What are the New Year traditions in different countries. New Year traditions around the world. New Year Traditions in Australia and Micronesia
The most cheerful New Year's traditions TOP-12. The site site likes to talk about the strangest traditions of different countries, read
But, in different countries not only such a celebration as a wedding or the birth of a child is celebrated in different ways, the New Year is also celebrated in completely different ways. And given that the New Year is one of the most popular holidays In the world, there are traditions of celebrating the New Year in almost every country.
The most unusual, interesting and original New Year traditions from different countries.
1. Japan - go to bed before dawn!
On New Year's Eve in Japan, bells ring at night, and exactly 108 times. The tolling of the bell denotes one of the six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy, and indecision. The Japanese believe that each human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strokes. Instead of a New Year tree, the Japanese have kadomatsu, which means "pine tree at the entrance." This product is made from bamboo, pine, rice straws are woven into it. Decorate kadomatsu with ferns and mandarin branches.
But, the most interesting thing is that the Japanese do not celebrate the New Year in our understanding. On New Year's Eve, they calmly go to bed, but wake up early in the morning and all together go to meet the dawn of the New Year. Of course, some of us also meet the New Year's dawn, but in a completely different state! Read
2. Italy - red shorts!
It is often said that in Italy before the New Year it is customary to throw out of the house (most often right out of the window) everything old and unnecessary: clothes, furniture or even plumbing. But, now this tradition in Italy is practically dying out. But what is incredibly popular in Italy before Christmas and New Year is red! The fact is that Italians love not only Santa Claus - but also the local, Italian Santa Claus - Bobbo Natale. And, Bobbo Natale, like a real Italian, is a terrible fashionista and loves red. Therefore, in new year's eve the entire population of Italy - both women and men, and children, wear something red, even if it's just shorts or socks. Therefore, meeting the New Year somewhere on the streets of Rome or Milan, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks, on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another New Year's tradition in Italy is eating dried raisins right on the bunches. To Italians, dried grapes resemble coins, and it is believed that those who eat more of them will earn more money in the coming year.
3. Argentina - all in paper!
But in Argentina, the Italian tradition of throwing everything away does not need to take root, though .. mainly among office workers. On New Year's Eve, the centers of Argentinean cities are covered with an even layer of waste paper, sometimes even whole piles of papers. According to local tradition, you need to throw unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers out of the windows, but most of all, Argentines like to throw out last year's bills.
4. Spain - grapes and a naked ass!
In Spain, there is a tradition - to quickly eat 12 grapes at midnight, and each grape will be eaten with each new strike of the chimes. Each of the grapes should bring good luck in each month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid in order to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes for more than a hundred years, the first time it was a reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.
Talking about the New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot help but talk about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas pop in Catalonia, well, or if you still use the most funny word then about Ass.
“Butt, butt, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don't have g@avna well, I'll hit you with a stick. Popa, children sing in Barcelona at Christmas. And at this time they beat the wooden ass prepared in advance with sticks. Yes, such a curious, strange and cheerful Christmas tradition.
5. Scotland - celebrate the New Year in silence!
Before the onset of the New Year, members of the whole family sit down near the lit fireplace, and with the first chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. Such a ritual is designed to spend the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether luck or bad luck enters the house depends on who is the first to cross their threshold in the new year.
6.Estonia - New Year in the bathhouse!
One of the "hottest" is the New Year's Eve in Estonia, as it is customary to spend this holiday in the sauna. In order to enter the New Year clean and healthy, you even need to listen to the chimes in this institution. But, in fact, now this tradition is more for tourists than for the Estonians themselves.
7. Panama - burning problems!
There is a very unusual New Year tradition in Panama. Here it is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other famous people. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish evil to anyone, for example, they can burn the effigy of the Olympic champion of the country's national team in running or the President of Panama. All these scarecrows are called by one word - muneco, and symbolize all the troubles of the outgoing year. And since if there is no scarecrow, then there are no problems in the coming year. Moreover, every family should burn the scarecrow. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, on the streets of Panamanian cities, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring. In addition, car horns are honking, everyone is screaming. Such noise is meant to threaten trouble in the coming year.
8. Peru - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase!
For Peruvian guys, New Year's Eve is pretty dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru pick up willow twigs and go for a walk around the neighborhoods of their city. And her fiancé should be the young man who will be asked to take up the twig. Therefore, sometimes on the streets you can meet strange couples- a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Since, according to another Peruvian tradition, the one who walks around his entire quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on the desired journey in the coming year.
9 . Denmark - jump into the New Year!
There is a tradition in Denmark to celebrate the New Year by standing on a chair and jumping from it. It is believed that with this action, the inhabitants jump into January of the coming year, driving away evil spirits. In addition, it will bring good luck. At the same time, the Danes follow another New Year's tradition - throwing broken dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. And this does not annoy anyone, but on the contrary, it is very pleasing. After all, that family, on the threshold of which there will be the most broken plates, cups and glasses, will be the most successful in the coming year. It also means that the family has the most friends.
10 . Greece is a stone "in the bosom" for friends!
On New Year's Eve, the inhabitants of Greece, like the inhabitants of many other countries, go to visit each other with gifts. However, there is a peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they carry a stone to the owners, and the more the better. It will seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the purse of the recipients in the coming year will be. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest member of the family must break a pomegranate fruit in the courtyard of his house. If pomegranate seeds scattered around the yard, then his family will have a happy life in the coming year.
