New Year is not only a time of fun, but also funny traditions associated with various superstitions, which supposedly should ensure good luck in the coming year. Celebrating the New Year only in red underwear, eating grapes to the chimes or walking around the house with a suitcase - these are just a few of the fancy New Year's traditions in different countries, which you will learn about from our informative article.
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1. Spain.
The Spaniards celebrate the New Year with family and friends. Traditionally, at midnight, they all go out to the main square of the city to eat exactly 12 grapes to the chimes. Under each stroke of the clock, you need to have time to eat one grape, while standing on the left leg, so that the right one can ... enter the coming year. This custom dates back to 1909, when a bountiful harvest of grapes was harvested, and cunning farmers thus figured out how to sell them such a huge amount of fruit. According to this tradition, grapes eaten during the New Year should bring prosperity in the coming year. It is not so easy to eat grapes for the chime of the clock, therefore, shortly before the New Year, shops in Spain sell special jars with 12 grapes, peeled and pitted. Traditionally, grapes must be washed down with champagne.
What's interesting is that in Salamanca, New Year is celebrated ... December 15th. Salamanca is a university city full of students who tend to return home for their Christmas holidays. Therefore, they all together celebrate the New Year on December 15th. Especially for them, on this day, bells are ringing at Plaza Mayor announcing the coming of the New Year.
And that's not all New Year's Spanish superstitions. For the coming year to be monetary, the Spaniards throw gold rings into the champagne glasses, which are raised during the New Year's toast. If you throw lentil grains into the champagne, then next year you will be provided with an abundance of food. And you can also get wealth and prosperity with a green banknote in your hands during the chimes. Well, at the very end, if after the strikes of the clock you put a clove of garlic in your wallet, then the money will not run out next year. (Photo: Shutterstock).
2. Brazil. Many Brazilians wear white clothes on New Year's Eve, which are believed to bring them happiness and peace in the coming year.
The Brazilians have another beautiful New Year's tradition: shortly before the New Year, they make sacrifices to the goddess of the sea - Yemanji. On all beaches in Brazil, the day before the New Year, residents launch boats with gifts for Yemanji into the sea and throw bouquets of white flowers into the waves. Thus, residents want to attract good luck, prosperity and abundance in the coming year. In Brazil, not a single holiday can do without dancing - the inhabitants perform candomble dances, introducing them into a trance.
About two million people annually celebrate the New Year on the famous Copacabana Beach in Rio de Janeiro - they drink and dance to the rhythms of hot Brazilian music. And at midnight they enjoy an enchanting fireworks show over the beach. (Photo: Antonello! /Flickr.com).
3. Italy. Italians celebrate the New Year in red linen, which, according to legends, should bring them happiness in the coming year, and help unmarried ladies meet their soul mate.
It is also very important for Italians who they meet first in the new year. A man must meet a woman, and a woman must meet a man, then they are guaranteed good luck.
Another Italian tradition that should bring prosperity and well-being is to eat a portion of a soup or other dish with lentils just before midnight. The success of the inhabitants of Italy can bring shellfish and seafood on the New Year's table. Pork is also a symbol of prosperity and is served on New Years Eve as cotechino - a large, raw and seasoned sausage, or stuffed pork leg. (Photo: Shutterstock).
4. Ecuador. In Ecuador, there is a tradition of sewing dolls called Años Viejos, which represent real people, most often inglorious politicians, or events of the outgoing year. On New Year's Eve, these dolls fill all the streets of Ecuadorian cities. Dolls are made from paper, old clothes and straw, some of them are filled with firecrackers. At midnight, the Ecuadorians set them on fire. Burning dolls are a symbol of goodbye to the old year and meeting the new year. (Photo: Shutterstock).
5. Greece.
New Year in Greece coincides with the day of St. Basil (Greek Santa Claus). This is the time of gifts. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will bring them gifts. By tradition, a New Year's cake is prepared - vassilopita, in which a lucky coin is hidden. Whoever gets a piece with a coin will be especially happy in the coming year.
Even in Ancient Greece, there was a tradition of fortune telling on wine - oinomancja. Before having a glass to celebrate the New Year, you had to look at the bubbles. If there are a lot of bubbles and they are seething, it means that in the coming year there will be many changes, romances and even accidents. If there are few bubbles, and they rise in even chains, this means health and a joyful family life. If the chains of bubbles intersect, you need to be careful in the coming year, as this is a harbinger of health and financial problems. (Photo: Robert Wallace / flickr.com).
6. Venezuela, Argentina, Bolivia and Mexico. In these countries, residents take suitcases in their hands ... and carry them around the house so that they will have a lot of travel next year. And to attract prosperity and abundance, Mexicans decorate their homes in red, yellow, green and white. (Photo: Shutterstock).
7. Japan. New Year in Japan is called O-Shōgatsu, which means the first month of the year. Before the beginning of the new year, the Japanese are trying to finish all unfinished business, unresolved disputes, pay off debts and clean the apartment. To consign all the worries of the old year to oblivion, the Japanese organize bonen-kai - a festive dinner with the family, the main dish of which is toshikoshi-soba - buckwheat noodles - a symbol of longevity.
At midnight in Japan, the bells of Buddhist temples are struck, namely 108 strikes, which are supposed to free the inhabitants from evil forces. 108 is the number of temptations that, according to Buddhism, every person has. Celebrating the New Year in Japan lasts three days. For the Japanese this year, the first visit to the temple is very important. The Japanese decorate the porches and gates with kodomatsu - ornaments made of pine, plum or bamboo - for durability and prosperity. New Year's Eve in Japan is also a long-awaited time for children who receive a gift - toshidama - money in small, beautifully designed envelopes. (Photo: Shutterstock).
