How the New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world. On what days is New Year celebrated in different countries of the world? Which country celebrates New Year in the summer?

30.08.2023

As you know, every country and every people has its own national traditions, including those related to various holidays. Sometimes among such traditions there are very exotic, unusual and extravagant ones. Let's see how New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world.

New Year - a holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from the last day of the year to the first day of the next year. Celebrated by many peoples in accordance with accepted calendar. The custom of celebrating the New Year existed already in Ancient Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC ad. Start of the year with 1 January it was foundRoman ruler Julius Caesar in 46 BC.Most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. New Year's celebrations, taking into account standard time, always begin in the Pacific Ocean on the islands of Kiribati. The last to see off the old year are the residents of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean.

From Wikipedia

For those who want to travel with pleasure all year round, i.e. for you and me, it is best to celebrate the New Year in Ecuadorian style. Ecuadorian tradition dictates that while the clock strikes 12 times, you should run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in your hand. (can be around the table ).

New Year is a truly international holiday, but different countries celebrate it in their own way. Italians throw old irons and chairs out of windows with all the southern passion, Panamanians try to make as much noise as possible, for which they turn on the sirens of their cars, whistle and shout. In Ecuador, they attach special importance to underwear, which brings love and money; in Bulgaria, they turn off the lights because the first minutes of the New Year are the time for New Year's kisses. In Japan, instead of 12, the bell rings 108 times, and the best New Year's accessory is considered to be a rake - to rake in good fortune.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey

Let's start with Germany, from where the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree to celebrate the New Year spread throughout the world. By the way, this tradition appeared there back in the distant Middle Ages. The Germans believe that Santa Claus rides on a donkey, so children put hay in their shoes to treat him. And in Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, the most interesting thing is happening: hundreds of thousands of people are toasting the reunification of East and West Germany - the holiday is celebrated there very emotionally.

Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows

Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they perform it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.

Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.

In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring happiness.

Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money

In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called “cry of widows” who mourn their “bad husbands.” As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.

For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.

Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow” in the new year, you need to wear yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.

If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear should be red.

It’s good for women - they can choose the upper part of their underwear to be yellow and the lower part to be red, or vice versaBut what should men do if they want both?

Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens.

Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light

But Sweden gave the world the first glass Christmas tree decorations (in the 19th century). There, on New Year's Day, it is customary to keep the lights on in the houses and brightly illuminate the streets - this is a real holiday of light.

In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, and a crown with lit candles is placed on her head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey. On a festive night, the lights in the houses do not go out, the streets are brightly lit.

SOUTH AFRICA. Police close neighborhoods to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows

You should not walk under the windows in South Africa during the New Year celebrations

In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing various objects from their windows - from bottles to large furniture.

South African police have already closed the Hillbrow area to vehicular traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police representative, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.

"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.

About 100 police officers will patrol this area on New Year's Eve.

England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss

In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.

It was in England that the custom of exchanging greeting cards for the New Year arose. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.

Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.

The bell heralds the arrival of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.

At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.

In English homes, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with gravy, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.

USA

For Americans the new year begins when the huge luminous clock in times square shows 00:00. At this moment, thousands of people gathered in the square begin to kiss and press the car horn with all their might. And the rest of the country understands that this is the New Year. You can start with the traditional dish of black peas. It is believed that it brings good luck.

In the USA, where in 1895 the world’s first glowing electric garland was hung near the White House, and from where the tradition of writing one’s “New Year’s tasks” with promises and plans for the coming year spread throughout the world, it is not customary to organize ceremonial feasts, nor to give gifts, they do all this only at Christmas , and they always replant the Christmas trees in the ground, and do not throw them away, like ours.

Scotland. You need to set fire to a tar barrel and roll it down the street

In Scotland, New Year's Day is called Hogmany. On the streets the holiday is celebrated with a Scottish song based on the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

The Scots believe that whoever enters their house first in the new year determines the success or failure of the family for the entire next year. Great luck, in their opinion, is brought by a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.

For the New Year, special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast they usually serve oatcakes, pudding, a special type of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.

Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. At exactly midnight, the doors swing wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.

Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem

Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas to help Joseph and Mary if they are looking for shelter.

Irish women bake a special treat, seed cake, for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany Eve.

Colombia. The old year walks on stilts

The main character of the New Year's carnival in Colombia is the Old Year. He walks around in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is the Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.

On New Year's Eve, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the residents of the city.

AustraliaI

New Year in Australia begins on the first of January. But just at this time it is so hot there that Father Frost and Snow Maiden deliver gifts in swimsuits.

The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous fireworks and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city.

Vietnam. New Year floats on the back of a carp

New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these are the names of the most fun Vietnamese holiday. The branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.

Children eagerly wait for midnight, when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.

In Vietnam, New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when spring begins here. There are bouquets of flowers at the festive table. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other peach tree branches with swollen buds. At dusk, Vietnamese people light bonfires in parks, gardens or on the streets, and several families gather around the bonfires. Special rice delicacies are cooked over coals.

