the city that day and looking for shelter. If a person did not make noise and did not drive them away, ghosts settled in his house and harassed the unfortunate until the next Chun Ze.
At the same time, modern Chinese people considers New Year a family holiday. This day is accepted lay a rich table. If a person, for any serious reason, could not attend the feast, a place is still left for him that no one can take.
After dinner is over, every adult should give his child money. This gift does not have any strict limits on the amount, but must be presented in a red envelope(the color of wealth, happiness and prosperity). It was believed that the donated money could change a person's life for the better.
A red envelope in China is the best gift INTERESTING: Now the Chinese can give each other paper bills, but in ancient times it was customary to give a necklace made exactly from a hundred coins. Each person did it on their own. This gift was considered the best congratulation and wish to live a hundred years.
There is another interesting New Year's habit in modern China and it is called "First Exit". She assumes that after the celebration, a person will leave the house and take exactly six steps in the direction that the horoscope considers favorable and happy this year. After that, you need to go back. This is necessary for luck and joy in the future.
Festive parade on the streets of China
Lighting holiday lanterns 
New Year's decor 
holiday fireworks 
Festive table How to meet and celebrate the new year in Italy: traditions
Like any country Italy carefully prepares for the meeting of the "winter" holidays: decorates streets and squares, hangs bows of red ribbons, puts flower beds in order. new year people perceived with a good mood and sense of humor, for example, in Venice it is customary to wear hats and a beard of Santa Claus on each symbol of the city - the Venetian lion.
INTERESTING: As in China, Italy believes red color symbol of new year and a talisman that protects a person from evil and brings him good luck. That is why every self-respecting Italian on this day should put on something red: dress, shirt, pants, vest, tie, bow tie, socks.
Italy at New Year's Eve The most unusual italian tradition –get rid of old and unnecessary things. This is done in the most unexpected way - by throwing it out the window. That is why tourists are advised not to walk along the beautiful night streets of Italy, or to wear a helmet on their heads.
No one is immune from the fact that instead of an old worn T-shirt, a person will not throw a frying pan out of the window. You can also freely walk on the roadway, because traffic on New Year's Eve in Italy is limited.
INTERESTING: In addition to the fact that the Italians throw out the trash, it is not uncommon for money to fall from the windows. This happens because, according to the good old tradition it is customary to put a small amount of coins on the windowsill luck next year.
Throwing old things out the window is an Italian tradition. It's no secret to anyone that Italians love and respect food y. They love to eat delicious food every day, and especially on New Year's Eve. Festive dinner in Italy called "Saint Sylvester's Dinner".
Need to start it not earlier than nine o'clock in the evening and lasts mostly until midnight. What's interesting is that the table must have at least seven different dishes. There must be lentils, nuts, pork, red caviar and grapes in any form!
INTERESTING: It is customary to eat pork legs at the New Year's table in honor of the outgoing old year. Pork is a very important product for Italians. In addition to legs, they are happy to cook pork head, sausage and stew.
Italian New Year's table Unlike pork, don't eat chicken, because they consider the bird not quick and stupid. But if you eat at least a spoonful of caviar, you will bring yourself wealth and good luck. The feast should end with delicious pies and wine.
INTERESTING: Drinking on New Year's Eve in Italy champagne and beer are not accepted. Moreover, it is considered bad manners and a bad omen for the coming year.
Funniest Italian New Year Tradition eat 12 grapes under the chiming clock. It is believed that if a person manages to eat one berry with each blow, then he will be very agile and happy next year.
In addition, not everyone knows that this tradition has a continuation! Exactly at 12 o'clock at night, after the last stroke of the clock the light goes out for a few seconds. This is necessary in order to people at the table kissed each other!
Twelve grapes - New Year's tradition After 12 midnight people start taking to the streets and continue your fun. In Rome, for example, the most popular place to celebrate the New Year is main square. Here accepted launch fireworks. The superstition of the Italians makes them pay attention to every little thing on the night of the celebration: who they met, how the night went. For example:
- Meet the old man - good luck
- Meet the priest - to disappointment
- Meet a small child - for fun
- To meet a humpbacked man is a sign of money and prosperity.
In addition, if an Italian goes to visit on New Year's Eve, he should definitely take a bottle of clean water with you. It should be presented to the owners, wishing to find new energy next year. After the festivities in Italy, it is customary to sleep until dinner and then sit down at the festive table again.
The usual Santa Claus or Santa Claus in Italy is called Bobbo Natale. It arose in this country quite recently, in the 19th century, its image was adopted in American culture. Together with Bobbo, a good fairy named Befana comes to the children's houses.
What's interesting is that the fairy does not look attractive and her appearance is comparable to Baba Yaga. Bobbo Natale leaves gifts under the tree, and Befana puts surprises in stockings over the fireplace. If the child behaved badly, then in socks he finds coals instead of sweets.
Bobbo Natale 
Celebration in Venice 
Fairy Beffan 
Celebration in Italy How to meet and celebrate the new year in England: traditions
In England celebrate Christmas and New Year. As in Italy, Christmas is treated with trepidation here, spending it with loved ones and family members, and New Year's Eve with friends. Instead of Santa Claus, it is customary to call the main wizard here Santa Claus. Across the country, two weeks before the holidays, special performances for children and adults start.
Holiday parades fill the streets of the country in which loved ones take part fairy tale characters: Humpty Dumpty, Pancha, March Hare, Lord Mess. Anyone can buy on the shelves of street vendors colorful masks, crackers, whistles, sparklers and toys. On New Year's Eve it is customary to make noise, have fun, sing and dance.
INTERESTING: Congratulating each other with holiday cards is a tradition that originated in England. It was here that the first card with wishes and drawings was sent in 1843 in London.
The English New Year's tradition suggests that children, going to bed, will set out a large plate. This plate Santa Claus must put gifts. They believe that their home Santa comes on a donkey and therefore he should be appeased as well. To do this, leave some hay or oats in stockings over the fireplace.
The fact that in England the new year has come, It is customary to announce by ringing a bell. There is a tradition that if a couple in love kisses to the sound of the New Year's bell, they will spend the whole New Year together.