11. Micronesia - changing the name!
And the inhabitants of the islands of Micronesia change their name every time for a holiday - in order to confuse evil spirits and live easily and comfortably the whole next year. Everyone is free to choose a name for himself, so sometimes most of the population bears the same name all year round.
12. Bulgaria - turn off the light!
In Bulgaria, the lights go out for a few minutes at midnight. When all the guests remain in the dark, you can kiss even with an unfamiliar guest - the holiday will keep the secret of the New Year's kiss.
The most interesting New Year's traditions TOP-12
Most countries of the world celebrate the New Year on January 1, just like we do. However, there are a number of countries in which the New Year falls on other dates, and is celebrated in a completely different way. So, for example, the Chinese New Year is celebrated during the winter new moon at the end of the full lunar cycle that has passed since the day winter solstice. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21. By Chinese traditions New Year's Eve is one of the most important and significant family traditions. On the first day of the new year, the Chinese set off fireworks and burn incense sticks, which they believe can scare away evil spirits and drive them out of the house. In ancient China, the so-called beggar's festival was announced on this day, when anyone could enter the house. If the owner refuses this, the neighbors will turn away from him and look with contempt. According to the Chinese, on this day, nature awakens, the earth and the sprouts of life that it keeps come to life. In the evening, the Chinese celebrate the return of the deities home. According to legend, the deities visit the world of spirits and "give an account" of the past year, and then honor the memory of their dead ancestors. At first, the Chinese called this holiday "xinnian" (New Year). However, today, in order to distinguish this day from the European New Year on January 1, the Chinese have renamed it "Chunjie", which translates as "Spring Festival". This happened in 1911 after the Xinhan Revolution, as a result of which China introduced a new style chronology.
A similar holiday is also celebrated in Mongolia. It is believed that the more guests come to the house on this day, the more successful and richer the year will be.
In Japan, bells are rung on New Year's Eve, a total of 108 times. Each stroke of the bell means one of the six vices: stupidity, frivolity, anger, greed, indecision and envy. However, according to the Japanese, each vice has 18 various shades, resulting in 108 bell strokes. There is also a tradition here to give postcards with the image of the animal whose year is coming. The decoration of the Japanese house in the New Year is kadomatsu, which translates as "pine tree at the entrance." Kadomatsu is made from pine, bamboo, and woven rice straws, and then decorated with tangerine and fern branches. Traditionally, little Japanese people receive their New Year's gifts on this day.
A very interesting New Year tradition exists in Myanmar. Here on this day, everyone you meet waters the other cold water. This is due to the fact that the New Year in Myanmar falls on the hottest time of the year. In the local language this day is called "water festival".
A bizarre mixture of rituals of Indian and African beliefs with a European flavor turned the Brazilian New Year into a ritual of rampant carnival and traditional worship of the ancient gods. While almost a million spectators on the beach of Copacabana watch the magical transformations of lights taking off into the sky from rafts specially installed in the sea, in Laguna di Freitas, the world's highest floating Christmas tree, 82 m high, is illuminated by fireworks against the backdrop of the no less famous statue of Christ - The Redeemer who stretched out his hands to bless the glorious city.
In England, on New Year's Eve, the whole house is decorated with mistletoe sprigs, which serves as great addition to the Christmas tree. Bouquets of mistletoe are everywhere, even on chandeliers and lamps. The British have a very interesting tradition kissing a man who stands in the center of the room under a bunch of mistletoe.
It is a well-known Italian custom to get rid of all unnecessary things on New Year's Eve. On the first day of Christmas in Italy, they burn a Christmas log - a large wooden log that is brought into the house in advance. According to legend, it is believed that a burning log should slowly smolder until the New Year itself, in order to get rid of everything bad, to burn all the troubles that happened in the house in the past year.
Jews also celebrate their New Year. Rosh Ha Shana (which translates as Head of the Year) is celebrated between September 5 and October 5 (163 days after Pesach - Easter). Jews believe that on the day of Rosh Ha Shana, the fate of a person is decided for the whole next year. How a person behaved on this day, so he will spend the whole next year. On the night of the Rosh Ha Shana holiday in Israel, everyone is welcomed following words: "May you be inscribed and signed for a good year in the Book of Life!" Then 10 days of self-knowledge and self-repentance are read, which are called "days of return to God." Believers these days dress only in bright clothes and eat apples, dipping them in honey.
In Bulgaria, as in many other countries, the New Year is celebrated at home. At the beginning of the holiday, the youngest member of the family stands under the tree and sings Christmas carols, for which he receives gifts from all family members. When the clock strikes 12 times, the lights in the houses go out for a moment. This is the traditional time for New Year's kisses. Then the mistress of the house cuts the New Year's cake, which is stuffed with surprises. Whoever finds a coin in his piece of the pie will spend the next year in wealth. The same tradition of serving a cake "with surprises" is widespread in Australia and Romania.
In Germany and France, they also prefer to celebrate the New Year in a homely family atmosphere. In Germany, the whole family gathers at the festive table and the so-called Bescherung takes place - the traditional exchange of New Year's gifts.
In Austria, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to give porcelain or glass pigs, often in the form of a piggy bank. According to local customs, such pigs must certainly bring wealth to the one to whom they are presented.
In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other homemade candles, as here light symbolizes joy and fun. Swedish dads go out to take out the garbage and return in the guise of a local Santa Claus, who in Sweden is called Yul Tomten.
But Santa Claus can visit Icelandic children any day from 1 to 24 December. Knowing this, many try to behave well, because they know that they can find an ordinary raw potato in their holiday stocking instead of a gift.