On this night all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Year's Day this god goes to heaven to tell how each family member spent the past year.

The Vietnamese once believed that God swam on the back of a carp. Nowadays, on New Year's Day, 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 on New Year's Day will bring good or bad luck for the coming year.

Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise

In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.

France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday

French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.

Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus

Finns don't like to celebrate New Year at home

In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long journey from Lapland, Father Frost comes to homes, leaving a large basket of gifts for the joy of the children.

Cuba. Water is poured from the windows

Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called Kings Day. The wizard kings who bring gifts to children are named Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchor. The day before, children write letters to them in which they tell them about their cherished desires.

On New Year's Eve, Cubans fill all the dishes in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. This is how all the residents of Liberty Island wish the New Year a bright and clear path, like water. 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 all twelve months.

Panama. The loudest New Year

In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everything they can get their hands on. And all this noise is to “appease” the year that is coming.

Hungary. You need to whistle for the New Year

In Hungary, during the “fateful” first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - using not their fingers, but children’s pipes, horns, and whistles.

It is believed that they are the ones who drive away evil spirits from the home and call for joy and prosperity. When preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and pears preserve the strength of spirit and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from harm, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.

Burma. Tug of war brings good luck

The New Year in Burma begins on the first of April, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people pour water on each other with all their hearts. The New Year's water festival is underway - Tinjan.

According to ancient beliefs, the rain gods live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then it rains on the earth, which promises a rich harvest.

To gain the favor of the star spirits, the Burmese came up with a competition - tug of war. Men from two villages take part in them, and in the city - from two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging on the lazy rain spirits.

Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods

New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.

India. New Year - holiday of lights

In different parts of India, New Year is celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer there is Lori holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, and old things from the house in advance. In the evening, large bonfires are lit, around which people dance and sing.

And when autumn comes, Diwali is celebrated - the festival of lights. Thousands of lamps are placed on the roofs of houses and on window sills and lit on the festive night. The girls float small boats across the water, with lights on them too.

Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness

Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.

Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.

108 strikes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that’s why the Japanese bell tolls.

In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with branches of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo - fidelity, and plum - love of life.

The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is a sign of prosperity, carp is a sign of strength, beans are a sign of health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat called mochi - koloboks, flatbreads, and rolls made from rice flour.

In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.

In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.

Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.

The most popular New Year's accessory is a rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them in order to have something to rake in happiness for the New Year. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various designs and talismans.

Labrador. Store your turnips

In Labrador, turnips are stored from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish Highlanders, merry songs imported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.

Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat

A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts

Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship

Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, and candy flowers.

Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work

Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.

China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you

In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves douse themselves with water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes for happiness at them. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in thoroughly wet clothes.

Iran. Everybody's shooting guns

In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gun shots thundered. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of continuous 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 new ones.

Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses

In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather around the festive table for the New Year and the lights go out in all houses for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.

Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small

In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the host’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small stone 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 St. Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.

South Korea. New Year

Koreans treat every holiday with special trepidation and try to spend it beautifully, brightly and cheerfully. South Korea- this is a country where holidays are valued and they know how to spend them beautifully. It is not surprising that in the process of globalization, Western winter celebrations have been added to the Eastern New Year, which is traditional for the Country of morning freshness.

New Year in South Korea It is celebrated twice - first according to the solar calendar (i.e. on the night from December 31 to January 1), and then according to the lunar calendar (usually in February). But if the “Western” New Year in the Land of Morning Freshness does not carry any special symbolic meaning, then the traditional New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea has a special meaning.

New Year in Korea begins with Catholic Christmas. Just like in Europe, Koreans decorate the Christmas tree and also prepare many cards and gifts for family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. It is worth noting that Christmas celebrations in South Korea are even brighter than the calendar New Year, which is celebrated very formally. These days in the Land of Morning Freshness are perceived more like rare weekends than holidays. Therefore, everyone wants to get out to their hometown, visit their parents, or simply relax outside the city, for example, in the mountains. By the way, there is even an interesting mountain route that allows you to celebrate the first day of the new year on the top of the mountain.

We also celebrated the New Year at the top, or rather on the roof of our house!

The real one New Year in South Korea comes according to the lunar calendar and is also called the “Chinese New Year”, since it spread throughout Asia from the Celestial Empire. This holiday is the most beloved and important for residents of the Land of Morning Freshness. Lunar New Year is also the longest holiday in South Korea. Festivals and celebrations continue for 15 days.

home Korean New Year Tradition- a festive dinner, which is usually held with the family. According to beliefs, on a festive night the spirits of ancestors are present at the table, who are considered full participants in the celebration, so there should be as many dishes of national Korean cuisine on the table as possible. There is also a feast on Seollal Day - the first day of the new year. All relatives gather at a richly laid table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and plans for the future.

All subsequent days after the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea It is customary to visit relatives and friends, congratulate and present gifts. Moreover, according to Korean traditions, on the first day of the new year it is necessary to perform the “sebe” ritual - a solemn worship of parents and everyone. Throughout the first day of the New Year, young people visit their elders and bow three times in a row, falling to their knees and placing their foreheads on the hands folded in front of them in a certain way. In return, the elders give the children traditional Korean sweets and money.