The main dish on the English New Year's table is fried turkey. It is customary to cook it with potatoes and chestnuts. In addition, meat pie, pudding and Brussels sprouts are served on the table as a side dish.
holiday fireworks 
Festive table 
Festive decor How is the new year celebrated in Japan?
New Year's Eve the streets of the country are full of holiday fairs with gifts, clothes and goodies. Every Japanese should buy hamaimi- these are peculiar arrows that serve as a traditional amulet against evil spirits. It is also necessary to have takarabune- special boats filled with food (rice, lentils, beans). They bring their owners prosperity and good luck in the coming year.
INTERESTING: In Japan, it is also customary to decorate a festive tree - a pine tree. But, this tree is not natural, but made from bamboo, straw and fern.
Holiday Home Decor: Motebana ancient japanese tradition- decorate the house with a motebana. These are bamboo branches painted with bright colors. You need to hang a moteban in a conspicuous place to appease the Gods. In addition, it is obligatory at 12 o'clock at night ring a Buddhist bell exactly 108 times. This will attract the God of Happiness.
New Year in Japan is accepted celebrate at home with a family dinner. Making noise and having fun is not accepted, on the contrary, you need to sit quietly and remember the events of the past year. After the feast, everyone begins to read the presented cards and review the gifts.
Japanese goodies for the New Year 
Outfit for New Year's Eve 
New Year's parade in Japan How do they meet and celebrate the new year in America?
Christmas in America is more important than the New Year. On Christmas all family members gather at a rich table, to have dinner. Comes to the children at night Santa Claus and leaves gifts under the tree and in stockings on the fireplace. The kids, in turn, leave a glass of milk and cookies for Santa so that he can have a bite to eat after a long journey.
However, New Year's Eve is also celebrated in the United States on a grand scale.. It is customary to meet him with friends and relatives. Some love celebrate the New Year in public places. In any case, the streets of the country are "noisy", people are having fun, shouting and setting off fireworks.
One of the brightest New Year's Eve traditions in New York is lowering the ball. This has been done since 1097. On the night of December 31 at exactly 11:59 pm, a huge ball falls from a 23-meter height of the attraction, the last ten seconds people count together and loudly on their own. Exactly at 00:00 the ball reaches its lowest point.
INTERESTING: One of the most popular traditions for Americans is kiss the person you're standing next to, exactly on the last chiming clock. Also, if two people happen to be under mistletoe bush, hung as a decorative ornament, they should kiss.
Decoration of the house, yard 
Celebrating in the streets of New York 
holiday fireworks 
Santa Claus 
Christmas ball in New York 
Lowering the Christmas ball How to meet and celebrate the new year in Germany: traditions
The Germans are used to celebrating the New Year only in the circle of close people. Meet the holiday being alone is a bad omen. If you do not have company, just go outside and start congratulating all the passers-by.
In addition, your housing must be prepared for the New Year. Be sure every German decorates the door with a Christmas wreath in early December and thus start the countdown to the holidays.
In the German traditions of preparing for the New Year, it is of great importance festive table and a beautiful elegant Christmas tree. The tree must be large and lush, richly decorated with garlands, toys, tinsel. The main New Year's dish - stollen. This is a baked goose, it is customary to drink it with mulled wine.
Festive stollen At the beginning of December, every child in Germany receives advent calendar- This is a special calendar for December, counting down the days until the holidays. Instead of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas comes to the house, leaving gifts all over the house: under the tree, in stockings, under pillows.
advent calendar 
New Year's parade in Germany 
Saint Nicholas 
Celebration in Germany How is the New Year celebrated in Spain?
Celebrate the New Year in Spain noisy and loud and definitely - not at home. That is why most Spaniards have fun in clubs, restaurants, cafes. The streets are decorated with festive processions and magnificent carnival festivities, large figures with the symbols of Christmas and New Year appear, scattering sweets, coins, tinsel.
Celebrate the New Year in Spain until morning. Every self-respecting Spaniard on New Year's Eve be sure to treat loved ones and strangers with sweets and goodies: nuts, honey, wine. New Year's Eve is a must have red in your wardrobe which will bring good luck and wealth in the coming year. Decorate your home with flowers poinsettias.
INTERESTING: There is no Santa Claus in Spain, but there is Papa Noel. He is dressed in a bright embroidered suit. He walks around the city and throws gifts on the balconies. It is interesting that in his hands he is far from a staff, but a bottle of wine. Paella, turkey, jamon, melon, wine must decorate the New Year's table.
Celebration in Spain Fun for the New Year in Spain 
New Year's table in Spain How is the new year celebrated in India?
Indian New Year is a big family holiday that gathers everyone at a rich table. The place of the Christmas tree here is elegant and decorated with tinsel and toys. mango tree. Interestingly, instead of Santa Claus, people expect the arrival Christmas women with gifts. It is customary to decorate a home with banana leaves and bright lamps.
The attitude towards alcohol in India is strict, but it is on New Year's holidays drinking strong drinks and being tipsy is officially allowed absolutely everyone: men, women, policemen. It is not customary for women to celebrate the New Year alone, they should be next to their husbands or parents (unmarried).
New Year's Eve Celebration in India How to meet and celebrate the new year in Finland: traditions
In Finland the celebration traditionally falls on the night of December 31 to January 1. The traditions and customs of this celebration are very similar to the Slavic ones. Finnish holiday is very similar to a fairy tale: lights, decorations on houses, elegant Christmas trees, elves and, of course, Santa Claus.
Fun, songs, masquerades and festive processions in Finland lasts until January 1. The scope of the holiday is simply impressive. One of the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year among the Finns is it is the burning of butterflies smeared with tar. Watching such a butterfly burn, people see off all the failures and problems that happened to them last year.
Another ancient tradition honor dead ancestors. This must be done a few days before the New Year. You just need to come to the cemetery and light memorial candles. Such lights can be found in the New Year's time throughout the country. Moreover, with illumination, the Finns try to decorate everything they can: house, facade, roof, doors, windows, yard, trees.
Instead of the traditional Santa Claus, here Joulupukki distributes gifts to children. Two days before the New Year, numerous attractions for locals and tourists: skiing, skating, sledding, snowboarding. The main festive event at this time for the Finns is “ Snow and Ice Festival". Craftsmen carve beautiful realistic figures of fairy-tale characters and people from pieces of ice.