8. Bulgaria. An interesting Bulgarian New Year tradition is surwakari. After midnight, young Bulgarians go from house to house, wishing their owners health and happiness in the new year. In doing so, they hit them on the back with small twigs of dogwood, decorated with sweets, popcorn or dried fruit called "survachki". The owner of the house, who was "beaten" with a twig, must thank his "tormentors" with sweets, coins or other gifts.
Back in Bulgaria, if someone sneezes on New Year's Eve, it is considered a good omen. And the first animal born in the new year will receive the name of the person who sneezed on New Year's Eve. (Photo: Shutterstock).
9. Philippines. Most Filipinos spend New Year's Eve with family and close friends over a festive dinner. On this night, the whole family should get together so that no one dies in the coming year. On the festive table of the Filipinos, there must be 12 round fruits, symbolizing all the months of the year. Round objects, according to local beliefs, bring prosperity and money, so the patterns on the New Year's outfits of the inhabitants of the Philippines, you guessed it, represent a variety of circles.
Even before the New Year, Filipinos fill their wallets to the brim with money and coins so that in the coming year it will be full of money. And children on New Year's Eve traditionally jump in height in order to ... grow even more. In the Philippines, New Year is celebrated very noisily, because it is believed that noise drives away evil spirits. Some residents, hoping to secure their wealth in the coming year, walk around the house and shake a saucepan filled with coins. In the Philippines, as in Spain, there is a tradition according to which 12 grapes should be eaten at midnight. (Photo: Shutterstock).
New Year is the most magical holiday. A decorated Christmas tree, the clink of glasses of champagne, shiny toys, the chiming of a clock - this is what the average citizen of the Russian Federation associates with the New Year.
However, not all countries celebrate this date as we do. Many peoples have very unusual, and sometimes even strange traditions that are customary to observe on New Year's Eve. And the celebration of the New Year itself does not always fall from December 31 to January 1, and, moreover, in some countries the date of New Year's celebration is “floating” and is often set by the government. There are many more interesting traditions and customs, which we will tell you about today.
In Italy
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Hot and temperamental Italians celebrate this holiday in the same emotional way, which is quite consistent with their character. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw out old and unnecessary things from the windows: absolutely everything is used - from dishes with cracks to a broken refrigerator. Walking the streets in the evening, you need to be extremely careful, otherwise you risk getting a powerful blow from an iron or a chair. After all the rubbish has been ruthlessly thrown away, Italians also take to their wardrobe - on New Year's Eve, the wardrobe should be filled with new clothes, and the holiday should also be celebrated in new clothes. It is believed that such a custom helps a person to cleanse himself of everything old and prepare for a new one.
As in many other countries, the New Year in Italy is a time of gifts. Children prepare their shoes for surprises from the fairy Befana, while adults are waiting for Babbo Natale (Italian Santa Claus). Even if you have nothing to give, don't worry. Just bring your friend "new water" from the spring and an olive sprig. Such a gift will surely bring happiness.
In Austria
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In Austria, the New Year begins with Strauss's operetta The Bat at the Vienna Opera - this is the main symbol of the holiday. The feast is fun and loud: people release fireworks into the air and open a masquerade to drive out evil spirits; housewives prepare a festive table: suckling pig, hot punch, green ice cream, chocolate or marzipan pigs.
Also, the Austrians do not miss the chance to find out what awaits them next year - in this they are helped by fortune telling on lead. Molten metal is poured into cold water, and then they look at what kind of figure it turned out.
In Finland
As you know, Finland is the birthplace of Santa Claus, but here his name is Joulupukki. He has talking deer and a mountain of goodies. He delivers them to obedient children, managing to travel the whole world in one night.
For Finns, the New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas: they again gather with the whole family at the festive table, put on merry performances and read fortune-telling on wax.
In Ireland
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During the New Year celebrations, the Irish are distinguished by their hospitality - looking into any house, you can count on a treat and a place of honor at the table. And it will not be difficult to go into the house of an Irishman on New Year's Eve, since they open all the doors and windows so that the evil forces leave. Here you will be treated to traditional pastries - seeded cake (cookies with caraway seeds), as well as a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. Pudding takes a special place. It is worth noting that Irish housewives prepare it three times a year: for Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.
As in many other countries, in Ireland it is also customary to guess. Girls put mistletoe, clover, ivy and lavender under their pillows and go to bed to dream of their betrothed.
In Brazil
Although New Year is celebrated in Brazil on December 31st, it is a summer holiday because the sun, sea and beach always reign here. Unlike many other peoples, Brazilians celebrate this day outside the home - they go to bars and restaurants to watch the New Year's fireworks and how to relax.
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Since Brazilian culture has African origins, it is customary here to pay tribute to the sea goddess Imanje on New Year's Eve. To do this, make a wish and send candles and white flowers to the sea on wooden boards. It is believed that the farther the candle floats without extinguishing, the more likely it is that the wish will come true.
There is one more custom that will help to fulfill the desire. To do this, you need to eat twelve grapes. Also, Brazilians call everyone around them brothers and sisters, forgiving grievances and promising to be more tolerant towards each other. Interestingly, there is no Santa Claus here at all.
In Japan
In Japan, New Year is exclusively a family holiday. It is believed that on this day seven gods descend to earth, including those who are the patrons of rice and fishing, the main food products in Japan.
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The fact that the new year has come to earth is announced by 108 blows that come from the temple. The Japanese believe that there are six basic human vices - greed, greed, envy, frivolity, anger and stupidity, each of which has 18 subspecies. One blow of the bell is designed to expel one attack from a person. When the last blow strikes, people go out into the street to wish each other a happy ... birthday. It is interesting that many years ago this date was not celebrated in Japan and all at the same time added "one" to their age on New Year's Eve.