However, the Lunar New Year is South Korea- This is not only a family, but also a national holiday. For 15 days, the country hosts street processions, traditional mass celebrations with costumed dances and masquerades. Such a vivid spectacle leaves neither the Koreans themselves nor the numerous tourists indifferent.

Malaysia

In Malaysia, European New Year is celebrated on the night of the thirty-first of December to the first of January. This holiday is celebrated in all Malaysian states, except those where the Muslim population predominates (for example, in the states of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and some others). Some Muslims still take part in New Year's celebrations, although alcohol is prohibited for them.

We are not Muslims, so we celebrated the New Year according to Russian customs, although instead of a Christmas tree we had a palm tree

On New Year's Eve, Malaysian television does not recommend drivers to get behind the wheel, since all kinds of accidents involving cars driven by drunk drivers have long become an integral attribute of the holiday. For Malaysia, the New Year is not an official holiday, but thanks to the significant strengthening of the state's foreign policy position and the expansion of its political and economic ties with Europe, most Malaysians are willing to adopt European traditions of celebrating the New Year. In the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, as well as in other large Malaysian cities, a magical atmosphere of the New Year's holiday reigns on New Year's Eve.

Oceania

And the last people on the planet to celebrate the New Year are the residents of Bora Bora in Oceania. The holiday here takes place, like Brazil, on the sea coast, and at exactly midnight candles are lit, colorful fireworks are launched and foamy New Year's champagne is poured into glasses. There is a belief: if you make a wish a minute before the rising sun appears from under the mountain, it will definitely come true.

It doesn’t matter where the New Year’s Eve takes place, the main thing is that it is memorable!

And one more very important note: so that your journey - celebrating the New Year - always remains travel with pleasure

There are many different countries in the world, and accordingly there are peoples on our planet who celebrate the New Year in a completely different way and at a completely different time of year than, for example, we do.

Our tradition obliges us to prepare for New Year, starting with Catholic Christmas, celebrate the holiday itself on the night of December 31 to January 1 and continue to celebrate until the Old New Year. This is probably why New Year is our favorite holiday. Also, on the night from December 31 to January 1, New Year is celebrated in Australia, Scotland, Austria, Japan, Romania, Canada, USA, UAE, Finland and many other countries. But not in all of them. So, the Greek New Year begins simultaneously with our Old New Year - January 14, and is called St. Basil's Day. Every child in Greece knows that Saint Basil is the kindest and most generous, and, expecting gifts from him, they place shoes near the fireplace on the festive night, which will be full of gifts in the morning.

The first on the globe to meet New Year islanders of the Fiji archipelago, consisting of three hundred and twenty islands, some of which are uninhabited.

China, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, as well as other countries where Buddhism is practiced, celebrate the New Year according to the lunar calendar on the first spring new moon. Here, the New Year does not have a fixed date, since the sacred new moon occurs at a different time every year, approximately between January 21 and February 20 (this period is considered early spring). On New Year's Eve, Vietnamese give family and friends branches of blossoming peach trees and small tangerine trees with fruits.

The Muslim New Year - Hijri - is celebrated on the first day of the first month of the Muslim year, and this date is also moveable.

Residents of Afghanistan, Tajikistan, the Central Asian republics, Iran, Pakistan and Azerbaijan celebrate the New Year - Navruz - on the first day of the coming year according to the Persian calendar. This holiday falls on the night of March 21-22, when the spring equinox begins.

There are about thirty Indian calendars. So, in the south of India, the New Year is celebrated in March, in the north - in April, in the west - in October, in the state of Kerala - either in July or in August. In some states, during New Year's celebrations, it is allowed to speak only politely, and it is forbidden to get angry and swear. In general, there are eight similar dates in this country when you can celebrate this event: for example, Gudi Padwa. On this day, everyone should definitely eat a few leaves of the neem-neem tree, which, according to ancient beliefs, protect people from illness and sorrow and, despite the fact that the leaves of these miraculous plants taste terribly bitter and unpleasant, they promise a sweet life.

There is a New Year on earth, which is celebrated on April 1st. So, on Humor Day, the New Year is celebrated in Odessa. In the same month, the New Year holiday is celebrated in Burma. At this time, the hottest days come in Burma, and throughout the holiday the Burmese people pour water on each other from different dishes. But at the same time, no one is offended by each other, on the contrary, they are happy, since this ritual is a kind of wish for happiness and prosperity. This day is called the New Year's water festival - Tinjan. But the exact date for celebrating the New Year in Burma is set by the Ministry of Culture, which usually happens from April 12 to 17 - shortly after the rainy season ends. The New Year celebration lasts about three days.

In April, on the 13th, the New Year comes to both Sri Lanka and Nepal. In Laos, the capital of Tibet, this holiday is celebrated on April 14 and they wait for a gift in the form of rain, since before this Tibet experiences a season of prolonged drought, and after April 14 the rainy season begins.