Joulupukki 
New Year's town in Finland How to meet and celebrate the new year in Africa: traditions
In Africa, the New Year is perceived by people as the beginning of a new stage of life. On this continent, the celebration was first celebrated in Egypt where the world's first calendar was created. Surprisingly, the arrival of the New Year in those days at the end of September.
In the small tribes of Africa, the New Year, of course, was not counted and was not celebrated. Changes occurred when Africa became a European colony: European traditions also migrated along with the Europeans. Now they celebrate the New Year here traditionally on January 1 and, despite other beliefs, the New Year has little in common with Catholic traditions.
It is worth noting that most of the population of Africa - poor. That's why celebrating the New Year on a grand scale is not customary here. However, this holiday brings families closer, forcing men to return from their earnings to their wives and children. The house is decorated with palm leaves and other plants. For dinner, the hostesses try cook meat dishes, and it is customary to drink home-made beer from hops.
Other New Year's Eve customs in Africa:
- Kenya and Tanzania celebrate the New Year in the usual way for everyone: a magnificent table, congratulations and gifts. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to church (there are many Orthodox people and Catholics in the countries).
- in South Africa On New Year's Eve, it is customary to do charity work and make offerings to the poor. This is done by wealthy locals and the government.
- In West Africa there are a lot of unusual traditions for celebrating the New Year. For example, racing competitions, ritual dances around the fire and self-inflicted wounds with knives.
African New Year Celebration How is the new year celebrated in Brazil?
New Year in Brazil- This is a cheerful magnificent holiday. If Brazilians celebrate Christmas modestly with their families, then in the New Year they strive leave home and spend time with friends. The streets of all cities literally “whiten” and not from snow, but from the fact that everyone is trying throw paper out the window. This tradition symbolizes the end of the working year.
It's hot in Brazil on New Year's Eve. Flying streets, houses and apartment windows hung with festive lights and garlands. Decorations are not removed until the February carnival. People do not sit in stuffy houses, but celebrate the holiday on the street, in the square and even on the beach. Dress On this day, only white clothes are accepted.
Many intertwined in Brazil customs from different cultures: European, African, Indian. Interestingly, the traditional name of the holiday "New Year" is not used here, but sounds like "fraternity" or "fraternization". This happened because the locals believe that the holiday brings people together so much that everyone can call each other “brother”.
INTERESTING: Exactly at midnight, the black sky of Brazil is filled with bright colors of fireworks, as a sign of the New Year. In these first seconds of the coming year, every Brazilian must jump exactly seven times to be happy and healthy.
Celebration in Brazil How is the new year celebrated in France?
France after the meeting of Christmas on December 25 are preparing for the celebration New Year. They do it on December 31 in restaurants or cafes, they can just go to visit. The French love celebrate the holiday with delicious food: turkey, chicken, pig. In addition, passers-by can sprinkle each other with sweets.
INTERESTING: An elegant Christmas tree in France is of great importance, it must be beautiful and lush. Colorful Christmas trees are not only in houses, but also decorate the yard. Performances and concerts are held in the cathedrals.
French Santa Claus is called Per Noel. According to custom, he arrives on a donkey and climbs into the house through the chimney. To appease the wizard children put gifts in shoes for him and invariably believe that he will leave them great gifts for good behavior.
The original French New Year's tradition set fire to the log made on Christmas Day. It's done in the street, watching the flames, it follows make a wish. The remaining coals must be collected by each member of the family and keep it for good luck until next year.
INTERESTING: Another original tradition is associated with wine. Those who are engaged in winemaking, or simply appreciate this drink, should wish Happy New Year to the best barrel (bottle) of their wine.
Celebration in France 
New Year's Eve Celebration in France How do they meet and celebrate the new year in the Czech Republic?
Celebration in the Czech Republic begins with "Saint Nicholas Day" December 6. Still, the main holiday is Catholic Christmas. The main dish on the festive table - carp. Fish scales are usually stored under plates. A coin is also placed there, which should bring happiness to the guest.
INTERESTING: The scale of the New Year's carp in the Czech Republic is considered a money amulet and therefore it is often carried in a wallet.
One of the names of Christmas Eve is "Generous Evening". On the table that day should be present at least twelve lenten dishes, moreover, must try each. According to tradition, it is necessary to put an extra plate on the festive table, as they say, for the occasional guest.
INTERESTING: In addition to the fact that carp is the main New Year's dish, on the streets of the Czech Republic you can meet sellers offering small carp fish. Such a fish must be bought and immediately released into the water to attract good luck.
Often New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic is called "Sylvester". On this holiday, the table should also have lots of tasty treats. Main dish - small grain porridge, which will allow "money in pockets". On New Year's Eve, fireworks are also set off, cards and gifts are given to each other.
Celebration in the Czech Republic Which countries are the first to celebrate the New Year in the world?
The onset of the New Year earlier or later in the countries depends on the time range. If you look at the unfolded map of the world, then visually the New Year "moves" from right to left. That is, New Zealand and Australia are the first to meet him, the last are Hawaiian Islands and Samoa.
Video: “How New Year is celebrated in 10 different countries of the world”
Within one year in the world, within the framework of different religions and different peoples, the New Year is celebrated on different days.
1st of January New Year officially begins in most countries of the world that live according to the Gregorian calendar.
January 14 throughout the CIS celebrate the Old New Year, it is considered the beginning of the year in Greece. This is the day of St. Basil, who was once famous for his kindness and special love for children.
On the first new moon after January 21(in different years it is celebrated between January 21 and February 20) the New Year is coming according to the Eastern calendar, which is followed by countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, etc.
On the first day of the holy month of Muharram in Islamic countries, the Hijri New Year begins (starting from July 16, 622 according to the Gregorian calendar, each next Hijri New Year comes 11 days earlier than the previous one). The 1st Muhharam is not included in the number of Islamic holidays and, accordingly, in most Muslim countries, the New Year is not celebrated as a holiday in the secular sense. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the moving of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
24 February Indian New Year's Day Holi. (In India, the New Year is celebrated several times on different days).
10th of March The people of Kashmir begin to celebrate the New Year in India and continue to celebrate it until the end of the New Year celebrations in all Indian states.
