New Year trees in different countries. The tradition of decorating the New Year tree in different countries of the world. New Year trees around the world

30.09.2019

HELLO.RU continues to countdown until the New Year. Today is the time to remember the main symbol of this holiday - the Christmas tree. We will tell you where the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originates and how a green beauty is adorned in different countries of the world.

Now each country has its own, original manner of decorating a Christmas tree. The New Year is celebrated most splendidly in Europe, which is why Europeans ate chic and richly decorated. The two main colors of the holiday are red and green. They can be found in the decor of the whole house. The Germans, for example, never forget about the traditional spruce wreath on the door, which means they have a sign of greeting and blessing for all guests.

Choosing the tree itself, the Germans pay attention to a lush and beautiful tree. They prefer rather standard decorations - balls and toys, however, there is also a favorite - the nutcracker. By the way, until 1900, Christmas trees all over the world were trying to decorate so that there was literally no free space on them. And only the last century has brought a fashion for minimalism and a stylistic approach to decorating a Christmas tree.

Scandinavian traditions

Scandinavians, in particular Swedes, prefer animal figurines to traditional balls. The Christmas goat deserves special mention. This is a character who fulfills his New Year's role in as many as three countries - Sweden, Norway and Finland.

On Stockholm Christmas trees, you can often see wooden, similar to home-made, toys, as well as eco-decorations made of straw. By the way, it is customary to install a Christmas tree in Sweden not at home, but in the yard.

Wooden toys are very popular in Scandinavian countries

Finns most often decorate Christmas trees with handmade toys, as well as flags of different countries and candles.

In Norway, it is customary to cut a Christmas tree in the forest on their own, and older family members are entrusted with decorating it, so much so as to make a surprise for the kids. When the tree is "equipped" with toys and gifts, the rest of the household is called into the room, who, accompanied by music and singing, present gifts to each other.

In Norway, it is customary to chop spruce in the forest ourselves.

United Kingdom

In England, the first Christmas tree was installed in 1841 at Windsor Castle. Now the British and Irish, decorating a tree, are guided by the rule - the brighter the better. Their fir trees have fewer toys, but more garlands and various bright, luminous elements.

The main Christmas beauty of the English capital is set on Trafalgar Square. This tree is traditionally given to the British by the Norwegian people in gratitude for their help during the Second World War. Then the Norwegian royal family lived in London, and the British military took part in the liberation of the territory of Norway from the Nazis.

South America

South Americans also have their own special traditions. In Mexico, it is customary to decorate a house with Christian symbols, depicting the scene of the birth of Christ. Instead of a real Christmas tree, Mexicans dress up an artificial one or put several fragrant branches of live spruce in jars. On the streets, as in many warm climates, evergreen thorny trees replace palms.

In countries with warm climates, it is customary to decorate palm trees. Among the Brazilians, who have summer on our New Year and Christmas, the tradition has taken root to decorate the Christmas tree with pieces of cotton wool, thus imitating snow.

One of the most original Christmas trees in the world, floating, is also located in Rio de Janeiro. It is installed on Lake Lagoa and has a height of 85 meters and a weight of 530 tons. There are more than 3 million light bulbs in the garland of this tree, which are controlled by a computer. A few years ago, the Rio Christmas tree entered the Guinness Book of Records.

Asia

In China, small tangerine and orange trees are used instead of Christmas trees, and they are decorated with candied fruits, paper lanterns and flowers. Also popular here are paper rolls with wishes of happiness and wealth.

In Japan, due to the scarcity of spruce, dwarf pines are used. As decorations, the inhabitants of this country prefer paper products made using the origami technique, as well as balls of rice flour, painted in different colors. Wealthy people install kadomatsu near their homes - a New Year's composition made of bamboo, spruce branches, berries and algae. All the components of an unusual tree symbolize something: pine - longevity, bamboo - resilience, and so on.

In America, in addition to toys, it is customary to hang edible decorations on the Christmas tree - sweets in beautiful wrappers, oranges, cranberries, and cane-shaped lollipops. It is believed that the pastry chef who first made the J-shaped sweets wanted to immortalize the Latin letter that begins the name Jesus.

J-shaped candyRussia

The first home trees in Russia were installed in the imperial palaces, while ordinary residents knew about this tradition only by hearsay. The custom of decorating a winter tree came to the people along with the fascination with German culture and literature in the 19th century. The first public Christmas tree was installed in 1852 in the building of the St. Petersburg Yekateringofsky railway station. One side of it was against the wall, and the other was decorated with strips of colored paper. Soon, public Christmas trees began to be installed in the buildings of clubs, theaters and other places.