In the evening, the whole family gathers at the festive table. There is no place for fun, noise and din - everyone should seriously think about the coming year full of new events.
And for the little Japanese O-shogatsu (New Year) is one of the most anticipated holidays, because Segatsu-san (Santa Claus) will bring interesting gifts that the kids have been waiting for a whole year.
In Guatemala
In Guatemala, the New Year is celebrated very noisily: merry festivities in the streets, grilled vegetables and meat, street performers are all integral attributes of the holiday. As in Italy, it is customary here to get rid of old things. However, here they are not just thrown out the windows, but burned in bonfires on the main square of the city. While unnecessary irons and pans are burning, people walk around the fire, beat drums and set off fireworks. And here you can't do without alcoholic beverages: local rum, beer and the famous cocktail "rompopo".
IN THE USA
As in Russia, in the United States, the New Year begins on the evening of December 31st. Americans celebrate this holiday noisily, cheerfully, with bubbling champagne and clinking glasses. On this day, two important events of the year take place in the USA: the Pantomime Parade and the Tournament of Roses.
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The pantomime parade was first held in Philadelphia by Irish settlers, who organized a ten-hour show. It is accompanied by songs and dances. People under the leadership of the King of pantomime parade through the streets of the city. The Tournament of Roses is also a very bright, beautiful and memorable event. For the first time this holiday took place in the state of California. The end of the tournament is evidenced by the "Pink Ball" football match, which is broadcasted on all television channels in the country.
Americans also have their own New Year symbols. The most famous are the old man and the baby. The first symbolizes the outgoing year, and the second a new one. Americans also write themselves "New Year's tasks" - what they should do in the new year, for example, quit smoking, lose weight or spend less money on entertainment.
In Germany
New Year in Germany is called Sylvester and it is usually celebrated outside the home. With the first strikes of the chimes announcing the coming of the new year, the Germans take to the streets with champagne, launch fireworks and congratulate each other on the holiday. There is also an interesting custom in Germany: a few seconds before the clock strikes, people climb on chairs to "jump" into the new year.
It is also a very long-awaited event for the little ones. Children believe in Santa Nikolaus, who will bring them gifts on a donkey and leave them on the windowsill.
In Denmark
New Year's traditions in Denmark are very interesting and unusual. Food plays a very important role. On the evening of December 31st, the hostesses prepare a large bowl of porridge, on the bottom of which they put almonds or a nut. If he gets caught by an unmarried girl, then in the near future she will have a wedding, for the rest it means a happy and auspicious year. Other popular dishes are potatoes and fish.
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This holiday is especially long-awaited for children. They are looking forward to Yulenisse - the younger Santa Claus. By the way, it is worth noting that there are two of them in Denmark - the second is called Ülemanden. But it is Yulenesse who makes toys for children in her forest house for a whole year, and takes them home on New Year's Eve. And Ülemanden is an old, old grandfather, the elves help him.
Parents also make their children happy. Children receive as a gift a Christmas tree made of wood or in the form of a soft plush toy, from under which the paws of a troll peep out - it is believed that this is the soul of a tree.
In China
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The Chinese celebrate the onset of the new year between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. In China, as in Japan, New Year is a traditional family holiday. But preparation starts early.
People glue the doors and windows with paper so as not to let the evil spirits into their homes that envelop the new year. Firecrackers and fireworks on New Year's Eve have the same meaning. The hostesses prepare a festive dinner and set the table in the living room. Before eating in a small family circle, food is first “offered” to deceased relatives.
Also on this day all insults are forgiven. After dinner, no one goes to bed so as not to miss their "new" happiness.
In Estonia
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Although New Year is not an original Estonian holiday, this day is officially recognized as a day off. Due to the fact that there are many Russians living in Estonia, the New Year is celebrated here four times: Russian time, Estonian time, old style and Eastern calendar. As in most Eastern European countries, New Year is celebrated in Estonia very merrily and noisily: champagne flows like a river, a richly set table allows you to enjoy the taste of traditional New Year's dishes, alcoholic drinks are striking in their variety.
Estonians decorate city streets in European style with garland lights and shiny hanging toys; candles flicker in houses and fluffy Christmas trees are burning. There is a wide range of entertainment for young people: many nightclubs and hotels offer New Year's programs.
In Switzerland
It is customary for the Swiss to celebrate the New Year twice: from December 31st to January 1st and according to the old Julian calendar. As in many other European countries, this holiday is celebrated here noisily and cheerfully. People bawl, blow up firecrackers and firecrackers, trying in this way to drive away evil forces. On the night of January 13-14, you can see very unusually dressed people - on their heads they wear either a dollhouse, or a small botanical garden. These are residents who are highly respected by the townspeople. They are the main "fighters" against evil spirits.
There is a very interesting New Year's belief in Switzerland: if a drop of cream falls on the floor, then the year will be successful and happy for the owners of the house.
In Australia
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The Australian New Year is not at all like the European one, as there is no traditional Christmas tree, toys, gifts from Santa and snow-white snow. But Australia has its own special holiday. Instead of traditional spruce, Australians dress up pine or cedar.
It also hosts the world's largest New Year's fireworks display, followed by a boat parade. For lovers of marine technology, this is a real event, as here you can see boats, ships and boats of all shapes and sizes. Well, if you are not a big fan of such technical innovations, then take a walk along the beach - here you will meet a Snow Maiden in a bikini who will give you a nice souvenir as a keepsake.
In the Dominican Republic
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Rest in the Dominican Republic is the dream of the most fastidious tourist. And probably every person on the planet dreams of celebrating the New Year among exotic trees, flowers, hot beaches and passionate Latin American rhythms. The symbol of the New Year in the Dominican Republic is, like ours, a spruce. However, not everyone can afford a living tree, so people buy artificial coniferous beauties and decorate them with corals, interesting shells and luxurious fresh flowers.