On the night of March 21-22 The New Year comes to countries living according to the Persian calendar: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. March 22 is called "Novruz" - the first day of the New Year.
On the first day of the waxing moon in the Hindu month of Chaitra (late March-early April Gregorian), the Indian New Year, Gudi Padva, is celebrated.
In the period from 12 to 17 April New Year is celebrated in Burma. It falls on the most sultry and hot days there. The exact day of the celebration is announced by the Ministry of Culture by a special decree, and the celebrations last for three days.
April 13 Thai New Year Songkran is celebrated. On the same day, the people of West Bengal celebrate the New Year in India.
14th of April New Year is coming to Laos. This is the start of the long awaited rainy season. On the same day, Indians from Tamil Nadu celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and this day coincides with the official onset of spring.
1st and 2nd of the month of Tishri according to the Jewish calendar(usually September Gregorian) New Year is celebrated in Israel, where it is called Rosh Hashanah.
11 September Ethiopian New Year is coming, which marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia.
October 7th New Year holidays come to the Gambia and Indonesia. For local residents, this is a special date - you can put on your best outfits, dress up, ask each other for forgiveness for all offenses and enter the New Year with a clear conscience.
Night from October 31 to November 1, known in Catholic countries as "Halloween", is considered the beginning of the New Year among the Celtic peoples, and they call it "Samhain". This date is especially important in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, where the descendants of the ancient Celts still live and keep centuries-old customs.
November 18th one year is replaced by another in the territory of the Hawaiian Islands, Oceania and Yemen. In these regions, the New Year is celebrated later than everyone else, when other countries are already preparing to celebrate the next year.
New Year is perhaps the most desired and beloved holiday for all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.
It is also noteworthy that in every state the New Year is celebrated at its own time. Many nations, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Taking into account standard time, the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to start celebrating 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 between January 21 and February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Further we will talk about them.
New Year - a holiday from ancient times
How old this holiday is, no one can say for sure now. But it is known that it existed already in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days, in ancient Rome, this day was especially honored by the god Janus - the lord 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, their traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world existed many centuries ago. Then people firmly 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 afraid. They brought with them hail, blizzards, 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 being erased at that time. A horde of wickedness descends on the earth. In Samhain it was necessary to burn bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirit will not dare to come out. Later, this holiday was replaced by the well-known Halloween.
New year in Russia
Our people love this holiday. After all, he is the most kind, cheerful, bright. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia it began to be celebrated since 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 the celebration with us is a decorated Christmas tree. On 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, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, the good Santa Claus comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver coat with patterns, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, shaggy eyebrows whitened from frost, rosy cheeks ... Who does not recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand, and a large bag of gifts behind his back. Sometimes he is accompanied by his granddaughter - the beautiful Snegurochka.
All the children are waiting for this event for a whole year, sending wishes for future gifts and gifts. These are the traditions we have for celebrating the New Year. It has its own meaning for children in different countries.
China
If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with winter cold, snow, frost, then in other countries it has a different meaning. So, in China, it is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated between January 21 and February 21, when the moon completes its full cycle, and the new moon comes. Celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children participate in the events. From the very morning, people clean their houses, because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. The streets at this time dazzle in the eyes from bright festive clothes, fair goods 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 to present such presents even to children and work colleagues. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to launch salutes, festive fireworks, and burn incense. Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with folk epics. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in an ancient legend about the terrible monster Nian, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the people's livestock, supplies and grain, and sometimes even children. One day, people saw how Nian was frightened of a child dressed in red.
Since then, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their dwellings on New Year's Eve to scare away the beast. Festive fireworks and incense are also considered good deterrents for 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 festival of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in late October or early November. What can be seen on the streets of Indian cities on this day? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with bright flowers, lights, lanterns and lit candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of wealth, abundance, prosperity, good luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary to give interesting gifts to everyone. Gifts for children are placed on a special tray intended for this, and then they are brought to him with their eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go outside to set off festive 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. The sweet delicacy of mochi is loved by both children and adults. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated on top with an orange fruit. To give mochi means to wish a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
The Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and sweet soybeans on this day. And, of course, the celebration of the New Year is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition to get together and play games: hanetsuki (a game of shuttlecock), a board game with sugoroku chips, uta-garuta and others. The streets are crowded during the holidays. 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 a holiday, children here, as well as in China, are given not gifts, but money put in a special envelope called potibukuro.
In France and England
We consider what traditions exist for celebrating the New Year 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 mistletoe sprigs. 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, not Santa Claus comes to children, but the old man Per Noel in a fur coat, a red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Per Noel climbs into the chimney and puts presents for them in shoes specially prepared for this in front of the fireplace.
Adults on this day 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 greeting sounds like this: “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 gifts. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we do, but a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. Children believe that she arrives 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. The one who was only naughty and mischievous for a whole goal will receive only a black ember and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult Italians don't believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is the time to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions. For example, the inhabitants of this country throw old and unnecessary things out of the house to the sound of the clock, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace discarded ones will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday, people give gifts to each other. In the provinces, you may be presented with an olive sprig in water taken from a spring. It is believed that such a symbolic gift brings happiness. Lentils, nuts and grapes are always present on the table on this day in every family. In order for good luck to accompany in 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 sorts of superstitions. For example, it is believed that if a priest meets the first on the way in the morning after New Year's Eve, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather, who came to the meeting, promises health and good luck for the whole next year.
In Ireland
We continue to travel around Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have much in common. In English, congratulations on the triumph can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only family. On the eve of it, the doors of all houses open wide. Anyone can enter any of them and join the celebration. The guest will certainly be seated in the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and toasts will be made to “Peace in the world!”. Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here, which is called seed cake. It's a cumin cake. 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. The real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.
Bulgaria
There are traditions for celebrating the New Year here. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, this can be candied pumpkin, apples in caramel or homemade marmalade. Traditional New Year's dish - bannitsa. It is puff. And in Bulgaria there is a tradition to put a loaf of bread in which there is 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, garlic heads, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called sourworts. Everyone in the family must be hit with this item in order to bring him health and good luck. Sometimes they go to neighbors with suruvs to wish them all the best. And then the youth pours out into the street with songs and dances.