Oddly enough, some peoples celebrate the New Year in the summer. So the Mayan tribes celebrate this holiday on July 16, and the peoples of Djibouti and Niger - in August.

In the fall, the New Year is celebrated in Syria on September 1. It is then celebrated in Israel. There it is called Rosh Hashanah and is celebrated on the first and second days of the month of Tishrei. In Ethiopia, the New Year begins on September 11, and it is associated with the end of the rainy season.

October is a holiday month for Gambia and Indonesia. On New Year's Day, all residents of these countries ask each other for forgiveness for the insults and troubles they brought last year.

November New Year is celebrated in Yemen, Oceania and Hawaii.

Nowhere in the world is New Year celebrated as often as on the Indonesian island of Bali. A year in Bali lasts 210 days. The main attribute of the holiday is multi-colored rice, from which two-meter ribbons are baked, and columns are built from these ribbons as gifts to the gods. When the celebration ends, local residents take the columns home.

On the day of seeing off the old one and welcoming the New Year in Scotland, the doors of all houses are open: everyone can visit any family. The visitor is supposed to bring a piece of coal, throw it into the family fireplace and wish that the fire in this house does not go out.

In Bulgaria, when the clock strikes midnight, the lights are turned off for three minutes. This time is called the time of New Year's kisses, the secret of which is preserved by darkness.

Cubans splash water from jugs onto the ground at midnight - this means that the old year has ended happily, and the New Year will be as clean and clear as water.

In Romania, it is customary to bake money, rings and hot peppers into pies. If someone comes across a ring, then, according to signs, the coming year will be especially happy.

In Japan, sacred bells ring one hundred and eight times on New Year's Eve. The numbers 100 and 8 are considered lucky by the Japanese. With the last blow you are supposed to go to bed. Here the New Year is celebrated not at midnight, but at sunrise, and the holiday lasts throughout January. New Year for the Japanese is like a common birthday. They did not have the custom of celebrating the date of birth; the one hundred and eighth strike adds one to all ages at once, even if the baby was born the day before.

In Guinea, on New Year's Day, it is customary to walk elephants along the street.

In Sudan, people give each other green nuts for good luck.

In Italy, they take care to wear everything new on New Year's Day. On December 31, Italians give red underwear to their loved ones, as this color symbolizes newness to them.

The Spaniards give each other grapes on New Year's Day. There must be exactly twelve grapes on each guest's plate at midnight. With each strike of the bell, you must eat one grape, then you will have good luck all year. Seedless grapes do not bring happiness.

Swedes give each other homemade candles: near the Arctic Circle it gets dark early in winter, so the light symbolizes friendship, cordiality and fun.

By the way, for residents of Russian cities, New Year is the main winter holiday and is celebrated on January 1. However, there are exceptions among city residents who do not celebrate New Year. A real holiday for a believer is the Nativity of Christ. And before it is the strict Nativity Fast, which lasts 40 days. It begins on November 28 and ends only on January 6, in the evening, with the rising of the first star. There are even villages where all residents do not celebrate the New Year or celebrate it on January 13 (January 1, Julian style), after Lent and Christmas.

Now let's return to the history of New Year celebrations in Rus'

The celebration of the New Year in Rus' has the same complex fate as its history itself. First of all, all changes in the celebration of the new year were associated with the most important historical events that affected the entire state and each person individually. There is no doubt that folk tradition, even after officially introduced changes in the calendar, preserved ancient customs for a long time.

Celebrating the New Year in pagan Rus'

How was it celebrated? New Year in pagan ancient Rus' - one of the unresolved and controversial issues in historical science. No affirmative answer was found at what time the year began.

The beginning of the New Year celebration should be sought in ancient times. Thus, among ancient peoples, the New Year usually coincided with the beginning of the revival of nature and was mainly confined to the month of March.

In Rus' there was a proleta for a long time, i.e. the first three months, and the summer month began in March. In honor of him, they celebrated Ausen, Ovsen or Tusen, which later moved to the new year. Summer itself in ancient times consisted of the current three spring and three summer months - the last six months included winter time. The transition from autumn to winter was blurred like the transition from summer to autumn. Presumably, originally in Rus' the New Year was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox March 22. Maslenitsa and New Year were celebrated on the same day. Winter has been driven away, which means a new year has arrived.

Celebrating the New Year after the Baptism of Rus'

Together with Christianity in Rus' (988 - Baptism of Rus'), a new chronology appeared - from the creation of the world, as well as a new European calendar - the Julian, with a fixed name for the months. The beginning of the new year began to be considered March 1.

According to one version, at the end of the 15th century, and according to another in 1348, the Orthodox Church moved the beginning of the year to September 1, which corresponded to the definitions of the Council of Nicaea. The transfer must be put in connection with the growing importance of the Christian Church in the state life of ancient Rus'. The strengthening of Orthodoxy in medieval Rus', the establishment of Christianity as a religious ideology, naturally causes the use of “holy scripture” as a source of reform introduced into the existing calendar. The reform of the calendar system was carried out in Rus' without taking into account the working life of the people, without establishing a connection with agricultural work. The September New Year was approved by the church, following the word of the Holy Scriptures; Having established and substantiated it with a biblical legend, the Russian Orthodox Church has preserved this New Year's date until modern times as an ecclesiastical parallel to the civil New Year. In the Old Testament church, the month of September was celebrated annually, to commemorate peace from all worldly worries.