From the second half of the 19th century, cardboard toys began to be hung on evergreen trees: garlands, banners, Chinese lanterns. At the beginning of the 20th century, special Christmas tree decorations began to be sold in stores - glass balls, first German, then Russian-made. In the same century, the custom of decorating a Christmas tree fell into the shadows due to economic problems. In Soviet times, the tradition of celebrating Christmas and New Year has undergone many changes, but still managed to defend itself.

Even during the war years, families tried not to leave their children without trees. Instead of traditional toys, the trees could be anything made from improvised means.

Even during the war years, they did not refuse the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree.

Now the traditions of decorating Christmas trees in Russia are almost equal to those in Europe and America. Many families adhere to their own customs and dress up their spruce in retro toys from their grandmother's chest. Someone renews the collection every year and even orders designer "gadgets" for the Christmas tree. Some show creativity and originality in their decoration, using other objects instead of toys and garlands: sports balls, jewelry, down and feathers, ribbons, bows and even CDs.

For example, such an original Christmas tree created in a single copy was presented at the HELLO.RU digital breakfast, which we arranged for our partners a few days ago. The designers of the Flora Store floristry and decor studio decorated this spruce tree with volleyballs for a reason: next summer we will all go to some picturesque park to arrange a volleyball match, but for now there will be time to practice.

Other designer Christmas trees from all over the world - the most elegant, the most unusual, the most "art" - you will find in our photo gallery by clicking on the photo below.

The New Year's Eve is always accompanied by the decoration of the New Year tree. This tradition originated in Europe and gradually spread to the whole world. Various garlands, Christmas tree tinsel, colorful toys, candies

And what is decorated for the New Year in other countries

The New Year's Eve is always accompanied by the decoration of the New Year tree. This tradition originated in Europe and gradually spread to the whole world. A variety of garlands, Christmas tree tinsel, colorful toys, sweets - this is not the whole list of things that decorate the Christmas tree. But we have it. But what about those countries where thorny beauties do not grow? What trees are decorated in those countries, and are they decorated with Christmas tree tinsel?

Christmas tinsel - and tinsel in Africa

Fast forward to Africa. Somewhere, somewhere, but here trees definitely do not grow. The indigenous people of the African continent can only see them in pictures or by visiting us. But the New Year is celebrated here too. The baobab tree is considered a New Year tree in African countries. True, they do not put it in the house (most likely it would not work), but decorate right where it grows. For decoration, everything is used (practically, like ours). Probably, the Christmas tree tinsel would look good on this giant. Of course, a huge amount of tinsel would be required to decorate it. But there would be a desire, and there will always be opportunities. For example, the company "Tinsel Wholesale", a leader in the market for the production and wholesale of tinsel, could easily supply large quantities of high-quality goods.

The Kingdom of Sudan considers a walnut tree as a holiday tree, which, according to legends, can bring happiness to the house.

But in Nucaragua, the New Year tree is replaced by a coffee tree, which is decorated with red berries hanging on it.

The inhabitants of the island of Bali prefer not to associate trees with this holiday at all. Using rice stalks and colorful dyes, they decorate the various columns. Probably, the Christmas tree tinsel would be a good fit for these purposes.

Christmas tinsel - who is accustomed, and who and exotic

In many countries of the world, such Christmas decorations as Christmas tree tinsel are replaced with flowers. For example, the inhabitants of India make large and very lush garlands of flowers, with which they then decorate their houses, both inside and outside, without depriving attention and roofs.

But in the Philippines, natural trees are not recognized as a festive symbol. Their New Year beauties are made of plastic or wire. But this does not affect their holiday mood in any way.

In Brazil, Christmas tree tinsel could be in demand, because Christmas trees grow here. But even in this country they are not dressed up. Brazilians use trees made from paper, synthetic fibers, various ribbons and wood shavings for this. Sometimes they also decorate the palms growing on the street.

The people of Mexico also dress up palm trees, placing gifts under them. And in Cuba, cacti are used for these purposes. At the same time, they are decorated with tinsel and paper toys.

In Japan, Christmas from Europe has spread quite recently. Here, residents try to decorate their homes with fir branches and garlands.

It doesn't matter what country people live in and what they decorate for the New Year. The main thing is that this holiday is associated all over the world with goodness, striving for a better and brighter future.