When the clock on the city tower strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the year, the kissing lights are turned off throughout the city for three minutes. There are even competitions: who kisses the most.
In Cuba
We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday is held where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba, are original. Here, on this day, a coniferous tree, an araucaria, or even just a palm tree, is dressed up. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluting it with orange juice, liquor and adding 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. Before 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. But he is not alone, like us. There are three of them in Cuba: Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchior.
On the eve of the holiday, children write 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 on each other. Here they believe that it brings happiness to a person and charges with positive energy.
Sultry Brazil
The life of this country has always been closely connected with the ocean. In local folklore, the goddess of the seas Iemanzha played a leading role 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 cast magic spells and perform ritual ceremonies. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, the inhabitants try to appease the goddess Iemanja so that she will show favor and patience to them throughout the next year. She is depicted as a beautiful woman in long blue robes with loose hair the color of moonlit silver paths. 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 into the ocean with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lighted candles. While doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long robes throw bright flowers into the waters of the ocean, making wishes. A half-hour fireworks display ends. 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 on We continue to consider the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. A comic performance is arranged, as a rule, everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. Identity here, as a rule, takes place in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, fun dancing, fantastic fireworks, music festivals with the participation of world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Year's Eve. Santa Claus in a red hat and pants on a surfboard on the beach... You can only see this in Australia.
Exactly at midnight, the streets of cities 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 beauties in the winter, let's go to Colombia. It has its own interesting customs of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, the main character is Santa Claus, whose arrival marks the beginning of the new year. And in Colombia, the main character of the holiday is the Old Year, which walks the streets and amuses local children. Often his role is 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 Santa Claus here. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red coat and hat, just like our main hero of the holiday. He only walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly funny.
Seeing him, the inhabitants of the city begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire guns into the air. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master of 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 do they celebrate the celebration in African countries? After all, it is this mainland 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, and not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits.
In many African countries, there is a tradition of throwing green nuts through the streets. It is believed that the one who 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 exceptions, for example, Ethiopia. Here the celebration takes place on September 1. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the time of fruit ripening. On the eve of the main holiday of the year, old and young 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 takes place with songs, festivities and dances around a set on fire of 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.
Helsinki, Finland Gifts for the New Year in Finland are usually no longer given, because everyone was presented at Christmas. It is customary to celebrate the holiday with the family and quite modestly, because the 2nd of January is a working day for the Finns.
In addition, there is a tradition in Finland: whoever gets up early on the first day of the new year will be cheerful and energetic for the whole year. And if you do not scold children on the 1st, they will be obedient.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary for Finns to tell fortunes on tin or melted wax, pouring it into a bucket of cold water. When tin or wax solidifies, they guess by its shape whether a wish will come true or not.
Japan
Traditional Christmas decoration in Japan. New Year in Japan is celebrated with 108 bells from all Buddhist temples. The number 108 is the number of vices that dissolve with each stroke of the bell. After the final blow, thousands of people take to the streets of cities and meet the first morning of the New Year. It is believed that in the earliest hours the gods of happiness swim up to the shores of Japan, so it is important not to celebrate at night, but to meet the dawn and the first day of the New Year.
The New Year, as in most countries, is celebrated at home, with family. And all relatives and friends are certainly sent postcards, which should reach the addressees on January 1st.
Throughout the house, the Japanese arrange willow or bamboo branches, and instead of a Christmas tree they decorate kadomatsu - a festive tree made of pine, bamboo, rice straw, fern branches and tangerines.
One of the unusual Japanese New Year traditions is to buy a rake before the holiday in order to "rake more happiness into the house."
India
New Year celebration in India. New Year in India is a secular holiday, so they celebrate it in restaurants and cafes, and often give sweets, fruits or nuts.
The role of the New Year tree is performed by the mango tree, which is decorated with fruits and vegetables, and the most spicy dishes are put on the table. It is believed that the spicier the food, the better the next year will be. The inhabitants of the northern part adorn themselves with bright flowers.
On January 1, you should also rejoice and be extremely polite, because. it depends on how the next year goes. But in India there are as many as 4 New Years, and in different parts they celebrate it at different times, some in the spring and some in the fall. Some begin to celebrate it in March, others in mid-April, and still others in autumn. The fun continues for several days, during which everyone is given gifts and entertained in every possible way.
Cuba
New Year in Cuba New Year is considered the main family holiday here. Instead of a Christmas tree, a coniferous plant, an araucaria or a palm tree, is dressed up. And instead of Santa Claus, the children write letters to the wizards Gaspar, Baltasar and Melchor.
To fulfill wishes, the Cuban needs to fill all the containers in the house with water, then have time to eat 12 grapes while the clock strikes 12, and at midnight pour all the water out of the window of the house.
Immediately after that, the inhabitants begin to pour water on each other, for good luck.
China
New Year in China Chinese New Year is celebrated every year at different times. In 2018, on February 16, the Chinese will begin the Year of the Yellow Dog, and they will celebrate its onset from February 16 to March 2. Only in China they will meet not 2018, but the year 4716.
On the eve of the holiday, everyone cleans up the house, and a golden hieroglyph on a red background, a symbol of happiness and prosperity, is hung on the door. As a rule, a rich festive table is set with the most favorite dishes. There must be meat and fish on the table, as well as traditional dumplings, which are molded by the whole family. A coin is placed in one of the dumplings. Whoever gets it will be the happiest next year.
Panama
New Year in Panama Here the New Year is celebrated, as in most countries, on the 1st, however, Panama has its own unusual traditions. For example, burning an effigy symbolizing failure, evil, suffering and trouble. The effigy is made life-size and burned at midnight.
And yet, as soon as the clock strikes midnight, each resident picks up some noisy object and starts making noise, trying to drive away evil spirits. Sirens are blaring, bells are ringing, cars are honking. So the New Year in Panama is perhaps the busiest.
Israel
traditional dish for New Year in Israel The Jewish New Year Rosh Hashanah is celebrated according to the lunar calendar and usually falls between mid-September and early October. Jews believe that on this day in heaven it is decided who will live in prosperity or in poverty, and who is destined to die.