Thus, the New Year began on the first of September. This day became the feast of Simeon the First Stylite, which is still celebrated by our church and known among the common people under the name Semyon of the Summer Conductor, because on this day summer ended and the new year began. It was a solemn day of celebration for us, and the subject of analysis of urgent conditions, collection of quitrents, taxes and personal courts.

Innovations of Peter I in the celebration of the New Year

In 1699, Peter I issued a decree according to which they began to consider the beginning of the year 1st of January. This was done following the example of all Christian peoples who lived not according to the Julian, but according to the Gregorian calendar. Peter I could not completely transfer Rus' to the new Gregorian calendar, since the church lived according to the Julian calendar. However, the Tsar in Russia changed the calendar. If earlier years were counted from the creation of the world, now chronology starts from the Nativity of Christ. In a personal decree, he announced: “Now the year of Christ is one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine, and from next January, on the 1st day, the new year 1700 and a new century will begin.” It should be noted that the new chronology existed for a long time together with the old one - in the decree of 1699 it was allowed to write two dates in documents - from the Creation of the world and from the Nativity of Christ.

The implementation of this reform of the Great Tsar, which was so important, began with the fact that it was forbidden to celebrate in any way September 1, and on December 15, 1699, the beating of drums announced something important to the people who poured in crowds to Krasnaya square. A high platform was built here, on which the royal clerk loudly read the decree that Peter Vasilyevich commands “from now on, summers should be counted in orders and in all matters and fortresses written from the 1st of January from the Nativity of Christ.”

The Tsar steadily ensured that our New Year holiday was no worse and no poorer than in other European countries.

In Peter's decree it was written: "...On large and thorough streets for noble people and at houses of deliberate spiritual and secular rank in front of the gates, make some decorations from trees and branches of pine and juniper... and for poor people, at least a tree or branch for the gate or place it over your temple..." The decree did not talk specifically about the Christmas tree, but about trees in general. At first they were decorated with nuts, sweets, fruits and even vegetables, and they began to decorate the Christmas tree much later, from the middle of the last century.

The first day of the New Year 1700 began with a parade on Red Square in Moscow. And in the evening the sky lit up with the bright lights of festive fireworks. It was from January 1, 1700 that folk New Year's fun and merriment gained recognition, and the celebration of the New Year began to have a secular (not church) character. As a sign of the national holiday, cannons were fired, and in the evening, multi-colored fireworks, never seen before, flashed in the dark sky. People had fun, sang, danced, congratulated each other and gave New Year's gifts.

After the October Revolution of 1917, the country's government raised the question of calendar reform, since most European countries had long switched to the Gregorian calendar, adopted by Pope Gregory XIII back in 1582, and Russia still lived according to the Julian calendar.

On January 24, 1918, the Council of People's Commissars adopted the "Decree on the introduction of the Western European calendar in the Russian Republic." Signed V.I. Lenin published the document the next day and came into force on February 1, 1918. It said, in particular: “...The first day after January 31 of this year should not be considered February 1, but February 14, the second day should be considered 15 -m, etc." Thus, Russian Christmas shifted from December 25 to January 7, and the New Year holiday also shifted.

Contradictions immediately arose with Orthodox holidays, because, having changed the dates of civil holidays, the government did not touch church holidays, and Christians continued to live according to the Julian calendar. Now Christmas was celebrated not before, but after the New Year. But this did not bother the new government at all. On the contrary, it was beneficial to destroy the foundations of Christian culture. The new government introduced its own, new, socialist holidays.

In 1929, Christmas was cancelled. With it, the Christmas tree, which was called a “priestly” custom, was also abolished. New Year was cancelled. However, at the end of 1935, an article by Pavel Petrovich Postyshev “Let's organize a good Christmas tree for the children for the New Year!” appeared in the Pravda newspaper. Society, which had not yet forgotten the beautiful and bright holiday, reacted quite quickly - Christmas trees and Christmas tree decorations appeared on sale. Pioneers and Komsomol members took upon themselves the organization and holding of New Year trees in schools, orphanages and clubs. On December 31, 1935, the Christmas tree re-entered the homes of our compatriots and became a holiday of “joyful and happy childhood in our country” - a wonderful New Year’s holiday that continues to delight us today.

old New Year

I would like to return once again to the change of calendars and explain the phenomenon of the Old New Year in our country.

