Very soon, under the chiming clock, we will open champagne, raise glasses and make a wish. The smell of tangerines, fireworks on the street, sparklers, the president’s speech - these are typical attributes of the Russian New Year.
And let's take a trip to other countries of the world and take a closer look at the local traditions of the most beloved holiday of the Russians.
Australia
New Year comes to Australia before everyone else. Australians are among the first in the world to welcome the New Year.
At this time, hot summers are raging here, because December and January are the summer months. All kinds of free shows and concerts are organized here. In Sydney, at midnight, Sydney Harbor launches one of the largest fireworks in the world. 
And exactly at midnight, all parties are interrupted and people are humming, whistling, ringing bells. So the New Year is invited to visit.
On New Year's Eve, a good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broom. She opens the door with a small golden key and fills her socks with gifts. To the one who studied poorly or was naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
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 - irons, chairs.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale.
Sweden. 
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the queen of the world, Lucia. She is dressed up in a white dress, a crown with candles is put on her head. Lucia brings gifts to children and goodies to pets: a cat - cream, a dog - sugar bone, a donkey - carrots. On festive nights, the lights do not go out, the streets are brightly lit.
England. 
In England, Santa Claus is called Santa Claus. For the New Year, it is customary to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a fun carnival procession in which fairy-tale characters take part: March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
Before going to bed, children put on a table a plate for gifts that Santa Claus will bring to them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for a donkey.
The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and makes it a "whisper" - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
Vietnam. 
In Vietnam, the New Year is celebrated between January 21 and February 19, when it is early spring. Instead of a Christmas tree, tangerine trees, branches of apricot and peach decorate here. The branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children are eagerly awaiting midnight when they can start firing small homemade crackers.
New Year is considered a family holiday, and is always celebrated in the family circle. Children are the first to congratulate the older generation, and parents, in turn, give children money in bags. Banknotes and coins must be new.
Before the new year, it is customary to collect rich gifts for the Buddha and bring them to the temple. On the streets for three days there are various entertainment events that end with a bright night, a magnificent procession of the dragon.
At dusk, the Vietnamese make bonfires in parks, gardens or on the streets, several families gather around the bonfires. On charcoal, special rice specialties are prepared.
On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. On New Year's Day, Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond.
France. 
French Santa Claus - Per Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. Anyone who gets a bean baked in New Year's cake gets the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus 
In snowy Finland, Christmas is considered the main winter holiday, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having crossed the long road from Lapland, Santa Claus arrives at home, leaving a large basket with gifts for the children to enjoy.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at the table. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess, melting the 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. Before going to bed, children put on a table a plate for gifts that Santa Claus will bring to them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.
Cuba. 
Water is poured from the windows.
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called Kings Day. On the eve of the children write letters to them in which they tell 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. So all the inhabitants of Liberty Island wish the New Year a bright and clear as water way. And while the clock strikes 12 beats, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then good, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you all twelve months.
China 
Back in the late 80s, the Chinese custom came to us to associate the coming of the New Year with one of the animals on the eastern calendar. A little later, the traditional European figures of Santa Claus and deer appeared, the Russians began to decorate houses with Christmas wreaths, and from the beginning of the 21st century it was customary to launch fireworks.
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clear water from mountain springs. And people themselves are doused with water at the moment when others utter New Year wishes for happiness to them. Therefore, on this festive day, everyone walks the streets in wet clothes.
Judging by the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese enter the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to Gregorian chronology only in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21 to February 20.
Japan 
Once the Japanese celebrated New Year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. But since the nineteenth century they began to celebrate according to the generally accepted Gregorian calendar.
Prepare for the holiday long and carefully.
In Japan, there is a tradition of "greeting card." Such a congratulation must be sent to all friends and acquaintances. Moreover, if the Japanese at least once wrote a postcard, he is obliged to do this every year. Even in elementary school, Japanese children are taught the art of signing cards. Wishes are written 2-3 weeks before the New Year, but they are always dated January 1. Postmen try to deliver a card on the 1st of the day. 
I wish everyone a happy New Year!
New Year's Eve in different countries of the world is associated with traditions that have survived from ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief was born - as you meet the new year, you will spend it. Therefore, to this day, people have resorted to various tricks in order to "lure" good luck for the next year.