To make the year sweet and happy, the celebration begins with bread, which is dipped in honey, and then a piece of apple is dipped in honey and the wish for a “sweet year” is said.
Spain
New Year's Eve in Spain The Spaniards do not celebrate the New Year with their families, as they do at Christmas. The Christmas tree is also not dressed up, and gifts are piled under the Christmas flower - poinsettia. At midnight, the Spaniards go to the square and organize festivities. As in Cuba, in Spain 12 grapes are eaten while the clock ticks 12. Moreover, each grape must be eaten in one blow.
In order for the next year to be successful and all wishes come true, on New Year's Eve you must definitely wear new red underwear, so red panties can be bought at any supermarket before the holidays.
The Spaniards also have a strange symbol "Kaganer". A figurine representing a man urinating in great need. She is carefully hidden in the house, and the guests and children are trying to find the kaganer. Whoever finds it will be especially lucky.
Brazil
new year celebration in brazil On New Year's Eve, the people of Rio go to the ocean and bring gifts to the Goddess of the Sea, Yemange. Believers put gifts in small boats: flowers, candles, mirrors, jewelry, and send them to the sea as a token of gratitude for the past year, asking for protection in the coming year. Grandiose fireworks are arranged on the ocean shore, and then they dance until the morning!
Denmark
In Denmark, there is a tradition to stand on a chair on New Year's Eve and jump from it. It is believed that in this way the inhabitants drive away evil spirits, jump into January of the coming year. Another unusual tradition is to throw broken dishes at the neighbor's door. The more broken plates you have on your doorstep, the better your year will be.
The New Year is rushing around the world ...
In Bulgaria traditionally celebrate the New Year at home. Before the start of the holiday, the youngest in the house stands near the Christmas tree and sings carols to the guests. In gratitude, the guests give him gifts. The most interesting begins with the twelfth stroke of the clock. In all houses, the lights go out for three minutes: these are the minutes of New Year's kisses that replace toasts. The “kiss” pause is a pleasant and easy tradition, a good way to get rid of tedious long toasts and the need to compose special words yourself. After that, the hostess begins to cut the cake with surprises baked in it. If you got a coin - wait for wealth, a branch of a rose - love. Bulgarians rejoice if someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.
In Bulgaria, on New Year's Eve, they buy dogwood sticks - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching relatives and friends and lightly hitting them with chopsticks, congratulate them on the holiday. 
To the Finnish holiday menu for the New Year, plum jelly and rice porridge are sure to be included. One of the main protagonists of the Finnish Christmas celebrations is, of course, Joulupukki (this is the name of the old man Frost in Finns). They say that before, in addition to gifts, he also brought rods, and his visit began with the words: “Are there obedient children in this house?” Today, the element of education has almost disappeared, and all children receive New Year's gifts. 
Portuguese on Christmas Eve they give a "king pie". In addition to candied fruits and almonds, one medal or figurine is baked in it. The one who was lucky enough to find her is not at all obliged to swallow a surprise, which simply means: peace be with your house! 
And in Denmark foresters have come up with a great way to save forests from poachers who want to decorate their home with a forest beauty. On New Year's Eve, they treat Christmas trees with a special compound. In the cold, the liquid has no smell. And indoors, the tree begins to emit a sharp, suffocating smell, punishing violators.
Little Danes are given a wooden or plush Christmas tree with a troll peeking out from under the green paws. The Danes believe that the forest prankster is the embodiment of the soul of the tree. At midnight, the hostess serves a huge bowl of sweet rice porridge with a secret on the festive table. The peculiarity of this porridge is that a nut or almond is hidden at the bottom of the bowl. This tradition is especially liked by unmarried girls: if a nut comes across, the wedding will not be avoided next year. For everyone else, it promises just a happy New Year. Which in itself is also good! 
In Great Britain order gifts from Father Christmas (literally - Father of Christmas). They write him a detailed letter listing what he wants, which is thrown into the fireplace. The smoke from the chimney delivers the wish list right to the destination.
The British give each other gifts of approximately the same value. In the family circle, very often the ceremony of distribution of gifts is carried out according to the old tradition - by drawing lots. It is a custom to send postcards with a Christmas story to everyone you know. 
Scots on New Year's Eve they go to friends with a slice of cake, a glass of wine and a piece of coal. From their point of view, this is the surest way to provide them with food, drink and warmth for a whole year.
When the hands of the clock approach 12, the owner of the house silently opens the door and keeps it open until the last blow sounds. Thus he releases the Old Year and brings in the New.
In Scotland, on New Year's Eve, they set fire to a barrel of resin and roll this barrel through the streets. The Scots consider it a symbol of the burning of the Old Year. After that, the road to the New Year is open. It is believed that the first person to enter the house after the onset of the New Year brings good luck or bad luck. A dark-haired man with a gift - fortunately. 
in Italy at the end of the outgoing year, flower pots, old chairs, boots fly from all windows onto the pavement ... The more things you throw away, the more wealth the New Year will bring. And if there are no old things, then you have to throw away new ones, otherwise happiness will bypass the house.
Italians always take care to enter the new year not only in an updated interior, but also dressed up in everything new. An ancient custom looks quite funny: on December 31, men and women give red underwear to loved ones. It is this color that symbolizes novelty.
And the little Italians are waiting for gifts from the woman Santa Claus, although not quite the Snow Maiden, whose name is La Befana. 
Christmas in Germany- a family holiday. Everyone must certainly gather at the festive table. On this day, a gift exchange ceremony takes place, which even has its own name - Beshe-rung. The apotheosis of the New Year's feast is der Lebekuchen - gingerbread. In the 16th century, this “real miracle of flour, sugar and raisins” could sometimes reach the length of an entire bench. But this is for the best. After all, then you can make a gift to all your friends and acquaintances: take the “gingerbread bench” under your arm ... and go ahead, congratulate people on the New Year. One leg from the bench, the other - the back. The costs are minimal, and the gift, one might say, is endless.