New Years are celebrated here noisily and cheerfully with dancing until the morning. You should definitely buy new clothes - this promises good luck and prosperity in the new year. And if you want to travel a lot, then take your favorite suitcase, pack it as if for a vacation and run around your house with it several times. Do not forget about the décor of the house - Dominicans decorate their homes with balloons and colorful ribbons.
In Scotland
Scotland's New Year traditions are very interesting and have ancient roots. One of the oldest customs is associated with a barrel of tar. It must be set on fire and rolled down the street. In this way, the Scots burn the old year and light the way for the new.
Scottish New Year is called Hogmani and it is celebrated for four whole days. On these days, the doors of houses are open to everyone. The most welcome guest is a black-haired man, preferably a chimney sweep. According to the ancient belief, if he enters the house with a piece of coal and throws it into a blazing fire in the fireplace, it will bring happiness and good fortune to the family. Four of the most important Scottish festivals begin on New Year's - a torch parade, a street show and party, and a music event.
In France
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New Year's traditions in France are very interesting and unusual. So winemakers have a custom to be the first to congratulate ... their wine barrel. The owner pours a glass of wine, clinks glasses with a barrel, and then hugs her. Meanwhile, the hostesses bake a traditional pie and put one bean in it. The one to whom he falls at the festive table is declared the "king of beans", and this evening everyone will fulfill his wishes.
Also, the French have their own Santa Claus, his name is Pierre Noel. By the way, he has an assistant named Pierre Fouetard. He strictly monitors Noel and makes sure that he gives only obedient, hardworking and kind kids, and bad children receive rods instead of a gift.
In Peru
Peruvians, like almost all Latin Americans, are very emotional, so they celebrate the New Year just as vigorously. In particular, there is a custom to throw away bad emotions and thoughts, just as Italians get rid of unnecessary and old things. And they do it with the help of fights! Yes exactly. Everyone joins the process, including women and adolescents. In this way, they do not allow fate to punish itself for any wrongdoing in the past year - it is unlikely that it wants to harm the already beaten Peruvians.
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And for those who plan or really want to make a long-awaited trip, there is another tradition - you need to take your favorite suitcase and run around your neighborhood with it, and, moreover, you must have time to do this before the new year.
And those who want to attract good luck in the coming year must eat 13 grapes before the clock strikes twelve. Particular attention is paid to the last, thirteenth grape, as it is this that brings success. And right after the onset of the new year, Peruvians take to the streets and burn a scarecrow filled with firecrackers. In this way, fireworks are also launched.
In Cuba
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Cuba also has a New Year tradition associated with grapes. But, unlike Peruvians, Cubans eat 12 grapes - you can make one wish every month. Some traditions are very similar to Russian ones, for example, the New Year tree. However, Cubans have their own symbol of the New Year - araucaria (coniferous tree) or a common palm tree. And instead of champagne, they have Cuban rum. For the new year, a traditional cocktail is made here, consisting of rum, orange juice, liqueur and ice.
As for Santa Claus, it is worth noting that the Cubans have three of them: Gaspar, Valtasar and Melchior. They are the masters of magic and fulfill all the wishes of the children, which they inform the kings about in their letters.
Once on New Year's Eve in Cuba and out into the street, few people remain dry. And it is understandable, because the Cubans have a custom to pour water out of windows and doors - in this way they see off the old year, and with it everything bad. And the traditional Cuban "wet wish" promises success and happiness in the new year.
In Greece
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As in most other countries, in Greece the New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. In addition, on this day, the Greeks celebrate Vasily's name day. People with this name are congratulated and given gifts, and temples and churches named after St. Basil offer special celebration programs, which often include a variety of foods and drinks. It is customary to play cards on New Year's, as it is a happy day for players.
Basil is one of the main symbols of the Greek New Year - it is added to various dishes, people use it to decorate their homes. There is another interesting belief: any container filled with fresh water is cleaned on this day.
New Year's dishes also play an important role. Housewives prepare a special cake called Vassilopita, in which they put one small coin. Anyone who gets it will be especially lucky in the coming year.
New Year is one of the most favorite holidays not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. And if for us the main New Year's traditions are the Christmas tree, the smell of tangerines, Olivier salad, champagne and making wishes with the chimes, then the inhabitants of other countries do certain actions before the New Year and during its coming, promising various benefits. So what are they doing in different countries to attract health, luck, happiness, love and material values? We bring to your attention a rating of the most unusual New Year traditions in the world.
1. New Year traditions of Italy
It is well known that on New Years in Italy it is customary to throw out everything unnecessary from the house - be it clothes, furniture or even plumbing. However, this is just a beautiful legend to attract tourists. And the New Year's traditions in the country are completely different. Since the inhabitants of this beautiful country adore not only Santa Bobbo Natale himself, but also the styles of his attire, that on New Year's Eve the entire population of Italy, both women, men and children, wear something red, even if it is underwear. Therefore, when celebrating the New Year somewhere on the streets of Milan, Florence or Rome, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks, on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another Italian tradition is to eat raisins that have dried right on the bunches. Since grapes resemble coins, it is believed that whoever eats more of them will make more money in the coming year.
2. New Year traditions of Argentina
The dream of every office worker, however, as well as a lover of collecting waste paper, is to celebrate the New Year in Argentina. Already in the middle of the day, the centers of Argentine cities are covered with an even layer of unnecessary paper, sometimes even with whole piles of paper. According to local tradition, unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers should be thrown out of the windows. Plus, it's a great way to relieve stress. The very same New Year residents of Argentina celebrate like most of us - in the bosom of the family, close friends are often present at the festive table. And they also open champagne at 12 o'clock in the morning. Young people after the New Year usually continue their fun in a variety of clubs. But Argentines exchange gifts only on Christmas, they have no tradition of giving gifts on New Year's Eve.