So in Algeria , in Bahrain , in Jordan , in Lebanon , in Morocco , in Oman , in Pakistan , in Sudan , in Syria and in Tanzania they meet Muharram - the first month of the year of the Muslim lunar calendar. A few weeks before this date, Muslims place grains of wheat or barley on a dish with water to sprout. By the beginning of the new year, sprouts appear that symbolize the beginning of a new life.
IN Of England according to the old custom, when the clock starts to beat 12, they open the back doors of the house to release the old year, and with the last blow open the front doors, letting in the new year.
IN Of Austria it is believed that on New Year's Eve, to be happy, you need to eat a piece of pork head or pork snout.
Bulgarians Having gathered for the New Year's celebration, they light out for several minutes. These minutes are called minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which is kept dark.
IN Brazil New Year's Eve celebration is called Iemanja. The beaches are filled with people, and religious singing praises Iemanja. Even those who live far from the water, try to come to the coast to make offerings to the sea: most often these are flowers on small ships made of wood. The participants in the ceremony dress in costumes of a certain color, depending on the saint who will “rule” during the new year.
IN Hungary in the first second of the New Year they prefer to whistle in children's pipes, horns, whistles. It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the home and invoke joy and prosperity. Preparing for the holiday, the Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and peas preserve the strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from adversity, garlic - from disease, and honey - sweeten life.
New Year's Eve in Venezuela is a special event. All relatives get together and cook la hallaca - one of the types of very satisfying food with many seasonings that all households eat during the New Year's Eve. Everyone wishes each other happiness in the new year and forget all past grievances.
In Vietnam The new year according to the lunar-solar calendar is called Tet. This is a family holiday during which all quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven. Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. Every Vietnamese house has an ancestral altar, and paying tribute to their memory is an important part of the New Year celebration. New Year and January 1 are celebrated in Vietnam, it is called the "holiday of the young." With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make bonfires on which to cook special delicacies from rice. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to produce live carps in rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who goes to heaven on New Year's Day to tell them how people live on Earth.
IN Germany people of all ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, climb onto chairs, tables, chairs and, with the last blow, “jump” into the New Year in friendly, joyful greetings. And in the villages, the medieval tradition of the bleiglessen ceremony has been preserved: there is a lead bullet that "contains the secrets of the future." The bullet melts to a boil and pours into a glass drop by drop. Lead freezes again. The resulting figure will talk about what awaits next year.
IN Greece New Year is the day of St. Basil, who became famous for his extraordinary kindness. Children leave their shoes near the fireplace, in the hope that the saint will fill them with gifts. Residents of Greece, going to visit to celebrate the New Year, take with them a stone that is thrown at the threshold of a hospitable house. If the stone is heavy, they say: "May the wealth of the owner be heavy, like this stone." And if the stone is small, then they wish: "Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone."
Jewish The New Year - Rosh Hashanah - is not so much a memory of any historical event from which the countdown begins, but rather as the day of the highest Court. It is believed that on this day the Almighty judges people, and on the basis of their actions, decides what fate awaits them next year. Therefore, the main thing at such a time is the repentance of every person. This day is filled with prayers and restrained joy. On the table are festive candles, a round challah with apples that are dipped in honey to make the year sweet.
IN Of india as many as eight dates, which are celebrated as New Year's Eve, as many cultures intersect in the country. On one of these days - Goody Padva - you need to eat the leaves of a tree by him, which taste very bitter and unpleasant. But according to the old legend, they protect a person from illnesses and troubles and provide, oddly enough, a sweet life. The inhabitants of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with multi-colored, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on the roofs of houses. On the eve of the holiday, mothers lay out gifts, sweets, flowers for their children on large trays. On the first morning of the New Year, children with their eyes closed are brought to a tray from which they choose a gift.
IN Of Spain There is a tradition on New Year's Eve to eat grapes. By the beat of the clock, you need to have time to eat 12 grape berries, one for each of the twelve months ahead.
IN Italy it is customary to throw out broken dishes, old clothes and even furniture from apartments at the very last minute of the old year. Following them fly crackers, confetti, sparklers. It is believed that if you throw away the old thing on New Year's Eve, then in the coming year you will buy a new one. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who flies at night on a broomstick and enters the house through the chimney. She fills gifts with children's shoes, specially hung from the fireplace.