Going to visit Spain on New Year's Eve, be sure to take a bottle of champagne and a piece of nougat with you. They are usually placed in New Year's basket which is in every home.
But the Greeks, in addition to traditional baskets of wine and champagne, give each other a new deck of cards on New Year's Eve.
There are many wonderful traditions celebrating the New Year and the former Soviet states. So, for example, in Moldova on the first day of the new year, grain is certainly scattered in all houses, which symbolizes a plentiful and fruitful year. In Latvia, the same symbolizes peas. Meeting the New Year, you must eat at least one pea. In Georgia, on the first day of the New Year, it is not customary to visit each other without an invitation. The owner himself invites those who, in his opinion, are associated with goodness. Such a guest should certainly bring sweets to the house. And in Armenia, on this day, it is necessary to congratulate all relatives.
According to ny.s-i-p.ru
IN England, except for the Christmas tree, the house is decorated with mistletoe sprigs. There are even bouquets of mistletoe on lamps and chandeliers, and, as is custom, you can kiss a person standing in the middle of the room under a bunch of mistletoe.
In England, it is customary to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales on New Year's Eve. Lord Chaos leads a merry carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
It was in England that the custom arose to exchange greeting cards for the New Year. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little before midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped up prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But exactly at twelve bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to part next year, should kiss under the mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.
In English houses, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.
In the British Isles, the custom of "letting in the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from past life to the new one. When the clock strikes 12, open the back door of the house to let out Old year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door opens to let in the New Year.
Scotland
IN Scotland New Year's Eve is called Hogmanny. On the streets, the holiday is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to the custom, barrels of tar are set on fire on New Year's Eve and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that the success or failure in the family for the whole next year depends on who enters their house first in the new year. Great luck, in their opinion, brings a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called firstfooting.
Special traditional dishes are prepared for the New Year: oatmeal cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, are usually served for breakfast, boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough for lunch.
Guests should certainly bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors swing wide open to let the old one out and let in the New Year.
Italy
IN Italy it is customary to throw away broken dishes from apartments at the very last minute of the old year, old clothes and even furniture. They are followed by crackers, confetti, sparklers. It is believed that if you throw away on New Year's Eve old thing, then next year you will buy a new one. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who arrives at night on a broomstick and enters the house through the chimney. She fills with gifts children's shoes, specially hung by the fireplace.
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to popular beliefs, on this night, the good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broomstick. She opens the door with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills children's stockings, specially hung on the fireplace, with gifts. For those who studied poorly or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
Italian Santa Claus - BabboNatale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year must begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows. The Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with their passion, characteristic of the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly through the window. According to signs, the vacant place will certainly be occupied by new things.
On the New Year's table Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.
In the Italian provinces, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, water must be brought home from the source. “If you have nothing to give to your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive branch.” It is believed that water brings happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If, on January 1, the first person an Italian sees is a monk or a priest, this is bad. It is also undesirable to stumble upon a small child, but meeting a pretty old man is good. And even better - a hunchback ... Then the New Year will definitely be prosperous!
USA
USA. In New York, in Times Square, the traditional solemn descent of the famous Ball, sparkling with thousands of neon lights, takes place.
In the United States, the New Year holiday is traditionally celebrated on a smaller scale than Christmas. Americans usually celebrate the New Year with friends and, much less often, with family. On New Year's Eve, parades, football matches and similar spectacular events are held. Traditionally, the New Year is considered the day of the beginning of a new life. Many Americans date important changes to this day, for example, by promising to quit smoking or start exercising after January 1st. The role of the clock on the Spasskaya Tower is played by the clock on Times Square in New York - their image is broadcast on all TV channels.
Unlike many other American holidays, the New Year in the USA does not have strict culinary canons. The only obligatory attribute of the New Year's celebration is a glass of champagne. Champagne is accompanied by light snacks: nuts, cheese, cookies, pizza, etc. The main rule of the New Year's Eve is more fun. Gifts are welcome, but not required. Seeing off the old year, many Americans sing the traditional song "AuldLangSyne". The title of this song, written in early XVIII century can be translated from Old English as "Old good times". The song invites you to raise a glass to old friends and the good old days.
Switzerland
IN Switzerland people dress up festively to celebrate Saint Sylvester's day. This holiday is based on the legend that Pope Sylvester (314) caught a terrible sea monster. It was believed that in the year 1000 this monster would break free and destroy the world. Fortunately, this did not happen. Since then, in Switzerland, this story is remembered for the New Year. People dress up in masquerade costumes and call themselves Sylvesterklaus.
Spain
IN Spain There is a New Year's Eve tradition. A huge crowd of people gathers in the square in front of the city church, and everyone begins to proclaim speeches, recalling the events of the past year. This goes on for quite some time until one of the speakers remembers some dead donkey. It is this donkey that the inhabitants “divide” among themselves, recalling to each his offense and even small weaknesses. A frivolous and windy woman will get a tail, a bully will get a skin, a dancer will get legs, a chatterer will get a tongue ... Perhaps, this is where the expression “like ears from a dead donkey” went to walk around the world.
On New Year's Eve, citizens take to the streets and squares where festivities. And when the city clock strikes midnight, all the acquaintances and strangers begin to congratulate each other, wish health, good luck and exchange gifts.
Also in Spain, the expressive features of an erotic cult are carried by one of the New Year's customs, which is now followed in many villages of the country, although already in a playful form - the conclusion of fictitious marriages.