The very name of this holiday indicates its connection with the old style of the calendar, according to which Russia lived until 1918, and switched to a new style by decree of V.I. Lenin. The so-called Old Style is a calendar introduced by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar (Julian calendar). The new style is a reform of the Julian calendar, undertaken on the initiative of Pope Gregory XIII (Gregorian, or new style). From an astronomical point of view, the Julian calendar was not accurate and allowed for errors that accumulated over the years, resulting in serious deviations of the calendar from the true movement of the Sun. Therefore, the Gregorian reform was necessary to some extent.
The difference between the old and new styles in the 20th century was already plus 13 days! Accordingly, the day that was January 1 in the old style became January 14 in the new calendar. And the modern night from January 13 to 14 in pre-revolutionary times was New Year's Eve. Thus, by celebrating the Old New Year, we, as it were, join history and make a tribute to time.

New Year in the Orthodox Church

Surprisingly, the Orthodox Church lives according to the Julian calendar.

In 1923, on the initiative of the Patriarch of Constantinople, a meeting of the Orthodox Churches was held, at which a decision was made to correct the Julian calendar. Due to historical circumstances, the Russian Orthodox Church was unable to take part in it.

Having learned about the meeting in Constantinople, Patriarch Tikhon nevertheless issued a decree on the transition to the “New Julian” calendar. But this caused protests and unrest among the church people. Therefore, the resolution was canceled less than a month later.

The Russian Orthodox Church states that at present it does not face the question of changing the calendar style to Gregorian. “The overwhelming majority of believers are committed to preserving the existing calendar. The Julian calendar is dear to our church people and is one of the cultural features of our life,” said Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, secretary for inter-Orthodox relations of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.

The Orthodox New Year is celebrated on September 14 according to today's calendar or September 1 according to the Julian calendar. In honor of the Orthodox New Year, prayer services are held in churches for the New Year.

New Year is celebrated differently in different countries of the world - traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And there is always a Father Frost in every country, only in some places he is called Santa Claus, and in others - Joulupukki.

France: goose for some, scones for others

Many of us would like to celebrate and spend the New Year in Paris. But few people know that the Christmas holidays begin here on December 6 - St. Nicholas Day. It is on this date that Père Noel - the French Father Frost - gives gifts to obedient children. He wears wooden shoes, rides on a donkey, carries gifts in a basket on his back, and leaves them after entering the house through the chimney. According to European tradition, all gifts are placed in shoes, which children place in advance next to the fireplace.

New Year is celebrated in a special way in Paris. The table must be richly furnished with smoked hams, salads, pastries, sweets and wine. Moreover, in different provinces of the French state, the main holiday dish is different: the Burgundians prefer turkey with chestnuts, the population of Brittany prefers buckwheat cakes with sour cream, and residents of the northeast always serve goose as the main dish. But the French don’t have a New Year’s tree - instead they decorate the doors of their houses with mistletoe branches.

Germany: We are waiting for Weihnachtsman!

New Year in Germany is always celebrated with noise and fun. Moreover, no one sits at home - young people walk around the city, and older people go out to restaurants. The traditional dish for this holiday is baked carp, but the Germans also really love modern dishes. The celebration itself is called "Sylvester" - in honor of the clergyman who died on December 31, 335. Santa Claus brings gifts to children, and children in Berlin, Cologne, and Munich receive presents from the Christmas man Vainachtsman - he is wearing an inverted fur coat, and in his hands there is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Vainakhtsman's companion is the blond Christkind, who looks like the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids correct themselves and read poetry to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is celebrated in a similar way to most other countries.

Great Britain: true English stiffness

In the United Kingdom, as in many European countries, the first and main holiday is Christmas, and only then the New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large New Year tree, which is brought from Norway, is placed in Trafalgar Square. The New Year's parade, the largest public procession, also takes place here. New Year's traditions in England involve festive decoration of houses. Gifts for children are presented by Santa Claus, dressed in red clothes. It should be noted that the British are one of the few who continue to give each other New Year's cards and simple souvenirs. An interesting local custom is to let the New Year into the house - this is done at twelve o'clock at night, when the chimes strike. It is believed that you need to open the doors and thereby move from the old frontier to the new.

Spain: Santa Claus with a flask of wine

As already mentioned, the New Year in different countries of the world has its own traditions. For the Spaniards, like the English, all sorts of customs are associated with Christmas, and celebrating the New Year is a reason to just walk outside and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes are striking twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of wishes. Since the country is closely associated with viticulture, the New Year in Spain is celebrated with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promise money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the “Sacred Twelve Days”. As for Santa Claus, he exists in this warm country, but they call him Olentzero. He wears simple national clothes and always takes with him a flask of good Spanish wine.

Czech Republic: rich table

On January 1, this country celebrates Czech Statehood Day, and the night from December 31 to January 1 is called “Sylvester” by the Czechs, like the Germans, in honor of the saint we have already mentioned. New Year is celebrated in Prague on a grand scale, but local residents do not party until the morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course, ancient New Year's customs have already been forgotten here, but a number of national traditions still exist. For example, it is customary for the whole family to gather around a huge table, and the table should be very rich. The most surprising thing is that it must contain lentils or soup with small grains - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It’s worth coming to the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic to relax in the mountains and spend the beginning of the year as actively as possible.

Ukraine: first there was Karachun...