The main attribute of the New Year is a tree. Usually, the New Year's beauty accompanies all winter holidays, starting from, and in some countries - from the first day of winter. And it is under it that children and adults find gifts on New Year's Eve. Therefore, special attention should be paid to the decoration of the tree. Not only traditional balls, nuts and garlands, but also many different objects act as Christmas tree decorations:

figurines-symbols of the coming year;
candles or flashlights;
biscuits, candies and fruits;
homemade toys;
attributes of national culture.

How is it customary to decorate a New Year tree in different countries of the world?

The world tradition of decorating a Christmas tree originates in Germany in the first half of the 17th century. Simple Christmas tree decorations not only served as decorative elements on the tree, but also were Christian symbols:

at the top of the tree is the Star of Bethlehem;
apples symbolized fruits from the Tree of Knowledge;
lighted candles are a sign of angelic purity.

Later, sweets for children were added to the decorations. Today, trends in the festive decoration of an evergreen tree are determined by the International Exhibition "Christmas World", which is held annually at the end of January in Frankfurt am Main.

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German immigrants brought the tradition of decorating the Christmas tree to England at the beginning of the 19th century, where it quickly spread, but not in its pure form, but combined with Celtic beliefs. It was as a result of this mixture that the tradition of kissing under the mistletoe and appeared. Also, the Celts love to decorate houses and trees with leaves and red berries of holly.

In the USA and Canada, this tradition also appeared thanks to German settlers and gradually acquired local customs. For example, a very popular Christmas tree decoration in America is the J-shaped lollipop. It is believed that in this way its creators wanted to perpetuate the name of Jesus. Street trees are often decorated with popcorn, which, in addition to its main purpose, also serves as bird food.

Slavic countries

Our ancestors believed: thorny plants protect the house from evil spirits. Trees with needles were inhabited only by kind creatures capable of warding off negative energy from the hearth. People brought Christmas trees home and decorated them with various sweets: nuts, apples, gingerbread to appease the spirit of the tree. Over time, the meaning of the ancient Slavic rite was forgotten, but the tradition of decorating the New Year tree is passed on from generation to generation.

The Japanese are very careful about their own culture, therefore, the Western tradition of decorating a Christmas tree for the New Year has an imprint of national culture. The evergreen tree is decorated with origami figurines, paper fans and lanterns. Temari - hand-embroidered balls - are especially beautiful Japanese Christmas tree decorations.

Warm countries

Where fir trees do not grow, for example, in Cuba, inventive people dress up palm trees. The traditional garlands are joined by lumps of cotton to imitate snow. Since in Brazil, African countries, Thailand, etc. the temperature for this holiday reaches +25, then the New Year is celebrated on the beaches, in bikinis and under palm trees. Even Santa Claus, unaccustomed to the heat, often appears in a bathing suit. Also, if there is no real tree, in these countries they use artificial or.

As you can see, everyone will decorate the Christmas tree for the New Year 2015, but each nation will do it in its own way. It is customary for the whole family to dress up a green tree, this kind of New Year's ritual is loved by everyone, without exception. How to find gifts on New Year's Eve. If you still have not chosen what to put under the tree for your family, have a look at ours.

New Year is celebrated in all countries. This European tradition has spread throughout the world. But Christmas trees do not grow everywhere. And the New Year's tree also exists where there are no trees. Almost all countries have this tradition to decorate the New Year tree.

In the kingdom Sudan The walnut tree is considered the symbol of the New Year, and its green fruits, according to legends, bring happiness to the house.

V Nicaragua instead of spruce, they put a coffee tree with red berries. It symbolizes fertility and family wealth.

On Bali they do not use trees at all, but decorate with rice stalks and paint the columns with multi-colored paints.

V India christmas tree replace Garlands of flowers, lush and sometimes huge. These garlands decorate not only the interior, but hang them on the facades, on the gates, even on the roofs of houses.

V Brazil Although Christmas trees grow, artificial ones are used as New Year's trees: made of paper, ribbons, wood shavings and synthetic fibers. Sometimes Brazilians also decorate palm trees, but they do not put them in the house, they are used only for hanging festive illumination.

Mexico famous for its New Year's palms. And it is under the palm trees that Mexicans put gifts for loved ones and friends.

In some other East Asian countries - in Vietnam, Kampuchea, Korea, Mongolia- an indispensable accessory for the New Year is a rake decorated with various expensive decorations. Apparently, it is they who "rake in happiness" on New Year's Eve.