On New Year's Eve, the girls and boys of the whole village pull their fate - pieces of paper with the names of fellow villagers of both sexes. Guys, thus, get "brides", girls - "grooms". In some places, for example, in the Orenci district, this procedure takes place in front of fires near the church porch. Marriage couples that have formed are considered lovers until the very end of the holiday and behave accordingly.
IN Scandinavia in the first seconds of the New Year, it is customary to grunt under the table in order to drive away evil spirits, illnesses and failures from the family.
IN Mongolia with the advent of the first day of the New Year, a truly nationwide festivities begin in the country. The official New Year in the country is January 1, and the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar is called “Tsagaansar”. By tradition, every family sees off the old year, the farewell is called “bituun”. At this moment, you can not quarrel, argue, swear and deceive, this is considered a great sin.
French Santa Claus - Per Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked in the New Year's cake receives the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good owner-winemaker should certainly clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink for the future harvest.
According to tradition, a good owner-winemaker on New Year's Eve should clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink for the future harvest. But if you, suddenly, are not a French winemaker and there are no barrels or two lying around in your cellar good wine, adopt one old French tradition: clink glasses with empty glasses. To do this, you need to make a wish, drain the contents of the glass as quickly as possible and only after that clink glasses with one of the celebrants. The main thing is that the glass of the person clinking glasses with you should also be empty at this moment. A strange tradition, but the French say that everything comes true.
IN Sweden before the New Year, the children choose the queen of light, Lucia. She is dressed up in White dress, a crown with lit candles is put on the head. Lucia brings gifts to children and treats to pets: cream for a cat, a sugar bone for a dog, and carrots for a donkey.
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. Grateful relatives and guests give him gifts. The most interesting thing begins with the 12th chime of the clock. At this time, the lights in the houses go out for a moment for New Year's kisses. Only 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.
IN Iran The New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gunshots are fired. All adults are holding silver coins as a sign of a non-stop stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with a new one.
A few weeks before the holiday, people plant grains of wheat or barley in a small dish. By the New Year, the grains sprout, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and the new year of life.
Main character new year carnival in Colombia- Old year. He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.
On New Year's Eve, a parade of puppets takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of puppet clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.
Cuba. Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. The wizard-kings who bring gifts to children are Balthazar, Gaspard and Melchor. On the eve, the children write letters to them, in which they talk about their cherished desires.
Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes that are in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of the island of Freedom wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you for all twelve months.
IN Sudan it is necessary to celebrate the New Year on the banks of the Nile, then all wishes will come true.
South Africa. In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the quarters traditionally celebrate the New Year, throwing out various items from their windows - from bottles to large-sized furniture.
Police in South Africa are closing the Hillbrow area to traffic and are asking residents of the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police spokesman, due to existing tradition this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
IN Mexico The New Year is celebrated with the fire of festive fireworks, firing from rocket launchers, and the ringing of special New Year's bells. And children are handed delicious gingerbread dolls at midnight.
In the snowy Finland The main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, overcoming long way from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the house, leaving the joy of the children big basket with gifts.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at a table bursting with various dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.
IN Burma The New Year begins between April 12 and 17. The Ministry of Culture informs about the exact day of the celebration by a special order, and the holiday lasts three days.
According to ancient beliefs, the gods of rain live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then it rains on the earth, which promises a rich harvest.
To gain the favor of the stellar spirits, the Burmese invented a tug-of-war competition. They are attended by men of two villages, and in the city - two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging the lazy rain spirits on.
Japan
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under the pillow a picture depicting a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures fairytale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 chimes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to an old belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that's for them and the Japanese bell tolls.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And in order for happiness to come to the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with sprigs of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo represents fidelity, and plum represents love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is prosperity, carp is strength, beans are health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat mochi - koloboks, cakes, rolls from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses to the street to meet the sunrise. With the first rays, they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In the houses they put branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's mochibana tree.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Favorite New Year's entertainment girls - a game of shuttlecock, and the boys fly a traditional kite on the days of the holiday.
The most popular christmas accessory- loot. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them so that for the New Year there is something to rake in happiness. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various patterns and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the Year, which brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates of three bamboo sticks in front of the house, to which pine branches are tied. More wealthy people buy a dwarf pine, a bamboo sprout and a small plum or peach tree.
Mandatory is the custom of seeing off the Old Year, which includes organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. On the first New Year's Eve, it is customary to visit the temple.
In houses, rice cakes are placed in a conspicuous place, on top of which tangerines are placed, symbolizing happiness, health and longevity.
If the inhabitants of the Old World delicately take a couple of small sips of champagne in the new year, then the Japanese drink sparkling wine in some incredible quantities. Moreover, on a par with adults, even small children clink glasses, however, normal parents prefer to pour their children non-alcoholic champagne. In any case, the Japanese tradition of clinking glasses with their children in no way provokes children to become alcoholics, but only prepares them for adulthood. In any case, the Japanese themselves think so.
Myanmar. Thailand. Laos. The New Year comes at the hottest time of the year, so its arrival is celebrated with the so-called “water festival”, when people pour water on each other when they meet. The tradition of dousing with water is a kind of wish for happiness in the new year.
Germany
IN Germany on New Year's Eve, people make a weather forecast for the whole next year. And they do it this way: 12 onions with a cut off top are placed on the table, a recess is made inside the onions, into which salt is poured. As soon as the clock strikes midnight, the forecast is ready. Bulbs that “ate” all the salt mean rainy months, and those in which salt remains are dry.
In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Eve. Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.