In this fraternal state, the New Year is celebrated in the same way as in our country. True, back in the days of Ancient Rus', Ukrainians called this celebration “Karachun”. One of the main traditions that has remained in some cities to this day is sowing on the first day of the new year. The ritual suggested that the children would sow for the future harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to fortune telling. But the modern New Year in Ukraine takes place in European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.

Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you

This country is interesting because Santa Claus has his own residence here. The fabulous estate is located in Belovezhskaya Pushcha itself, and therefore now you can easily visit it. Residents of the country are always greeted by Zyuzya - this is the Belarusian Father Frost, who is famous for his hospitality. The New Year in Belarus is simply not possible without this fairy-tale character who personifies the cold. He treats all his guests to delicious herbal tea from the samovar and pancakes. On this holiday, it is customary in the country to dress up in interesting costumes, apply makeup and walk through the streets in this form. The New Year in Belarus is not complete without festive festivities.

Finland: the birthplace of Joulupukki

Finland is a magical country; people here believe in fairy tales and miracles. This is probably also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, which is why many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns like to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thereby say goodbye to the old year. New Year in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.

What else attracts tourists to this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. A huge number of people come to Lapland for folk festivals to see the real Finnish Santa Claus, dance with him and ride reindeer. Another interesting event that takes place in Suomi during the holidays is the Snow and Ice Festival. It has been carried out for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.

The New Year in Finland also includes a hearty meal, with the most simple dishes: potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread are mandatory dishes.

Türkiye: New Year in pajamas and slippers

It must be said right away that in this country the New Year is not the brightest and most important holiday of the year. Elderly people do not consider it a significant event at all, so they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating the Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place in front of the TV, as the Turks themselves say, in pajamas and slippers.

The New Year in Turkey is notable, perhaps, only for the obligatory participation of almost every family in the New Year's Milli Piyango lottery. The main prize, by the way, is a rather impressive amount of money. Nevertheless, there is Santa Claus in the country, and his name is Noel Baba. He also brings gifts to the children, but this is not so common among local residents. As for young people, like in many countries around the world, they love to go out into the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in hotels in the country that welcome tourists throughout the year, festivities are organized for vacationers.

Karelia: ride malamutes and huskies

Karelia is the northern part of Russia, therefore the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, they also have their own distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times, Karelians called the holiday “Sunduma”, and it lasted from Christmas until Epiphany. And the most magical thing was the first day of the new year: you couldn’t take any things out of the house. It was also believed that the arrival of a man, especially a bearded one, would bring prosperity to the family, but women were afraid of the visit - it promised misfortune. The New Year in Karelia requires a lot of attention to the table: it should literally be bursting with delicious dishes. And a mandatory attribute is yarn pies, which are filled with oatmeal or sugar and are used for fortune telling.

Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid here to ecotourism. And the beautiful landscapes, even in winter, are worth seeing. Now a new direction is actively developing - dog sledding. To do this, you can go to the largest nursery in Russia - to the village of Kudama. Here you will be invited to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan malamutes.

New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to experience the beauty and picturesque nature, visit local nature reserves and world-famous islands, including Valaam.

India: instead of a Christmas tree - flowers and candles

This country is distinguished by rich traditions and customs, and in each region of rather large India, the New Year is celebrated differently. Unlike us, Indians do not put up a Christmas tree in their house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, and candles. Agree, it doesn’t look like Russian realities at all? The New Year itself in India is called Vishu, it is celebrated in the sign of Aries - from late March to April. It is noteworthy that the celebration is rather family and even personal, so no public events take place. True, it cannot be done without traditional dances and performances.

The first day of the year is called the cow festival in some regions. This day is dedicated to honoring these domestic animals. On the eve of the celebration, delicacies are prepared for them. The next day is about honoring relatives and friends, and on the third day religious practices are carried out. New Year in India can be celebrated at different times. For example, Gujarati people celebrate it in the fall - in October, and all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy that, unlike Europeans, Indians not only congratulate each other on the holiday, but also thank the gods for giving them the opportunity to live another year.

Thailand: Fabulous Songkran

This is another magical country that does not fit in with our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, New Year is still celebrated in Thailand, on April 13th. This date was not chosen by chance. There is a legend in the country about a boy who understood the language of animals and birds. And this skill of his gave no rest to the God of Fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he did not answer three questions in a week, he would be beheaded, and if he answered correctly, God himself would be beheaded. As a result, the boy could not find the answers until the eagle helped him. The God of Fire had to lose his head - the child put it in a bag and hid it in a cave. Now on the first day of the year, the daughters of God bring out a basket with their heads as a symbol of worship to their father.

The national New Year in Thailand is called "Songkran". It is celebrated for several days - from April 13 to 15. The essence of the Thai calendar is twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of traits. Accordingly, every year will correspond to these features. During the holiday, Thais, and especially local children, go out into the street with buckets of water and pour water on passers-by - this is how they wish everyone a Happy New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things; it brings grace to everyone it touches. And in Chiang Mai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is used, watering those around with water from the fortress moat in the city center. Historically, Songgran is a holiday of love and respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their family. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with delicious dishes, fruits or a new robe - this symbolizes the veneration of the clergy. Each visitor to the temple takes away a handful of sand from the territory. At home, a ritual of washing the Buddha is always carried out - his statue is watered with water with rose and jasmine petals, and every member of the family does this.