3. New Year's traditions in Estonia
One of the "hottest" is the New Year in Estonia, as it is customary to spend this holiday in a sauna. In order to enter the New Year clean and healthy, you must even listen to the chimes in this institution. However, not all of course adhere to this tradition, because then there would be no crowds of cheerful inhabitants on the streets of the country and they would not go to visit each other on New Year's Eve. However, it is customary to repeat such an event also on the day of the summer solstice. Estonians believe that happiness will be brought to them by a chimney sweep in a tall top hat holding a tool of his labor. For this very reason, children are often presented with toy chimney sweeps smeared with soot.
4. New Year traditions of Scotland
When you are on the streets of Scotland on New Year's Eve, you need to be very careful, because this is the only night of the year when burning tar barrels are rolled along the decorated New Year's streets, symbolizing the passing year. And in the Scottish village of Stonehaven, it is customary to walk along the street, waving huge fireballs overhead, symbolizing the sun, which clears the coming year. But there is another interesting New Year's tradition in Scotland. Before the New Year, members of the whole family sit around a lighted fireplace, and with the first chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. Such a ritual is designed to spend the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether good or bad will enter the house depends on who in the new year is the first to cross their threshold.
5. New Year traditions in Spain
On New Year's Eve at midnight, there is a tradition in Spain - to quickly eat 12 grapes, and each grape is absorbed with each new chime. Moreover, each of the grapes should bring good luck in every month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid to have time to eat grapes and drink cava. The tradition of eating grapes has been going on for more than a hundred years, the first time it was the reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.
6. New Year traditions of Panama
There is a very unusual New Year's tradition in Panama. It is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other famous people here. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish anyone evil, for example, they can burn an effigy of the Olympic champion of the national running team or Fidel Castro himself. All these scarecrows are called with one word - muñeco, and symbolize all the troubles of the outgoing year. And since if there is no scarecrow, then there are no problems in the coming year. And the scarecrow must be burned by every family. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring on the streets of Panamanian cities. In addition, car horns are honking, everyone is shouting. Such noise is intended to threaten the coming year.
7. New Year's traditions in Denmark
There is a tradition in Denmark to stand on a chair and jump from it when celebrating the New Year. It is believed that by this action, residents jump into January of the coming year, driving away evil spirits. It will also bring good luck. At the same time, the Danes follow another New Year's tradition - they throw broken dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. Moreover, this does not annoy anyone, but on the contrary, it is very pleasing. After all, that family, on the threshold of which there will be the most broken plates, cups and glasses, will be the most successful in the coming year. It also means that the family has the most friends.
8. New Year traditions of Peru
For Peruvian young people, New Year's Eve is a dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year's tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru pick up willow twigs and go for a walk around the neighborhoods of their city. And her fiancé should be the young man to whom she will be invited to take up the twig. Therefore, sometimes you can meet strange couples on the streets - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Because according to another Peruvian tradition, those who walk around their entire neighborhood with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on their desired journey in the coming year.
9. New Year traditions of Greece
The inhabitants of Greece spend New Year's Eve in almost the same way as we do - they visit each other with gifts. However, there is some peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they bring a stone to the owners, and the more, the better. It will seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the purse of the gifts will be in the coming year. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest family member has to break a pomegranate fruit in his yard. If pomegranate seeds are scattered around the yard, then his family will have a happy life in the coming year.
10. New Year traditions in Japan
When celebrating the New Year in Japan, keep in mind that bells ring at night, and 108 times. The ringing of the bell denotes one of six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy, and indecision. But why is there 108 strikes and not 6? And the thing is that the Japanese believe that every human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strikes. According to another Japanese New Year tradition, it is customary to give friends and relatives postcards with images of an animal - a symbol of the coming year. The inhabitants of the Land of the Rising Sun also relate specifically to the decoration of their homes - for this they use kadomatsu, which means "pine at the entrance" in translation. This product is made of bamboo, pine, and rice straws are woven into it. Kadomatsu is decorated with fern and mandarin branches. Well, children traditionally receive New Year's 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 at its own time. Many peoples, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate New Year, at night from December 31st to January 1st. Given the standard time, the residents of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to celebrate here. But in Europe, the main holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on the night of December 24-25. In China, the holiday is timed to coincide with the winter new moon, which occurs 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 is a holiday from ancient times
How old this holiday is, no one will say for sure now. But it is known that it already existed in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition of celebrating the New Year from January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days in ancient Rome, on this day, the god Janus was especially honored - the master of choice, doors and all beginnings. He was depicted with two faces: one was turned back (the past year), and the other - forward (new year). As now, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world have existed for many centuries. Then people piously believed that their lives were controlled by higher powers. This is reflected in traditions and customs. So, in our country, Santa Claus had predecessors - the spirit of Zimnik, the evil deity Karachun, the Slavic god of bad weather and storms Pozvizd. As a rule, they were feared. They carried with them hail, snowstorms, destruction and death. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on the night of October 31st. This day was considered mystical. People believed that the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead was erased at this time. A horde of wickedness falls on the ground. In Samhain, it was necessary to burn fires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirits will not dare to go outside. Later, this holiday replaced the well-known Halloween.
New year in Russia
The people of our country love this holiday. After all, he is the kindest, cheerful, bright. 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 our celebration is a decorated Christmas tree. In the evening of December 31, all relatives and friends in many families gather to spend the old year and meet the new one. Traditional dishes on the table on this holiday: Olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, the kind Santa Claus comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver patterned fur coat, hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, shaggy eyebrows that have turned white from frost, rosy cheeks ... Who doesn't recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand, and a large bag of gifts behind him. Sometimes he is accompanied by his granddaughter - the beautiful Snow Maiden.