In Germany, people different ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, they climb onto chairs, tables, armchairs and, with the last blow, together, with joyful greetings, “jump” into the New Year. And in the villages, the medieval tradition of the bleiglessen ceremony has been preserved: a lead bullet is found, which “contains the secrets of the future.” The bullet is melted to a boil and poured into a glass drop by drop. Lead solidifies again. The resulting figure will tell you about what awaits next year.
Brazil
IN Brazil New Year's Eve is called Iemanja. The beaches fill with people and religious chanting praises Iemanja. Even those who live far from the water try to come to the coast to make offerings to the sea: most often these are flowers on small ships made of wood. Participants in the ceremony dress in costumes of a certain color - depending on the saint who "will reign" during the new year.
On New Year's Eve, the inhabitants of Rio de Janeiro go to the ocean and bring gifts to the Goddess of the Sea Yemanzha. Traditionally, Brazilians dress up in white clothes, which symbolizes a plea for peace addressed to the goddess of the Sea. Believers bring all kinds of gifts to the goddess: flowers, perfumes, mirrors, Jewelry and even champagne. Standing on the ocean, they make a wish and mentally turn to the Goddess, drink a glass to the bottom. Brazilians pour the rest of champagne into the ocean, thereby treating the mistress of the sea. And after the turn comes to gifts that are placed in small boats and also sent to the sea. Gifts are placed in small boats and sent to the sea in gratitude for last year and as a request for protection in the coming year.
IN Romania it is customary to bake various small surprises in New Year's pies: small money, porcelain figurines, rings, hot pepper pods .... If you find a ring in a cake, then, according to an old belief, this means that the new year will bring you a lot of happiness. How about pepper? Everyone will laugh at the owner of such a find, but he will only have to cry.
In Romania unmarried women usually they go to the well, light a candle and look down. The image of the flame will draw the face of her future husband in the dark depths of the water. Those who do not risk wandering the streets at night take a branch of the basil and place it under the pillow: a dream will show the betrothed.
Vietnam
In Vietnam The new year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when early spring. At the festive table - bouquets of flowers. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other branches of a peach tree with swollen buds. With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make fires in parks, gardens or on the streets, several families gather around the fires. Special delicacies from rice are prepared on coals.
New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these names are the most fun Vietnamese holiday. The branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home. This family celebration, during which all quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. Every Vietnamese home has an ancestral altar, and paying tribute to their memory is an important part of New Year's celebrations. Celebrated in Vietnam New Year and January 1, it is called the "holiday of the young."
Children look forward to midnight when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.
On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every house, and on New Year's Eve this god goes to heaven to tell how each member of the family spent the past year.
The Vietnamese once believed that God floated on the back of a carp. Nowadays, on New Year's Eve, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will bring good or bad luck in the coming year.
Panama. Liberia. The inhabitants of these countries celebrate the New Year in an unimaginable uproar. Some scare away evil forces by knocking on the pelvis; others try to “shout out everything that was wrong in last year and loudly praise what was good”; still others celebrate the New Year, deafeningly bawling songs.
Hungary. On the New Year's table of the Hungarians you will not find dishes prepared from poultry, because according to legend, happiness can fly away from home with it. On New Year's Eve, children's whistles, pipes, and pipes disappear from the shelves of Hungarian stores. By popular belief, the piercing and not always pleasant sound of these uncomplicated musical instruments drives away evil spirits from the home and calls for well-being and joy in the home.
In Hungary, in the "fateful" first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - moreover, using not fingers, but children's pipes, horns, whistles.
It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the dwelling and call for joy and prosperity. Preparing for the holiday, the Hungarians do not forget about magical power New Year's dishes: beans and grogh retain strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from trouble, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.
Favorite New Year's entertainment of young women in Korea- Board jumping. Spectacular spectacle - women in beautiful, festive clothes soar in the air like birds in bright plumage.
IN Greece guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the wealth of the owner be heavy, like this stone.” And if big stone if they don’t get it, they throw a small pebble with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.
IN australia Santa Claus is greeted in bathing suits, lying on inflatable mattresses, because on the eve of the holiday there is a forty-degree heat. Sydney is having a big party. On New Year's Eve, the whole city looks like an incomparably decorated Christmas tree, the branches of which bend under the weight of all the decorations. The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous salutes and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city. After a festive night, Australians often go somewhere in nature.
China
Those who meet Chinese New Year, every dish on holiday table symbolizes wishes. Mushrooms mean "excellent prospects", pork tongue - "profit", oysters - " good business”, and baked fish - “abundance”. The dragon is very loved by the Chinese people: every year they arrange New Year's performance"Dragon Dance". Length fairy tale character can reach 1000 m.
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 calendar in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21st to February 20th.
Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during the processions to light the way for the New Year. The Chinese believe that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers.
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And the people themselves are poured with water at the moment when others say in their address new year wishes happiness. Therefore, in this holiday everyone walks the streets in soaking wet clothes.
Sometimes the Chinese seal windows and doors with paper to keep out evil spirits. New Year in China is a strictly family holiday, and every Chinese wants to spend it with their relatives. In the evening last day every family in full force gathers in the living room for a gala dinner.
During this dinner, which was held under the sign of the unity of the clan, and above all the unity of its living and deceased members, its participants eat dishes that are first offered to the spirits of their ancestors. At the same time, family members get the opportunity to forgive each other old grievances. After the end of the meal, no one went to bed, so as not to miss their future happiness. Night vigils for the New Year were called “to protect the year”.