But on Cuba often instead of palms, pine trees are used, and sometimes cacti. They are decorated with garlands of flowers, paper toys and tinsel.

V Africa the baobab is the Christmas tree. But they do not cut it down or bring it into the house, but decorate it on the street for the whole village or town. Of course, in the tourist centers of the Mediterranean coast and in South Africa, they try to put Christmas trees ... For this, they are specially grown in greenhouse conditions or brought from Europe.

In Vietnam- bamboo. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits.

Traditional decoration Japan -"pine at the entrance" -Kadomatsu This is a greeting to the deity of the New Year's holiday. It is a large composition of obliquely cut bamboo trunks, decorated with pine branches, red berries, a fern, tangerines, sometimes a bunch of seaweed and dried shrimp.In Japan, the "pine at the entrance" - kadomatsu, is available only to wealthy people.

kadomatsu

Therefore, local craftsmen make a New Year tree from willow, bamboo, pine branches, woven rice straws - motibana and decorate it with cakes and balls of rice flour. Small balls of glutinous rice (mochi) are painted and strung on twigs. Decorated with sprigs of fern and tangerine. This symbolizes the longevity and prosperity of this house, success in business, happiness and health, endurance and resistance to adversity and adversity. The motibana is installed in a conspicuous place so that the deity of the new year - toshigami, entering the house, immediately takes up his duties, takes care of the owners of the house. celebrated this year. It was considered to give special strength.

motibana

On Philippinesdo not recognize natural wood - they decorate plastic and wire Christmas trees. Even the Filipinos' main Christmas tree is made of metal fittings and wire. But this does not make the holiday worse - everyone invariably celebrates the New Year, gives gifts and rejoices in surprises!

V Israel cypresses are bred in special nurseries and distributed to everyone on the eve of New Year's holidays. Well, and of course, wherever people live, instead of living trees, they can use artificial spruce, of which there is a huge selection in stores. There are even designer models and Christmas trees from famous couturiers, completely covered with precious stones ...

V China"Fire Trees" are being put on the streets. They are so called because they are decorated with an incredible number of colored lights. Whenever possible, the Chinese decorate their houses with dwarf tangerine trees in pots and decorate them with candied fruits. Peonies symbolize wealth and nobility, daffodils - conjugal consent.

V New Zealand Christmas tree is called pohutukavu, a plant from the myrtle family that blooms with bright red flowers just in December, when summer falls in the Southern Hemisphere. The inhabitants of the island even arrange a competition between cities: where the pohutukawa blooms more beautifully.
But this is on the street, and in their houses, like their Australian neighbors, they put ordinary plastic Christmas trees with traditional European decorations.

The traditional and integral attribute of the celebration of Christmas and New Year originated in medieval Germany. At that time, the tree was not brought home or decorated with bright toys. Those who wanted to celebrate the New Year chose a tree in the forest, hung rags, candles and various improvised, fairly simple means on it. After the baptism of the Germanic peoples, ceremonies began to acquire a different meaning, already as part of the Christian tradition, and ate became a kind of symbol of Christmas Eve (in the Catholic world - December 24). As a "sacrifice" to Christ, people hung the tree with loaves and apples: the first - a symbol of the sacrament, the second referred to the forbidden fruit of Adam and Eve. The tradition of decorating a Christmas tree came to Russia only in the 19th century.

Now each country has its own, original manner of decorating a Christmas tree. The New Year is celebrated most splendidly in Europe, which is why Europeans ate chic and richly decorated. The two main colors of the holiday are red and green. They can be found in the decor of the whole house. The Germans, for example, never forget about the traditional spruce wreath on the door, which means they have a sign of greeting and blessing for all guests.

Scandinavian traditions

Finns most often decorate Christmas trees with handmade toys, as well as flags of different countries and candles.

United Kingdom

South America

Among the Brazilians, who have summer on our New Year and Christmas, the tradition has taken root to decorate the Christmas tree with pieces of cotton wool, thus imitating snow.

Asia

Russia

Even during the war years, families tried not to leave their children without trees. Instead of traditional toys, the trees could be anything made from improvised means.
Now the traditions of decorating Christmas trees in Russia are almost equal to those in Europe and America. Many families adhere to their own customs and dress up their spruce in retro toys from their grandmother's chest. Someone renews the collection every year and even orders designer "gadgets" for the Christmas tree. Some show creativity and originality in their decoration, using other objects instead of toys and garlands: sports balls, jewelry, down and feathers, ribbons, bows and even CDs.