All the kids are waiting for this event for a whole year, sending them with wishes for future presents and gifts. These are our traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries for children, it has its own meaning.
China
If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with winter cold, snow, frost, 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 begins. The celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children take part in the events. From the very morning people clean the house, as they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. The streets at this time are dazzled by bright holiday clothes, fairs 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. Even children and work colleagues are usually given such gifts. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to launch fireworks, holiday fireworks, and burn incense. The Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with the folk epic. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in the ancient legend about the terrible monster Nian, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the livestock, supplies and grain from people, and sometimes children. One day, people saw Nian get frightened by a child wearing red clothes.
Since then, on New Year's Eve, they began hanging red lanterns and scrolls near their homes to scare off the beast. Celebratory fireworks and incense are also considered to be good scarers of this monster.
Bright India
The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world are original and mysterious. In India, the main holiday of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in late October or early November. What can you see on this day on the streets of Indian cities? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with colorful flowers, lights, lanterns and lighted 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. Gifts for children are placed on a special tray, and then brought to it with closed eyes. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go outside to launch holiday 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. Mochi is a sweet treat, adored by both children and adults. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated with an orange fruit on top. To give mochi means to wish a person prosperity and wealth next year.
And the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, sweet soybeans on this day. And, of course, New Year's celebration is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition for everyone to get together and play games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock game), board game with sugoroku chips, uta garuta, and others. The streets are crowded on holiday. The shops are full of New Year's souvenirs: hamaimi (arrows that drive away evil spirits from the house), kumade (bamboo rake like a bear's paw), takarabune (boats with rice for good luck). As a rule, on a holiday, children here, as well as in China, are not given gifts, but money put into a special envelope called potibukuro.
In France and England
We are considering what traditions of celebrating the New Year exist in different countries. I wonder how this day is celebrated in Europe? For example, in England houses are decorated not only with Christmas trees, but also with sprigs of mistletoe. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. The front door is also decorated with a wreath of mistletoe. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from diseases. In France, it is not Santa Claus who comes to children, but the old man Père Noel in a fur coat, a red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Père Noel climbs into the chimney and puts gifts for them in specially prepared shoes in front of the fireplace.
On this day, adults dance in red caps, fool around, have fun, joke, sprinkle each other with confetti. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries, the shortest congratulations in English are: "Happy New Year!", Which means: "Happy New Year!"
Italy
In this country, the celebration begins on January 6th. On the eve of the holiday, the children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to receive many delicious and wonderful treats. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we have, but a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. Children believe that she flies in on a broomstick at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-mannered children. Anyone who only played naughty and mischievous for a goal will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Grown Italians don't 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 old and unnecessary things out of the house while the clock strikes, 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 gifts. In the provinces, you may 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, every family has lentils, nuts and grapes on the table. In order for luck to accompany in all matters for a whole year, you must definitely eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all kinds of signs. For example, it is believed that if in the morning after New Year's Eve a priest meets first on the way, the year will be unhappy. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the humpbacked grandfather, who came out to the meeting, promises health and good luck for the whole next year.
In Ireland
We continue to travel across Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have much in common. In English, congratulations on the celebration can be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only a family one. On the eve of his, the doors of all houses are wide open. Anyone can enter any of them and join the celebration. The guest will surely be seated in the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be put in front of him and toasts will be made to “World Peace!”. Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here called seed cake. This is a cumin cake. The local housewives also prepare a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feast, everyone goes for a walk outside. By half-past eleven, the Irish gather in the central square of the city, on which there is a large Christmas tree. 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 banny. It is puff. And in Bulgaria there is also a tradition to put on the festive table a loaf of bread in which there is a coin. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in their piece. After the feast, both adults and children make dogwood sticks here, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, heads of garlic, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called suruvachki. This item must be sure to hit everyone in the family in order to bring him health and good luck. Sometimes with suruvachkas they go to neighbors to wish them all the best. And then the youth pour out into the street with songs and dances.
When the clock strikes midnight in the city tower, marking the beginning of the year, the lights for kisses are turned off throughout the city for three minutes. Even competitions are arranged: who will kiss the most.
In Cuba
We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday goes where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year are distinctive in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba. Here on this day they dress up a coniferous tree araucaria or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluted with orange juice, liqueur and ice. In Cuba, there is an interesting tradition on the eve of a 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 strikes 12, everyone must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Then you can be sure that the whole year will be accompanied by good luck, peace and prosperity. There is also a Santa Claus here. Only he is not alone, like ours. There are three of them in Cuba: Valthazar, Gaspar and Melchior.
On the eve of the holiday, the child writes notes to them with the wishes of what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and pour water over each other. It is believed here that this brings happiness to a person and charges with positive energy.
Sultry Brazil
The life of this country has always been closely associated with the ocean. The goddess of the seas, Iemanja, played a leading role in local folklore for many centuries. It is with her that the local customs of the New Year celebration are associated. In different countries of the world, on this day, people pronounce magic spells and perform ritual ceremonies. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents are trying to appease the goddess Iemanja, so that she would show favor and patience to them throughout the next year. She is portrayed as a beautiful woman in long blue robes with flowing hair the color of moonlit silvery tracks. Many Brazilian women try to dress in the same way on this day. Iemanja is very fond of fun and dancing. Therefore, people go to the beach in the evening, sing, walk, congratulate each other and perform a magic ritual for happiness. It consists in sending small rafts with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lighted candles into the ocean. While doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long robes throw bright flowers into the ocean waters, making wishes. The action ends with a half-hour fireworks display. 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 to We continue to consider the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. As a rule, a comic performance is arranged everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. As a rule, the festival is held in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, fun dances, fantastic fireworks, music festivals with world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Years Eve. Santa Claus in a red cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach ... You can only see this in Australia.