India
IN India on New Year's Eve to hit kite burning arrow. When the kite breaks out, the holiday can be considered open. Hindus celebrate the New Year in different ways depending on where they live. Inhabitants northern India adorn themselves with flowers of pink, red, purple, or white hues. In south India, mothers place sweets, flowers, small gifts on a special tray. On the morning of the new year, children should wait with their eyes closed until they are led to the tray. In central India, orange flags are hung on buildings. In western India, the New Year is celebrated at the end of October. Small fires are lit on the roofs of houses. In the New Year, Hindus think of the goddess of wealth, Lakshmi.
South Indian mothers place sweets, flowers and small gifts on a special tray, and on New Year's Day the children are led to the tray with their eyes closed.
And in India it is absolutely not customary to drink champagne. Apparently from this one strange tradition went - pouring champagne from a glass. Hindus are people who do not drink, and when the British offered them to raise their glasses for whatever reason (and often without any reason), they politely refused, but if the withdrawal was not accepted, they carefully poured out the contents of the glass. The main thing is that the sir does not notice. Now they do it without any hesitation.
IN different parts Indian New Year is celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer is Lori's holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, old things from the house in advance. In the evening, large bonfires are kindled, around which they dance and sing.
And when autumn comes, they celebrate Diwali - the festival of lights. On the roofs of houses, on the windowsills, thousands of lamps are placed and lit on a festive night. The girls launch small boats on the water, on which the lights are also burning.
On one of the New Years - Gudi Padva - it is necessary to eat the leaves of the neem-nim tree, which taste very bitter and unpleasant. But according to the old belief, they protect a person from diseases and troubles and provide, oddly enough, a sweet life.
IN Labrador store turnips from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of NovaScotia, which was founded by the Scottish Highlanders, merry songs transported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a high sheepskin hat, with a box behind his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he always has gifts
IN Holland Santa Claus arrives on a ship. Children joyfully meet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny jokes and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers
Navruz - Afghan New Year's Eve falls on March 21st. This is the start time for agricultural work. The elder of the village makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.
Austria. Here modern custom gifts and greetings for the New Year was distributed as early as the end of the XVIII and early XIX centuries. Now it is customary to give figurines or send postcards with traditional symbols happiness - with a soot trunk, a four-leaf clover, a pig.
Dinner on December 31 should be rich in order to live well in the new year. An obligatory meat dish was a jellied pig or pork. It was believed that in order to be happy, you need to eat a piece of a pig's head or snout - this is called "taking part in pig happiness."
New Year's Eve Vienna is full of special charm. Huge Christmas markets are held in the squares, but the largest one is on the Town Hall, in the center of Vienna. In the bazaars you can buy everything - from clothes handmade and jewelry famous designers to straw stars and Christmas decorations.
Nepal. Here the New Year is celebrated at sunrise. On the night of the full moon, the Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day comes the turn of the Festival of Colors, and then the fantasy and entertainment of the Nepalese know no bounds. They paint their faces, arms and chests with bizarre patterns, and then crowds of painted merry fellows walk the streets singing and dancing.
IN Ecuador exactly at midnight, the dolls will be burned to the so-called "weeping widows" who mourn their "bad husbands". As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothes, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run with a suitcase or a large bag in hand around the house.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or gain big love? In order for money to “fall like snow on the head” in the new year, it is necessary, as soon as the clock strikes 12, to put on underwear yellow shades. If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the linen should be red.
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens.
IN Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria and Tanzania meet Muharram - the first month of the year of the Muslim lunar calendar. A few weeks before this date, Muslims put grains of wheat or barley in a dish of water so that they germinate. By the beginning of the new year, sprouts appear, which symbolize the beginning of a new life.
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
New Year's Eve is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet food, and refrain from bitter. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlih prayer.
The Jewish New Year is not so much a memory of any historical event from which the countdown of years begins, but rather the day of the Supreme Judgment. It is believed that on this day the Almighty judges people, and on the basis of their deeds, decides what fate awaits them in the coming year. Therefore, the main thing at such a time is the repentance of each person. This day is filled with prayer and restrained joy.
On the table are festive candles, a round challah with apples dipped in honey to make the year sweet. This is a holy time when people think about the sins they have committed and promise to atone for them in next year good deeds. Children are given new clothes. People bake bread and eat fruit.
New Year's Eve in Venezuela is a special event. All the relatives get together and prepare lahallaca, one of the very hearty and spicy foods that the entire household eats during New Year's Eve. Everyone wishes each other happiness in the new year and forget all past grievances.
IN Belgium and the Netherlands everywhere widespread “magic of the first day”, the content of which lies in the fact that a person’s behavior on the first day of the new year is judged on what he will have in the coming year. Therefore, they tried to do nothing that day, put on something new and the like. They believe that in order for the whole year to be prosperous in the house, it is necessary that there are many dishes on the table for the New Year.
New Year's Day is also a holiday for children. On this day, children congratulate their parents on the New Year and read to them pre-prepared congratulatory letters written on a special paper decorated with bright colors and ribbons. Among the Flemings and Walloons, on New Year's Eve, the “Good Angel” or “Christ Child” goes home, putting sweets under the pillow for sleeping children. From ancient times, there is another widespread custom in the Netherlands and Belgium in other countries - the election of the king of the holiday. To do this, the housewives bake a pie into which the bean is baked. The one who gets a piece of the bean pie becomes the king for the whole holiday. The king himself chooses his queen and retinue: the court jester, the nobleman, “Black Peter”, etc.