In ancient China The New Year was a holiday for the poor, when anyone could enter the house and take what they needed, and if you refuse, the neighbors will turn away with contempt. In modern China, New Year is a festival of lanterns. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the New Year according to the lunar calendar. On New Year's Eve, countless small lanterns are lit in the streets and squares, believing that sparks from them will drive away evil spirits. The New Year itself begins in January-February, therefore it is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For many centuries, the inhabitants of China, seeing the light of lanterns cold and inclement weather, meet the awakening of nature. The lanterns are given a different shape, decorated with bright patterns, intricate ornaments. The Chinese especially like to put on the streets lanterns in the form of 12 animals, symbolizing every year from the 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar.
IN Colombia "Old Year" walks in the crowd on high stilts. "Papa Pasquale" - Colombian Santa Claus arranges fireworks. At this time, parades are taking place on the streets of Bogotá: dozens of puppet clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the oldest district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.
On the Cuba on New Year's Eve, all dishes that are in the house are filled with water, and at midnight they begin to pour liquid from the windows. Thus, all residents of the island of Freedom wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. And in the New Year itself, the clock strikes only 11 times. Since the 12th blow falls precisely on the New Year, the clock is given to rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone.
IN Mongolia with the advent of the first day of the New Year in the country begins truly nationwide festivities. The official New Year in the country is January 1, and the New Year according to the lunar-solar calendar is called "Tsagaan sar." Seeing off the old year they are called "beatun". At this moment, you can’t quarrel, argue, swear and cheat, it is considered a great sin.
IN Nepal New Year is celebrated with sunrise. At night, when the full moon, the Nepalese light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the feast of colors begins, and then the whole country turns into a huge rainbow. People paint their faces, hands, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.
IN Panama at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, they ring all the bells, howl sirens, buzz cars. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everyone that comes into their hands. All this noise is necessary in order to "appease" the coming year.
IN Romania unmarried women usually go to the well, light a candle and look down. The image of the flame will draw in the dark depths of the water the face of her future husband. Those who do not risk wandering the streets at night take the branch of the basilica and place it under the pillow: a dream will show the narrowed one. And in Romania, it is customary to bake small surprises in New Year's cakes - coins, porcelain figurines, rings, pods of hot pepper. The ring found in the pie means that the New Year will bring a lot of happiness. A pepper pod will cheer everyone around.
IN Scandinavian in the first seconds of the New Year it is customary to grunt under the table in order to drive away evil spirits, illnesses and failures from the family.
New Year in USA - This, of course, is New York, Times Square. A huge crowd roars, accompanying the traditional solemn descent of the famous Ball, sparkling with thousands of neon lights. You should definitely participate in this!
In France on New Year's Eve bake gingerbread bean. Starting from the 12th century, a tradition appeared in France on Christmas Eve to make the whole log in the yard of the house from fresh wood (usually cherry wood) - Bush de Noel. With certain ceremonies, he was solemnly brought into the house. The head of the family watered him with oil and heated wine, and the whole family offered prayers. Little girls set fire to the log with the help of wood chips left over from the previous year's logs (according to the belief, ash and wood chips left from burning Christmas logs kept the house from lightning and the devil's tricks for a year; therefore, they were carefully collected and stored). It was considered important that everyone involved in the process of setting fire to a new log had clean hands. Gradually, the tradition of burning Bush de Noel died away, although today in houses that have fireplaces, they adhere to it. But most Frenchmen decorate their table with a small mock-up of Bush de Noel, and decorate some dishes in the form of a Christmas log.
IN Of Sweden on New Year's Day it is customary to break dishes at the doors of neighbors.
IN Scotland The New Year is celebrated with a peculiar torchlight procession: they set fire to tar barrels and roll them along the streets. Thus, the Scots “burn” the old year and illuminate the road to the new. The well-being of the owners depends on who first enters the house in the morning of the new year. It is believed that happiness will bring a dark-haired man who came with a gift.