Exactly at midnight, the streets of cities are filled with the sounds of car horns and the ringing of bells. So the Australians are trying to "ring" the new year to visit them. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.
Colombia
To remember the summer and enjoy its beauty in 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. It is often played by a scarecrow on a long stick, which is burned on the beach at midnight. It is believed that after this the old year left the country forever and gave way to a new one. There is also a Grandfather Frost here. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red fur coat and hat, just like our main hero of the holiday. Only he walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly amused.
Seeing him, the inhabitants of the city begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire into the air with guns. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Pope Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who decorates the New Year's sky with colorful fireworks and lights.
New Year in Africa
The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are interesting. Curious, how is the celebration celebrated in African countries? After all, it is this continent 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 fruit.
In many African states, there is a tradition of scattering green nuts on the streets. It is believed that whoever finds such a nut will definitely be happy this year. As a rule, this holiday in the countries of the "black" continent is celebrated on January 1. But there are also exceptions, for example Ethiopia. Here the celebration takes place on September 1st. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the fruit 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 is held with songs, festivities and dances around a set on fire a sheaf of palm branches, decorated with yellow flowers.
There are traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Photos, interesting facts from many parts of the world: everything can be found in our article.
December 27, 2011 3:18 am
NEW YEAR IN RUSSIA There are quite a few traditions of celebrating the New Year in Russia. But what's interesting is that most of them are borrowed from Western culture. This is explained, apparently, by two reasons: firstly, the arrival of Christianity in Slavic Russia completely, or almost completely destroyed the pagan traditions of meeting the new year and seeing off the old one. Secondly, the nobility and nobility imported new Western customs into Russia, which were later adopted by the common people and became popular. Moreover, each era brought something new. From the times of Slavic paganism, we got mummers, buffoons and jesters. The era of Peter the Great and subsequent reformer rulers brought a New Year tree with toys, fireworks, Santa Claus and a New Year's table (they did not know pickles like Olivier salads and vinaigrette before him, they got by with cereals and pies). And the country of the Soviets gave us Santa Claus with the Snow Maiden, the obligatory Champagne with tangerines on the table and the chimes. NEW YEAR IN CHINA
Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during processions to illuminate the path on New Years. The Chinese believe that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese stick paper over windows and doors to keep out evil spirits. New Year in China is a strictly family holiday, and every Chinese strives to spend it with their relatives. On the evening of the last day of the year, each family as a whole gathers in the living room for a gala dinner. During this dinner, which was held under the sign of the unity of the clan, and above all the unity of its living and departed members, its participants eat dishes that are first presented to the spirits of their ancestors. At the same time, family members get the opportunity to forgive each other old grievances. After the end of the meal, no one went to bed so as not to miss their future happiness. Night vigils on New Year's were called "to protect the year". NEW YEAR IN JAPAN
In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. The custom of seeing off the Old Year is a must, including organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. At the beginning of the new year, the Japanese start laughing. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. It is customary to visit the temple on the first New Year's Eve. In the temples 108 bells are beaten off. With each blow, as the Japanese believe, everything bad goes away, which should not be repeated in the New Year. To keep evil spirits out, the Japanese hang bundles of straw in front of their homes, which they believe brings happiness. In houses, rice cakes are placed in a prominent place, on top of which tangerines are placed, symbolizing happiness, health and longevity. In Japan, the European tree is decorated with exotic plants growing on the islands. NEW YEAR IN INDIA
The traditional New Year, which is celebrated on January 1, is far from being the starting point of the new calendar year for all countries. Hindus, for example, celebrate this holiday more than four times a year - this is their national feature ... India is one of the countries in which many cultures and subcultures intersect. Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists live there, but, nevertheless, the bulk of the population professes the ancient religion of Hinduism. And their New Year, accordingly, comes according to the prescription of the Hindu calendar. This does not mean that Hindus skimp on the Islamic and Christian New Years - they are happy to take part in the celebration of these celebrations, as well as the Nativity of Christ. The traditional Indian year, called Gudi Padwa, this time begins on March 26, but each year the date changes depending on the lunar calendar. The celebration of the new year lasts more than one day and is accompanied by various carnival processions, fairs and other attributes. But, since the political, economic and social spheres of the country are guided by the Christian chronology, January 1st is also not ignored. Hindus from Tamil Nadu state celebrate the beginning of the new year on April 14th, which coincides with the official coming of spring. The new calendar year comes to Andhra Pradesh only on March 26th. Residents of Kashmir begin the countdown of the new year in general from March 10, and continue to celebrate until the end of the celebrations in all states, and in West Bengal, the new year comes on April 13. Do not forget about the celebration of the New Year according to the Eastern calendar, as well as the Muslim New Year. Thus, it is safe to say that India is the most New Year's country in the world. NEW YEAR IN TURKEY Muslims are not prohibited from celebrating the New Year, but it is not recommended to decorate the Christmas tree and invite Santa Claus. This is stated in the New Year's statement of the head of Turkish Muslims. The tradition of celebrating the New Year is recognized all over the world and is a part of world culture, however Christmas is a religious holiday and has nothing to do with the New Year. Muslims should not confuse the two, and the use of Christmas symbols on New Year's Day is indicative of "religious and cultural degradation." The tradition of celebrating the New Year with a Christmas tree is common in Turkey. However, in a number of Muslim countries, the celebration of the New Year is not welcome. In particular, in Saudi Arabia, this is punishable by arrest. New Year in Australia starts on January 1st. But just at this time it is so hot there that Santa Claus and Snegurochka are delivering gifts in bathing suits. Italianson New Year's Eve old things are thrown out of the windows - flower pots, old chairs, boots fly out of the windows onto the pavement ... The more things you throw away, they say, the more wealth the New Year will bring. 