For some countries, the celebration of the new year is not only drinking and feasting, but also a great occasion to scare naughty children and tickle the nerves of adults. Breaking dishes, parades of mummers, getting rid of old furniture, as well as fights to the point of losing consciousness - all this happens on the New Year and here in Russia, you think, and you will be right. But! In other countries, all this happens because it was done that way, and not because someone went too far with alcohol.
Bulgaria: procession of kukers
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The procession of mummers is a pagan ritual that has survived to this day and is popular in Bulgaria. Men dress up in frightening masks, hang bells on their belts, put on goat furs turned inside out, and arrange a carnival procession with dancing. The purpose of kukers is to exorcise evil spirits, and usually such games take place on the New Year and Shrovetide.
Denmark: Jump into the New Year and Smash the Dishes
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On the last day of December, the Danes love to have a lot of fun and fool around. And they also have an interesting New Year's tradition: with the chimes, you need to find where you are, the highest point available - a chair, a sofa, a table - climb on it and literally "jump" into the new year with the last blow. In addition, the New Year is a time to strengthen friendships, so all year round they collect old china plates and mugs to smash them on the porch of relatives or close friends on New Year's holiday. They say it brings good luck, and the more pieces on your porch, the better.
Italy: throw away everything old
In Italy, on December 31, it is customary to throw away old things. That is, while we in Russia are slicing Olivier for the “Irony of Fate”, the Italians are sending clothes, dishes and even household appliances! They believe that if you get rid of something old on New Year's Eve, then something new will certainly appear in the coming year. So that there is something to throw away in a year ... They do the same in Argentina. True, instead of unnecessary things, calendars, bills and other documents fly into the bin. Dangerous tradition. What if the payment didn't go through? How then can you prove housing and communal services that the apartment was paid for in June?!
Micronesia: choose a new name
In Micronesia - a state in the northwestern part of Oceania - on January 1 of each new year, they change their name! Yes Yes! Given name. Well, you know, to mislead evil spirits. Imagine: on January 2 you are walking barefoot and in a light dress, and a childhood friend is meeting you. What her name is is unknown. However, she is confused. You move closer and whisper softly into each other's ears how you should now be addressed.
And be sure to create some kind of noise at the same time: clap your hands, hit a tree with a stick. So that the evil spirits do not hear anything!
Cote d'Ivoire: run with an egg in your mouth
In the Republic of Côte d "Ivoire, they believe in eggs! An egg for the inhabitants of this country in West Africa is a symbol of life. If you philosophize, the shell shows how fragile our life is. It is not clear why they arrange races with such fragile eggs on New Year's Eve Get on all fours, put an egg in your mouth and run, you have to come to the finish line first without damaging this very symbol of life!
Peru: fight
In Côte d'Ivoire they run with an egg, and in Peru, in the village of Santo Tomas, they fight. So to speak, they relieve stress in order to enter the New Year kind, calm and balanced. Everyone can participate - there are no restrictions either by gender or by The Takanakuy Festival is an official event, neither prison nor fines threaten fighters.
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Also in Peru on New Year's Eve you can meet girls with willow twigs. So they are looking for suitors - whoever is offered to grab the twig, he got it. True, girls rarely find a mate for themselves, because the hands of the grooms are busy that night! They carry a suitcase and believe that in the New Year they will definitely go on a big trip. Yes! This is also a tradition.
Chile: Celebrate in a Cemetery
The inhabitants of this country celebrate the New Year ... at the cemetery! In the circle of relatives. Both the living and the dead. And the atmosphere is festive: lanterns, music… Romance! This tradition began over a hundred years ago. Of course, there is a legend: some children decided to spend the New Year with their late father and on the evening of December 31 they came to his grave. Since then, the gates of Chilean cemeteries open on New Year's Eve. So that everyone can celebrate the year with those whom they love, but who, unfortunately, are no longer alive.
Australia: ride the seven waves
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Have you ever fantasized what the New Year would be like without snow and cold? For example, such as in Australia. Residents of the Green Continent, where the summer season is at this time of the year, celebrate the New Year by the ocean. They pitch a tent on the beach, make a fire and wait in an embrace with a surfboard. Those who believe in miracles (well, or can still stand on their feet) are trying at this time to jump over seven waves in a row - for good luck.
Holland: swim in the North Sea
The most cheerful and persistent people are the Dutch! Because on January 1 they swim and not just anywhere, but in the North Sea! And nothing that the water temperature is 5 degrees above zero, and nothing that a hangover ... On the contrary, a good way to recover after a stormy night. So, for the Dutch New Year you will need: a Schengen visa, a plane ticket, a swimsuit and a New Year's red hat with a pompom.
New Year in Italy- a holiday less significant than Christmas, so it is somehow lost against the backdrop of Christmas traditions, but still celebrated. The last day of the old year is called San Silvestro. On this day, a tribute is paid to the memory of the first Pope of the Christian Church (4th century AD). Entrance doors are decorated with wreaths of mistletoe sprigs (against fires, witchcraft and bad luck). On New Year's Eve, it is customary to put cotechino on the table - a roll of pork sausage, which is boiled for a long time, and lentils (lenticchie).
Lentils promise those who eat it financial well-being, and various dried fruits - dates, raisins, apricots - contribute to good luck. For dessert, they eat "pandoro" - a huge cake with raisins and candied fruit. On New Year's Eve, you need to wear red underwear - this will bring good luck in the coming year. Festivals with songs and dances are organized on the squares. Ten seconds before the new year, huge monitors broadcast Digital Watch. The countdown begins - then everyone clinks glasses, shouting "cin cin!" and kiss. Thrown out of windows in Naples old furniture, dishes and clothes. Take care of your head!