New Year in Of Japan - One of the most popular holidays in the country. Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes, believing that this will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a drawing depicting their dreams under their pillows, then the desire should be fulfilled. In flower arrangements, pine dominates, symbolizing longevity and endurance. And in the morning, when the New Year is coming into its own, the Japanese go out to meet the sunrise, with the first rays they congratulate each other and present gifts. Armfuls of straw are hung on the facades of houses to protect the house from evil spirits. And the most important thing for the Japanese is to laugh in the first second of the New Year - then happiness will accompany them all year. The main New Year's accessory is a rake (kumade), with which the Japanese will be able to rake up happiness in the new year. They are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and decorated with rich paintings. To appease the deity of the year, bringing good luck to the family, the Japanese build a kadomatsu in front of the house - a small gate of three bamboo sticks to which pine branches are tied. Also in Japan, at exactly midnight, the bell starts ringing, which beats 108 blows. According to a long-standing belief, every ringing “kills” one of human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only 6 of them - greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy, but each has 18 shades.
New Year is one of the few holidays that is celebrated with equal enthusiasm around the world. However, in each country this happens in a special way. Sometimes interesting traditions come across, sometimes very familiar, and sometimes more unexpected. Today we will talk about them.
England. New Year's Eve here is associated with home comfort and hospitality. The British believe that the first guest brings happiness for the next 365 days. Or misfortune. If a person comes in first and brings a traditional gift, luck is guaranteed for the whole year.
Denmark. On the thresholds of houses you can see a bunch of broken dishes. People usually break plates on the doors of their friends. Old dishes are not thrown away, but stored specifically for this. It is believed that those who have more broken plates at the door have more friends. There is also a tradition of jumping off the chairs of midnight. So they "jump" into the new year.
China. The Chinese always paint the front door with red paint, symbolizing happiness and good luck. All knives are hidden on this day - so that no one gets cut, because this way you can “cut off” luck for the whole family for the whole next year.
Brazil . Wealth and wealth in the country is symbolized by lentils. Traditional Christmas dishes are prepared from legumes or with the addition of legumes. Priests dress in white and blue robes and hold a ceremony in honor of the water goddess. And in Rio de Janeiro, a boat with candles, flowers and symbolic values \u200b\u200bis launched into the water, into the ocean. On health, happiness, prosperity.
Austria. No celebration is complete without a baked pig and peppermint ice cream for dessert. Some local version of olivier and tangerines.
Belgium. New Year's Eve is called St. Sylvester's Evening. The celebration takes place mainly in the family circle, where everyone exchanges gifts and wishes.
Egypt. It is believed here that a true New Year comes only when a new moon is seen in the sky. The New Year's atmosphere is very festive and cheerful.
Greece. Greeks venerate St. Basil - one of the founders of the Greek church. They bake bread with coins inside. Who comes across this - so carry all year.
Wales. At midnight, when the clock begins to beat, the front doors open and close for a second. So the old year and misfortune are released from the house. When the clock strikes for the last time, the door is opened again, this time letting in the New Year and all the good.
Japan. The Japanese also have a family holiday, starting with decorating the house and inviting happiness and good luck. They do spring cleaning, pay off all debts, fulfill all outstanding promises. Not only the Christmas tree is associated with the New Year. Not even a tree at all, to be exact. Traditional plants in New Year's compositions are a pine branch (for a long life), bamboo (abundance) and plum blossom (nobility). And if there are bells in the house, then you need to call every 108 times to get rid of all 108 misfortunes.
Philippines. All round objects bring good luck. Therefore, you need to eat grapes, have at least a few coins in your pocket, wear polka dot dresses and the like. Then the next year will be full of happiness and prosperity. It is also customary to make noise here - the New Year must be celebrated as loudly as possible to scare away all evil spirits.
Spain. You need to eat 12 grapes for each hit of the clock. One for happiness, good luck and luck for each month. The tradition that arose in Spain subsequently spread to Latin America.
Puerto Rico. You may spill a bucket of water from the window. Do not be alarmed. It’s just Puerto Ricans who cleanse the house and the street from all the bad things that happened last year.
Chile. Mass is celebrated on New Year's Eve, and people visit deceased relatives in the cemetery. Often the New Year is celebrated there.
Italy. Perhaps you will not even be surprised that cheerful Italians celebrate New Year for three days in a row. The houses are decorated with greenery and lights, and gifts are chosen very carefully. And sometimes at midnight, hated objects fly out of the windows, which does not belong next year.
USA. Traditional is a kiss at midnight; and if you are standing under the mistletoe, you must also kiss the one who is standing nearby.
Ecuador. At midnight, the inhabitants of Ecuador burn a scarecrow of the old year. It can have a different look - from the usual scarecrow to the whole monument with photographs of famous actors, singers, politicians and everyone who is associated with the year that leaves.