In Germany, a brightly colored dish with apples, nuts, raisins and pies is always served on New Year's Eve. The symbolism here is as follows: an apple is the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil, nuts with their hard shells and tasty core symbolize the secrets and difficulties of life. In Germany they say: "God gave the nut, and man must crack it." Apples will hang on the Christmas tree, golden and silver nuts too. Walnuts and almonds are used in baking, and marzipans are the heart of German Christmas. 
In Austria often give glass or porcelain pigs, sometimes representing piggy banks.
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 Eve in Vienna. Thousands of people gather on Cathedral Square on December 31st.
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 it brings great happiness and good luck. Therefore, Christmas gifts in the form of a clay or rag chimney sweep stained with soot are so frequent.
But on the holiday tables Austria, Hungary and countries of the former Yugoslavia there is never a bird - geese, ducks, chickens, turkeys. In these countries, they believe that it is impossible to eat a bird this evening, happiness will fly away. 
In France they give anything, although they adhere to somewhat stricter rules than, for example, overseas. So, only a husband can give perfume to a woman, such a gift from another man is considered not very decent.
A symbol of well-being and a family hearth is a large log that is lit in the fireplaces of houses. Père Noel, the French Santa Claus fills children's shoes with gifts. 
Figures of walruses and polar bears carved out of ice, which Eskimos give each other, can be considered the most unexpected gifts. Greenland. Since it is cold in Greenland even in summer, like we have on New Year's Eve, ice gifts are quite durable. 
Czech Grandfather Mikulas comes on December 5, on the eve of St. Nicholas Day. He is very similar to our Santa Claus: the same long fur coat, hat, staff. Only now he brings gifts not in a bag, but in a shoulder box. And it is not the Snow Maiden who accompanies him, but an angel in snow-white clothes and a shaggy imp. 
swedes traditionally give each other homemade candles. Such a gift is due to the fact that at the height of winter it gets dark early near the Arctic Circle, and the light symbolizes friendship, cordiality, and fun.
In Swedish homes where there are children, New Year's celebrations begin with dads going out to take out the trash and returning as Jules Tomten (Swedish Santa Claus). When the clock strikes midnight, the Swedes throw serpentine, blow the pipes, and Yul Tomten begins to give gifts. So, under the general noise and din, the New Year enters the land of Sweden.
In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors. Now Swedish whistles, pipes and rattles have appeared in stores for a noisy meeting of the New Year and other holidays. 
On the eve of the holiday in Spain, going to any home, you should put champagne and a piece of nougat in a gift basket.
The New Year itself for the Spaniards is a public holiday. After all, it is on this night that lovers of ritual rites and traditions rush to the central square to the huge Christmas tree to feast on grapes. During the fight of the clock, each of the thousand gathered at the Christmas tree tries to eat 12 grapes. Each grape symbolizes one of the coming months, and having time to eat all 12 is a “guaranteed” fulfillment of a cherished desire. This fun tradition extends to those who celebrate the New Year at home. Grapes are placed on each plate. 
Greeks, in addition to traditional baskets heavy from champagne and wine, recently they are increasingly giving each other a new deck of cards. And when they go to visit, they bring a mossy stone with them as a gift and leave it in the owners' room, they say: "Let the owners' money be as heavy as this stone."
In Greece, there is a custom according to which, exactly at midnight, the head of the family goes out into the courtyard and smashes a pomegranate fruit against the wall. If its grains scatter around the yard, the family will live happily in the new year. 
in Iceland throughout December, parents do not know the worries with their children. The fact is that the cunning kids know: Santa Claus can unexpectedly drop in on them any day from December 1st to December 24th.
If something goes wrong ... in your shoe you can find not a gift, but a potato. 
In Holland 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. Holiday gifts are brought by Sunderclass. He arrives on a steamboat accompanied by black servants. 
In Ireland on the eve of the New Year, the doors of houses open wide, and anyone who wishes can enter any house and become a welcome guest there. He will be seated in a place of honor, treated to a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: “For peace in this house and throughout the world!”
At half past eleven, the Irish go to the central square, sing, dance, have fun. 
In Norway children are waiting for gifts from a goat. She is greeted with festive treats - dry ears of oats, which are put in children's shoes for the New Year. The next morning, instead of ears of corn, the guys find New Year's gifts in their boots and shoes. In this country, the goat occupies a privileged position. The fact is that a local legend tells that the Norwegian king Olaf the Second once saved a wounded goat by removing it from a cliff. The animal was taken to the palace, cured and released home. As a sign of gratitude, she brought rare healing plants to the savior every night. 
Residents celebrate the New Year with ancient ritual songs and carols Romania. On the streets of Bucharest on New Year's Eve there are groups of teenagers in national costumes, in high ram's hats and with long whips in their hands. They enter the yards and, standing in a heap, beat the ground with a whip in a certain rhythm, from time to time shouting out traditional New Year's wishes. This ancient ritual symbolizes work in the field: the guys beat imaginary oxen so that they plow the land better and the coming year be rich in harvest.
All the flower girls who do not leave the streets of Bucharest all year round, before the New Year, green mistletoe branches appear in their trays. The leaves of this plant, even in the most severe cold, retain a bright green color and freshness. In Romania, it is believed that if, along with the New Year tree, a mistletoe branch decorates the house, it will bring great happiness.
In Romania, it is customary to bake small surprises in New Year's pies - coins, porcelain figurines, rings, hot pepper pods. The ring found in the cake means that the New Year will bring a lot of happiness. And a pod of pepper will cheer everyone around. 
In India The New Year is celebrated in different ways. North Indians 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 rooftops. In South India, mothers place sweets, flowers and small gifts on a special tray. On New Year's morning, little Indians wait with their eyes closed until they are led to the tray. Only then do they receive their gifts. 
In Japan there is a tradition: before the New Year, give postcards with the image of an animal that corresponds to this year. They also give toys and souvenirs.
One of the most striking decorations of the Japanese house before the New Year is kadomatsu (“pine tree at the entrance”). Kadomatsu - a greeting to the deity of the New Year holiday - is mainly made from pine, bamboo, woven rice straws. Decorate with fern and mandarin branches. Bamboo and pine are symbols of fidelity and longevity. Straw rope stretched in front of doors drives away evil spirits.