New Year is a special holiday in different countries of the world. It is popular among Thais to tie strings on the wrists of their guests - they symbolize happiness.

Egypt: when the Nile floods...

In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are public holidays, sometimes even public holidays. The same cannot be said about Egypt. In ancient times, the beginning of the new year in this country did not fall in winter and was generally calculated based on the flood of the Nile. The first season of the year began after the rise of the star Sirius, sacred to the Egyptians. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by desert, was a real sacred period.

The New Year in Egypt today is in many ways similar to our perception of this holiday. Accustomed to tourists from all over the world, local residents even decorate their homes and shops with New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, this looks very unusual, considering that it is hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend a long holiday profitably, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea.

The most unusual traditions

In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone rushes to buy dogwood sticks - Bulgarians will use them to hit their guests and relatives to wish them happiness.
In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secretion - this can be almonds or other nuts. If he comes across to an unmarried girl, she will get married, and the rest will simply be happy.
New Year in different countries of the world is most often a bright event with its own characteristics. For example, the Chinese decorate the Trees of Light with lanterns, flowers, and garlands. And the Chinese Grandfather Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hanging on the walls.

The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of pie, a glass of wine and a coal and go to see friends or relatives. In this way, in their opinion, they will provide their friends with food, drink and warmth for the entire next year.
On the eve of the holiday, Swedes give each other homemade candles - they play an important role, because in the depths of winter in Sweden it gets dark early, and you cannot do without light.
In Greece, at exactly twelve o'clock at night, the head of the family must go out into the yard and break a pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its seeds scatter throughout the yard, the family will live happily this year.
The New Year in Ukraine, as we have already described above, is accompanied by fortune telling and dancing, and in Norway at this time children are waiting for gifts from... a goat. And this is no coincidence: in the Scandinavian state, the goat occupies a privileged position. According to legend, King Olaf II of Norway saved a wounded animal by removing it from a cliff. The goat was cured, and she brought him medicinal plants as a sign of gratitude to her savior.
In Hungary, New Year's Eve is accompanied by whistling, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. With this action, Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
In Japan, the arrival of the New Year will be announced by 108 rings of the bell. According to legends, each blow is the expulsion of one of the human vices with eighteen shades. In the first seconds of the New Year, you should definitely laugh - it brings good luck, according to local residents. And so that happiness enters the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san (Mr. New Year). And the most popular accessory is considered to be a rake - the Japanese plan to use it to rake their happiness every year.

Finally

New Year is a magical holiday, because it is no coincidence that many believe that it will definitely bring new happiness. And the traditions of various countries indicate that local residents expect more than just a festive mood from this celebration.

Italians throw old irons out of windows, Panamanians whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear... In general, there are a lot of strange things in the world associated with the New Year!

Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to legends, on this night the good Fairy Befana flies in on a magic broom. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts. For those who have studied poorly or been naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.

Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.

Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.

In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give to your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring 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 priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, but meeting a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate.

Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called “cry of widows” who mourn their “bad husbands.” As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.

For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.

Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow” in the new year, you need to wear yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.

If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear 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 onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens.

Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, and a crown with lit candles is placed on her head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey. On a festive night, the lights in the houses do not go out, the streets are brightly lit.

SOUTH AFRICA. Police close neighborhoods to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows

"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.

About 100 police officers will patrol this area on New Year's Eve.

England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.

It was in England that the custom of exchanging greeting cards for the New Year arose. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.

Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.

At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.

In English homes, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with gravy, 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 in the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.

Scotland. You need to set fire to a tar barrel and roll it down the street
In Scotland, New Year's Day is called Hogmany. On the streets the holiday is celebrated with a Scottish song based on the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. At exactly midnight, the doors swing wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.

Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas to help Joseph and Mary if they are looking for shelter.

Irish women bake a special treat, seed cake, for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany Eve.

Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise
In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.

France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.

Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate it on the holiday and drink to the future harvest.

Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long journey from Lapland, Father Frost comes to homes, leaving a large basket of gifts for the joy of the children.

New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again the whole family gathers around a table bursting with a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, Finns try to find out their future and tell fortunes by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, they believe that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Day. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.

Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.

The New Year holiday 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 the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Generally, it is customary to eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer.

Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.

Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.

In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.

In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.

Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.

In order to appease the Deity of the year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates in front of the house from three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine tree, a bamboo shoot and a small plum or peach tree.

Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are stored from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish Highlanders, merry songs imported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.

Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts

Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, and candy flowers.

Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.

China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves douse themselves with water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes for happiness at them. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in thoroughly wet clothes.

According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country is entering the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar only in 1912. The date of Chinese New Year varies from January 21 to February 20 each time.

Iran. Everybody's shooting guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gun shots thundered. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of continuous 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 new ones.

Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather around the festive table for the New Year and the lights go out in all houses for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.

Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the host’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small stone 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 St. Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.