In Mexico, Argentina and Peru it is necessary to wear colored underwear, in addition, it must be remembered that each color symbolizes something, and choose accordingly.
And of course Ukraine . We have many New Year traditions, but everyone believes in one thing: as you celebrate the New Year, you will spend it. Therefore, let your New Year's Eve be unforgettable!
The Italians throw out old irons from the windows, the inhabitants of Panama whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear ... In general, there are many oddities 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 the sixth of January. According to legends, that night a good Fairy Befana flies on a magic broomstick. She opens the door with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills gifts with stockings that are specially hung from the fireplace. To the one who studied poorly or was 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. The Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with their passion, peculiar to the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, the vacated place will certainly be occupied by new things.
On the New Year's table, Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.
In the Italian province, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, it is necessary to bring home water from a spring. "If you have nothing to present to your friends," the Italians say, "give water with an olive branch." It is believed that water brings happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person whom the Italian sees will be a monk or a priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, and to meet a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunately. 
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at exactly midnight, the dolls will be burned under 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 in wigs.
For those who want to travel all year, tradition prescribes: while the watch strikes 12 times, run around with a suitcase or a large bag in your hand.
Do you want to get rich very much in the coming year or find great love? In order for the money to "fall like snow on your head" in the new year, you must put on yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.
If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the linen should be red.
The best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year, Ecuadorians see is to throw a glass of water on the street, with which everything bad will be shattered. 
Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the queen of the world, Lucia. She is dressed up in a white dress, a crown with candles is put on her head. Lucia brings gifts to children and goodies to pets: a cat - cream, a dog - sugar bone, a donkey - carrots. On festive nights, the lights do not go out, the streets are brightly lit. 
SOUTH AFRICA. Police close quarters for traffic - refrigerators fly from windows
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - the residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year, throwing various items from their windows - from bottles to large furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow neighborhood for motor vehicles and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of their 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 them not to throw items such as refrigerators out of windows and not to shoot into the air with firearms,” said Kriebn Nedu, a spokesman for the South African police.
On New Year's Eve, about 100 police officers will patrol this quarter. 
England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, it is customary on New Year to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a fun carnival procession in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
It was in England that the custom arose of exchanging greeting cards for the New Year. The first New Year card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put on a table a plate for gifts that Santa Claus will bring to them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for a donkey.
The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he begins to call a little earlier than midnight and makes it a "whisper" - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
In these minutes, lovers, in order not to part next year, should kiss under the mistletoe branch, which is considered a magic tree.
In English houses, a New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.
In the British Isles, the custom of “New Year's inlet” is a very common practice - a symbolic milestone in the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, they open the back door of the house to release the Old Year, and with the last beat of the clock open the front door, letting in the New Year. 
Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and ride it along the street
In Scotland, the New Year holiday is called "Hogman." On the streets, the celebration is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, they burn the tar barrels and roll them through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that the success or failure of the family for the whole next year depends on who comes first to their house in the new year. Great luck, in their opinion, brings a dark-haired man who brings gifts to the house. This tradition is called first foot footage.
For the New Year special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast, usually served oat cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in pastry.
Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw in the New Year’s fireplace. Exactly at midnight the doors wide open to release the old and let the New Year in. 
Ireland. Honored Puddings
Irish Christmas is more 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 special seed cake treats for every member of the family. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year, and a third for Epiphany. 
Nepal. New Year greeted with sunrise
In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated with sunrise. At night, when the full moon, the Nepalese light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day begins the feast of colors. People paint their faces, hands, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets. 
France. The main thing is to hug the wine barrel and congratulate her on the occasion
French Santa Claus - Per Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. Anyone who gets a bean baked in New Year's cake gets the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figures that are placed near a Christmas tree. By tradition, a good master-winemaker must definitely clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on a holiday and drink it for the future harvest. 
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, Christmas is considered the main winter holiday, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long road from Lapland, Santa Claus arrives at home, leaving the children with a large basket of gifts to their joy.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Again, the whole family gathers at a table breaking from various dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess, melting the 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 Eve. Before going to bed, children put on a table a plate for gifts that Santa Claus will bring to them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. 
Israel. You need to eat sweet food and refrain from bitter
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
New Year's Eve is a day of prayers. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hope for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet food, and refrain from bitter. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the prayer of Tashlikh. 
Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed that this brings health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under the pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards swim - seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes adorn northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 bells usher in the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, every ringing “kills” one of 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 - this is where the Japanese bell rings.
In the first seconds of the New Year you should laugh - it should bring good luck. And for happiness to come 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.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta - a sign of longevity, rice - prosperity, carp - strength, beans - health. Each family is preparing a New Year's meal of mochi - koloboks, flat cakes, rice flour rolls.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese leave their homes on the street to meet the sunrise. With the first rays they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In houses they put branches decorated with mochi balls, a New Year tree of motibana.
Japanese Santa Claus's name is Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is a game of shuttlecock, and the boys launch a traditional kite during the holiday.
The most popular Christmas accessory is a rake. Each Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them so that on New Year's Day there is something to rake in happiness. A rake made of bamboo - kumade - is made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and is decorated with a variety of drawings and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the year, which brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build in front of the house a small gateway of three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy dwarf pine, a bamboo shoot and a small plum or peach tree. 
Labrador. Keep turnip
Labrador stores turnips from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are put there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish highlanders, funny songs transported 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 furry coat, a high lamb hat, with a box behind his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always find gifts 
Holland. Santa Claus is sailing on a ship
Santa Claus is sailing to Holland on a ship. Children joyfully meet him on the pier. Santa Claus loves funny jokes and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers 
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz - the Afghan New Year - falls on March 21. This is the time to start agricultural work. The village elder holds the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform. 
China. Need to drench while you are congratulated
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clear water from mountain springs. And people themselves are doused with water at the moment when others say New Year wishes for happiness to them. Therefore, on this festive day, everyone walks the streets in wet clothes.
Judging by the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese enter the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to Gregorian chronology only in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21 to February 20. 
Iran. Everyone shoots guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment shots from rifles are booming. All adults are holding silver coins in their hands as a sign of their continued stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, as is customary, it is customary to break old clay dishes in the house and replace it with new ones. 
Bulgaria. Three minutes of Christmas kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather for the New Year at the festive table and the lights go out for three minutes in all the houses. The time when guests stay in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept dark. 
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: "May the wealth of the owner be as heavy as this stone." And if a large stone is not reached, a small stone is thrown 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. 
For all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.
It is also noteworthy that in each state the New Year is celebrated in due time. Many peoples, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year, at night from December 31 to January 1. Taking into account the local time, the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to celebrate here. But in Europe they consider Christmas to be the main holiday, which is celebrated on the night of December 24 to 25. In China, the holiday is timed to coincide with the winter new moon, which takes place from January 21 to February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Further we will talk about them.
New Year - a holiday from ancient times
How old is this holiday, no one will say for sure. But it is known that it existed already in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition to celebrate the New Year from January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days, in ancient Rome that day was especially honored by the god Janus - the lord of choice, doors and all principles. He was portrayed with two faces: one was turned back (last year), and the other - forward (new year). As now, their traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world existed many centuries ago. Then people piously believed that higher forces govern their lives. This is reflected in the traditions and customs. So, in our country, Santa Claus had predecessors - the spirit of Zimnik, the evil deity Karachun, the Slavic god of bad weather and storms of Pozvizd. As a rule, they were afraid. They carried hail, blizzards, destruction and death. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on the night of October 31. This day was considered mystical. People believed that the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead was blurred at that time. A horde of ungodliness falls upon the earth. In Samhain, it was necessary to burn bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirit does not dare to go outside. Later, this holiday was replaced by the famous Halloween.
New year in Russia
Residents of our country love this holiday. After all, he is the kindest, most cheerful, brightest. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia, it began to be celebrated in 1700. Then Tsar Peter 1 issued a corresponding decree. True, our country then lived according to the Julian calendar. Since 1919, Russia began to be celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of the celebration with us is the decorated Christmas tree. In the evening of December 31, all the relatives and friends in many families gather to spend the old year and meet the new one. Traditional dishes on the table for this holiday: olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, good grandfather Frost comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver fur coat with patterns, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, furry eyebrows whitened from frost, rosy cheeks ... Who does not recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand and a large sack of gifts behind him. Sometimes his granddaughter accompanies him - the beautiful Snow Maiden.