New Year is considered the biggest holiday in Japan. It lasts for 7 days! Men launch multi-colored kites of various shapes into the sky. Women play badminton. 
The New Year is not celebrated at midnight, but at sunrise. The bells of Buddhist temples beat 108 times, announcing the birth of the New Year. With each blow, according to the Japanese, all the bad things that should not be repeated in the New Year go away.
Like the Chinese, visits to parents are obligatory here. 3 branches appear in every Japanese house for the New Year: bamboo - let children grow up quickly, plums - let the owners have strong helpers, pine trees - let all family members live as long as pine. It is forbidden to pronounce words with an unpleasant meaning. You can not talk about death, demons and a number of animals - a fox, a dragon, a tiger, a snake. If the children accidentally violated some verbal prohibition, then the parents wipe their mouths with a specially prepared ritual cloth. 
In Japan, New Year's Eve is called "golden week". At this time, many institutions and firms, government organizations, large department stores stop their work. Even banks are open until 12 noon on December 31 and rest on the first three days of the New Year.
Mandatory is the custom of seeing off the Old Year, which includes organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. At the time of the New Year, the Japanese begin to laugh. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. 
Those who fall for Christmas To China, they notice first of all the Trees of Light, an analogue of our Christmas tree.
They are decorated in an oriental way with bright and exquisite lanterns, flowers, garlands. Chinese Christians use the same decorations in the festive decoration of their homes.
On the eve of the holiday, little Chinese hang stockings on the walls, where Dong Che Lao Ren (Grandfather Christmas) puts his Christmas gifts. 
In China, daffodils are a must for New Year's Eve. Everyone needs to watch their speech. It is strictly forbidden to swear and speak ambiguities.
In China, the New Year is always celebrated during the new moon in late January - early February. Processions of many thousands of lanterns move through the streets. They are lit, lighting the way to the New Year. In order to keep out evil spirits on New Year's Eve, the Chinese seal the windows and doors of houses with paper and scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. 
In Mongolia The New Year coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, so it is characterized by sports competitions, competitions for dexterity, ingenuity, and courage.
Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the New Year at the Christmas tree. Santa Claus comes to them, dressed in a cattle breeder costume. 
in Vietnam New Year is celebrated at night. With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make bonfires, on which they cook special delicacies from rice.
On New Year's Eve, it is customary to release live carps into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who goes to heaven on New Year's Eve to tell there how people live on Earth. On this night, quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven.
Cambodia, Korea, Mongolia and some other countries - a rake decorated with various expensive ornaments is an indispensable accessory of the New Year. Apparently, it is they who “rake in happiness” on New Year's Eve. 
More in the East Christmas markets are widespread, where you can buy not only clothes, food, utensils, jewelry and gifts, but even ... dreams, hopes and happiness. Do not be afraid, you will not be sold air full of promises and assurances. For example, you can buy a daruma - a wooden (or papier-mâché) tumbler doll from the Buddhist pantheon. Or hamayumi - blunt arrows with white feathers, which drive out evil spirits, and taka-ra-bune - boats with rice and seven gods sitting on the deck, symbolizing prosperity and good luck. 
Celebrating the New Year in a very special way in Indonesia. So, on the island of Bali, it lasts 10 days. These days, two-meter columns of dyed rice are erected. They are meant for the gods. At the end of the festivities, the columns are taken to their homes. Rice is eaten by people, but the gods are left with memories of gifts. 
In Sudan The talisman of the New Year is considered to be a green, unripe walnut. The best thing is to find an unripe nut that would bring happiness and good luck throughout the year. 
in the Philippines since November, mass production of Christmas trees from plastic, papier-mâché, and branches begins. Competitions of lanterns of various sizes and shapes are arranged.
In the thirty-degree heat that stands here at the end of December, it is especially interesting to observe the Site of Klaus walking around in red coats trimmed with white synthetic fur. 
In America the main attention is paid not to the gift itself, but to its packaging - boxes and boxes, cases and cases. On Christmas Eve, family and friends delight in unwrapping gifts that can be wrapped in ten robes like a head of cabbage.
America breaks all records every year for the number and value of greeting cards and Christmas gifts sold. 
In Argentina, according to a long tradition, employees of institutions on the last day of the outgoing working year throw old calendars, unnecessary statements and forms out of windows. In the business part of Buenos Aires, by noon, the sidewalks and the roadway are thickly covered with a thick layer of paper. No one knows how and when this custom originated. Not without incidents. One day, employees of one of the newspapers, who were outrageous, threw the entire archive out of the window. 
On New Year's Eve in Brazil on the ocean beach thousands of candles light up on the sand. Women in long dresses enter the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf. 
In Colombia it is believed that without shooting, fireworks and explosions, the holiday simply cannot be. Colombians make dolls representing the old year. They are carried on sticks, funny testaments are read. Then they throw the dolls away from themselves and at midnight the charges and gunpowder hidden in the dolls begin to explode. The old year, surrounded by flames and smoke, shatters into pieces, making way for the New Year. 
But in Cuba Before the New Year, everyone fills their glasses with water. At midnight, Cubans throw water through an open window into the street, wishing the New Year to be as clear and pure as water.
In Cuba, the clock only strikes 11 times on New Year's Day. Since the 12th stroke falls on New Year's Eve, the clock is given a rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone. 
In Mexico with the chime of the clock, fireworks flare up and carnival processions begin. Here there is a custom to break clay pots filled with fruits, water, New Year's gifts. 
in Peru it is believed that the one who walks around his quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will be able to make a long-planned trip.
If a girl walks down the street with a willow twig, the young man whom she offers to take up the twig from the other side will become her fiancé. 
In Ecuador on New Year's Eve stuffed stuffed with straw from old clothes. This is a symbol of the passing year. He is seated on a chair in front of the house, provided with a pipe and a cane. At midnight, the “testament” of the Old Year is read, which lists all the troubles that have happened to this family. The paper is stuffed into the scarecrow's bosom. They light a match, and the Old Year disappears in flames, taking with it all the family troubles. 
In Panama New Year's Eve is unusually noisy: trumpets hum, sirens howl and people scream. According to ancient belief, noise scares away evil spirits. 