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In Spain, New Year's traditions are similar to those in Italy. During the fight of the clock on the Puerta del Sol in Madrid (as we have on the Spasskaya Tower), you need to have time to eat twelve grapes so that there will be abundance in the new year. A sweet New Year's treat is "buñuelos" - sugar donuts. Spaniards love to eat lamb and shrimp. It is also customary here to wear red underwear and put banknotes in shoes. Another ritual is to put a gold ring in a glass of champagne. At the beginning of the new year, everyone clinks glasses three times and shouts: “Arriba, abajo, alcentroypa’ dentro” (“up, down, center and inside”) and drink everything in one gulp.
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In Greece, December 31 is the day of commemoration of St. Basil - Agios Vasilias, who is revered for his kindness towards the poor and the disadvantaged. St. Basil gives gifts to children. On this day, a special pie "Vassilopitta" is baked. A coin is placed there, and whoever finds it will have good luck in the new year. When a guest enters the house, he must break the pomegranate and throw it on the floor - the more grains spill out, the more luck the hosts will have. The Greeks are very fond of eating sweets: "kurabides" - dried fruits and "melomakarona" - cookies stuffed with apple syrup, singing "calantha" - traditional songs.
In Great Britain on the eve of the new year, they feast on turkey stuffed with chestnuts and Christmas pudding, in which they put silver coins. The English also like to play different games, for example, fish out dried fruit from a bowl of burning liquor with your bare hand, or jump into a circle of thirteen burning candles without extinguishing a single one. Especially dexterous compete in eating an apple suspended on a string without the help of hands. The New Year is coming to the sound of the Big Ben clock!
In France, December 31 is also the day of St. Sylvester. The holiday is celebrated with family or friends, they treat themselves to foie gras and decorate the house with mistletoe branches. January 1st is April Fool's Day, French for Fish Day (Poisson d'Avril, which later became April 1st). In 1564, Charles IX instituted celebrations, thus affirming that one who does not celebrate the new year is a fool. These days in pastry shops you can see a lot of chocolate fish.
In Germany put on a masquerade. New Year's toast is said over a glass of Feuerzangenbowle. This drink, which symbolizes equality and brotherhood in student communities, is made from red wine, cinnamon, cloves, orange peels and Roma. Scorching! Acquaintances, friends and relatives treat themselves to nuts and dried fruits. Protestants eat salted herring. A very interesting New Year's tradition is Das Bleigießen, that is, divination on melted lead. Hot lead is dripped into a bowl of cold water, and if it is shaped like a ball, it will bring good luck.
Japanese on New Year's Eve they worship Toshigami - the deity of the coming year, doing household chores and cleaning. The festivities last from December 31st to January 3rd and are called "o-shogatsu". During the holidays, the deities are asked to take care of the future harvest and welcome the spirits of the ancestors. front door houses are decorated with wreaths of pine and bamboo branches (“kadomatsu”) and straw (shime-kazari).
The Japanese do not decorate a Christmas tree - they have a mochi tree decorated with balls of pink, yellow and green - "mochibana". Balls are made from rice, painted and strung on branches. Japanese aesthetes! They write and draw "nyongadze" - Greeting Cards. Classic postcards written in ink are given great value, and even children at school learn how to make them during special lessons.
It is customary to depict an animal on postcards - a symbol of the coming year. The Japanese love to give gifts - “o-seibo” (gifts that are given at the end of the year to everyone, everyone, everyone: bosses, colleagues, children, shop customers, etc.) and “toshidama” (“treasure of the year” - according to ancient custom parents present money gifts to children in calligraphically decorated envelopes). At midnight, Buddhist temple bells ring 108 times. Buddhists believe that a person has six vices: greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision and greed. Each of them has eighteen different shades - 108 pernicious passions. Each of the strikes of the bell casts out one of the passions that darken a person's life.
Chinese New Year is the festival of spring. It is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, and therefore the date may vary. Period - from January 21 to February 19. The festivities last 15 days and end with the famous Lantern Festival, a national holiday since 180 BC, when a Han Dynasty was elected emperor on January 15th. During the holidays, everyone dresses up in red. It is a color that brings good luck and banishes the mythological monster Nian, who once a year comes out of his lair to devour people. To frighten him, you need to make a lot of noise, so the Chinese arrange noisy fireworks, dance and sing, and then march in a solemn procession, carrying a lion mask that identifies Nian.
In South America on New Year's Eve, everyone dresses up in yellow - the color of the sun, gold and light. Here, too, it is customary to eat 12 grapes. The head of the family should splash from a glass behind his back to drive away misfortunes. In Mexico, a fire burns all day, which is maintained by throwing stones, wooden spoons and other utensils into it. In Brazil, they dress in all white to pay tribute to the seven waves of the new year and the goddess Iemange, who patronizes sailors and children, go to the ocean and light a lot of candles. Women enter the water and throw flower petals.
Arabic New Year does not match European. It is celebrated on the first day of the month of Muhharam. It can fall on any day of the Gregorian calendar, as Islamic culture uses the lunar calendar, which is about eleven days shorter than the Gregorian solar year. Thus, the date moves back by about one month every three years. Sometimes there are two Islamic new years in one Gregorian year.
Jews they celebrate the new year on the new moon, in September or October (the month of Tishri). It is called Rosh Hashanah. In 2013, the Jews already celebrated the new year on September 6th. This is an exclusively religious holiday.