All the children have been waiting for this event for a whole year, sending them with wishes for future gifts and presents. These are our traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, it has its own significance for children.
China
If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with a winter cold, snow, frost, then in other countries it has a different meaning. So, in China, it is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated between January 21 and February 21, when the moon completes its full cycle and a new moon sets in. Celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children participate in the events. In the morning, people clean the house, because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. On the streets at this time ripples in the eyes from the bright festive clothes, fair goods and lights. In the evening, people gather in a close family circle for dinner, where they often give each other not gifts, but red envelopes with money. It is customary to present such presents to children and colleagues at work. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to fire salutes, holiday fireworks, and burn incense. Interesting Chinese unusual New Year celebration traditions. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with a folk epos. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in the ancient legend of the terrible monster Nyan, which came on New Year's Eve to eat all the cattle, supplies and grain, and sometimes children, from people. Once people saw how the Nyan was frightened of a child dressed in red clothes.
Since then, on New Year's Eve, they began hanging red lanterns and scrolls near their homes to scare away the beast. Holiday fireworks and incense are also considered good repellers of this monster.
Vibrant india
Original and mysterious traditions of the celebration of the New Year in different countries of the world. In India, the main holiday of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. Celebrate it in late October or early November. What can you see on this day in the streets of Indian cities? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with bright colors, lights, lanterns and candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of wealth, abundance, prosperity, good luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary to give everyone interesting gifts. The hotels for children are placed on a special tray designed for this purpose, and then they are brought to it with their eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go out to start festive fireworks and firecrackers.
Land of the Rising Sun
Japan also has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world treats are prepared for children on this day. Japan is no exception. Sweet treat mochi is loved by both children and adults. These are round small loaves or rice flour cakes decorated with an orange fruit on top. To give mochi is to wish a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
And the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and sweet soy on this day. And, of course, the celebration of the New Year is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition of getting everyone together and playing games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock), a board game with sugoroku chips, uta-garuta and others. On the streets on a holiday crowded. The shops are full of New Year's souvenirs: hamaimi (arrows that drive away evil spirits from the house), kumade (bamboo rake like a bear's paw), takarabune (rice boats for good luck). As a rule, on a holiday, children here, as well as in China, are donated not with gifts, but with money put in a special envelope called potibukuro.
In France and England
We consider what traditions of New Year celebrations exist in different countries. Interestingly, how is this day celebrated in Europe? For example, in England, houses are decorated not only with Christmas trees, but also with mistletoe branches. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. A wreath of mistletoe also adorns the front door. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from disease. In France, it’s not Santa Claus who comes to the children, but the old man Per Noel in a fur coat, a red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Per Noel climbs into the chimney and puts them in the hotel's shoes specially prepared for this in front of the fireplace.
Adults that day dance in red caps, fooling around, having fun, joking, sprinkle confetti on each other. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries in English, the shortest congratulations are: “Happy New Year!”, Which means: “Happy New Year!”.
Italy
In this country, the celebration begins on January 6. On the eve of the holiday, the children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to get a lot of delicious and wonderful goodies. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we have, but a kind and tender fairy named Befana. Children believe that she flies on a broomstick at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-bred kids. Anyone who just naughty and mischievous, will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult Italians do not believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is a time to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions. For example, the inhabitants of this country throw watches old and unnecessary things out of the house, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace discarded items will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday people give each other presents. In the province you can be presented with a sprig of olive in water taken from a source. It is believed that such a symbolic present brings happiness. On this day's table, every family must have lentils, nuts, and grapes. In order for luck to accompany all matters for a whole year, you must definitely eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all sorts of signs. For example, it is believed that if in the morning after the New Year’s Eve the priest will be the first to meet, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather who came to the meeting promises health and good luck all next year.
In Ireland
We continue to travel around Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have much in common. In English, congratulations can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only family. On the eve of his door all the houses open wide. Anyone can enter into any of them and join the celebration. The guest will surely be seated at the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and they will make toasts for “Peace in the world!”. The Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here called seed cake. This is a cupcake with caraway seeds. Even the local housewives are preparing a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feast, everyone goes for a walk on the street. By half past eleven, the Irish gathered in the central square of the city, on which stands a large Christmas tree. The real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.
Bulgaria
It has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, it can be candied pumpkin, caramelized apples or homemade marmalade. The traditional New Year's dish is a bannica. This is flaky. And even in Bulgaria there is a tradition to put on a festive table a loaf of bread in which there is a coin. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in his piece. After the feast, both adults and children make cornel sticks here, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, garlic heads, coins and dressing them with red thread. He is called the suruvachki. This subject must be sure to hit everyone in the family to bring him health and good luck. Sometimes they go with neighbors to the neighbors to wish them all the best too. And then the youth with songs and dances pours out into the street.
When the clock strikes midnight on the city tower, marking the beginning of the year, the light for kisses is turned off for three minutes throughout the city. Even competitions are arranged: who will kiss the most.
In Cuba
We used to celebrate the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday takes place where there is always summer? The original customs of the New Year's celebration in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba. Here, on this day, conifers decorate araucaria or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluting it with orange juice, liquor and adding ice. In Cuba, there is an interesting tradition on the eve of the celebration to fill all the buckets, jugs and basins in the house with water. At midnight, this water is poured out of the windows. It is believed that in this way people protect their home from adversity and misfortune. Until the clock has struck 12, everyone must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Then you can be sure that all year will be accompanied by luck, peace and prosperity. His Santa Claus is also here. Only he is not alone, as we have. There are three of them in Cuba: Valtasar, Gaspar and Cupronickel.
On the eve of the holiday, the child writes them notes with the wishes of what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and drench each other with water. Here they believe that it brings happiness to a person and charges them with positive energy.
Sultry brazil
The life of this country has always been closely connected with the ocean. For many centuries, the goddess of the seas Iemange played a leading role in local folklore. It is with her that the local customs of the celebration of the New Year are associated. In different countries of the world on this day, people cast magic spells and perform ritual rites. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents are trying to appease the goddess Iemange, so that she will show them favor and patience throughout the next year. She is portrayed as a beautiful woman in long blue clothes with her hair loose the color of moonlight silver paths. Many Brazilians try to get dressed that day too. Iemanza is very fond of fun and dancing. Therefore, people go to the beach in the evening, sing, walk, congratulate each other and perform a magical ritual for happiness. It consists in sending small rafts with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lighted candles into the ocean. By doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long clothes throw bright flowers into the ocean, making wishes. The action ends with a half-hour firework. These are the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries, where there is eternal summer.
In Australia
Tired of snow and cold? Where to go on We continue to consider the traditions of the New Year in different countries. A comic performance is arranged, as a rule, everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. Celebration here, as a rule, takes place in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, funny dances, fantastic fireworks, music festivals featuring world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Year's Eve. Santa Claus in a red cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach ... You can only see this in Australia.
At exactly midnight, the streets of the cities are filled with the sounds of automobile horn and the sound of bells. So the Australians are trying to "ring" the new year to visit. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.
Colombia
To remember the summer and enjoy its beauties in the winter, we will go to Colombia. It has its own interesting customs of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, the main character is Santa Claus, whose arrival marks the beginning of the new year. And in Colombia, the main hero of the holiday is the Old Year, which walks the streets and amuses local children. Often his role is played by a scarecrow on a long stick, which is burned at midnight on the beach. It is believed that after this, the old year left the country forever and gave way to a new one. There is also a Santa Claus. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red coat and hat, just like our protagonist of the holiday. He only walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly laughable.
Seeing him, the inhabitants of the city begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and shoot into the air from rifles. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who adorns the New Year's sky with colorful fireworks and lights.
New Year in Africa
Interesting traditions of the celebration of the New Year in different countries. Curiously, how is the celebration celebrated in African countries? After all, it is this mainland that is considered the birthplace of this holiday. If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, then palm trees are often decorated here, not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits
Many African countries have a tradition of scattering green nuts through the streets. It is believed that anyone who finds such a nut will certainly be happy this year. As a rule, this holiday in the countries of the "black" continent is celebrated on January 1. But there are exceptions, for example, Ethiopia. Here the celebration takes place on September 1. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy season and the beginning of the pore ripening period. On the eve of the main holiday of the year, young and old try to swim in the river. People believe that in this way they leave all sins in the past and enter the New Year with a pure soul. The holiday itself takes place with songs, festivities and dances around a set of sheaf of palm branches decorated with yellow flowers.
There are traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Photos, interesting facts from many corners of the planet: everything can be found in our article.