Residents British Isles both hands hold on to the old custom of Letting in New Year. In Herdfordshire, the custom of admitting the New Year is that when the clock starts striking 12, the back door of the house is opened to let the Old Year out, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year. IN Scotland before midnight on the farms a bright fire is made in the fireplace and the whole family sits around it, waiting for the clock to strike. When the clock hands are approaching 12, the owner of the house gets up and silently opens the door. He keeps it open until the clock strikes the last beat. So he lets out the old year and lets in the new one. IN Spainexpressive features of an erotic cult bears on itself one of the New Year's customs, which is observed even now in many villages of the country, although now in a humorous form: "estrechos" (in Asturias - "devotos") - the conclusion of fictitious marriages. On New Year's Eve girls and boys from all over the village draw lots - pieces of paper with the names of fellow villagers of both sexes. Guys thus get "brides", girls - "grooms". In some places, for example in the Ourense district, this procedure is performed in front of the fires at the church porch. The resulting married couples are considered to be in love until the very end of Christmas time, and behave accordingly. In Barcelona, \u200b\u200bin Madrid Until recently, on New Year's Eve, tickets were sold with the names of guests of both sexes and then they were connected in pairs at random: it turned out "grooms" and "brides" for the whole evening. The next morning, the "groom" was supposed to come to his "bride" with a visit and a gift - flowers, sweets. Sometimes young people set things up in such a way as to get their beloved girl in the "bride", and the matter ended in a real marriage. It is very likely that there are traces of an ancient, quite serious marriage custom, when marriages were contracted under the strict control of the community. In Belgium and the Netherlands ubiquitous is the "magic of the first day", the meaning of which lies in the fact that according to the behavior of a person on the first day of the New Year, they judge what he will have in the coming year. Therefore, they tried not to borrow anything on this day, put on something new, etc. In order to have abundance in the house all year, it was necessary to have an abundance of food in the New Year. New Year's Day is also a holiday for children. On this day, children wish their parents a Happy New Year and read to them pre-prepared congratulatory letters written on a special paper decorated with bright flowers and ribbons. Among the Flemings and Walloons, on New Year's Eve, the "Good Angel" or "Christ Child" walks through their homes, putting sweets under the pillow for sleeping children. Since ancient times has existed in The Netherlands and Belgium another widespread custom in other countries is the election of the king of the holiday. For this, the hostesses bake a pie in which a bean is baked. Whoever gets a piece of the bean pie becomes king for the whole holiday. The king himself chooses a queen and his retinue: a court jester, a nobleman, "Black Peter", etc. 
In Brabant and West Flanders there is another way to elect a king. 16 special so-called royal postcards (Koningsbriefs) are produced, which depict the king, his courtiers and servants: counselor, kravchiy, confessor, ambassador, singer, actor, cook, etc. Such postcards are often drawn by hand in the village. Then, those present at random take one postcard, and thus the roles of the festive evening are distributed. The king and queen, crowned with crowns of gold paper, preside over the evening. All their gestures and deeds should be repeated. Their power continues all day on January 6th, which is full of fun and jokes. 
Finnish In ancient times, the central winter month was fox. January and February were called major and minor, or the first and second months of tammikuu. The celebration of the New Year on January 1 was adopted by the Finns in the 16th century. Before that, as already mentioned, the year began after Michael's Day, gradually moved towards the end of October and at one time was celebrated, obviously, on November 1. From the time that New Year began to be celebrated on January 1, on the eve of it and on the first day, the features characteristic of such a date passed. On the eve they began to guess. The casting of tin into water, which came from the west, also spread. They cast a figurine for each member of the family and the last one for the spirit of the earth, to find out if he would patronize the house. In the water from under the casting, girls moistened their scarves and put them under their heads, hoping to see their betrothed in a dream. In addition, they looked in the mirror, which supposedly would help to see the groom's face, predict in the coming year: the upcoming marriage, the time of death, etc. In Bulgaria traditionally celebrate the New Year at home. Before the start of the holiday, the youngest in the house stands near the Christmas tree and sings carols to the guests. In gratitude, kind uncles and aunts give him gifts. The most interesting thing begins with the 12th strike of the clock. At this time, the lights go out for a moment in the houses for New Year's kisses. Only after that the hostess begins to cut the cake with the surprises baked in it. If you get a coin, wait for wealth, a sprig of a rose for love. The same surprise cake tradition is common in Romania and Australia. In Austria the modern custom of gifts and greetings for the New Year was widespread in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. It is now customary to give figurines or send postcards with traditional symbols of happiness; these are considered to be a chimney sweep, a four-leaf clover, a pig. Dinner on December 31 should be plentiful so that you can live well in the New Year. Jellied pig or pork was an obligatory meat dish. It was believed that in order to be happy, one must eat a piece of a head or a pork snout; it was called "participating in pig happiness" (Saugluck teilhaftig werden). In Switzerland (and in the aforementioned Austria) people dress up to celebrate St. Sylvester's Day. This holiday is based on the legend that Pope Sylvester (314) caught a terrible sea monster. It was believed that in the 1000th year, this monster will break free and destroy the world. To everyone's joy, this did not happen. Since then, in Austria and Switzerland, this story is remembered on the New Year. People dress up in masquerade costumes and call themselves Sylvesterclaves. New Year - uy ev (uj ev) - in Hungary does not matter as much as Christmas, although some Christmas rites and beliefs were observed at this time. For example, beliefs related to the magic of the first day were very widespread, among them superstitions associated with the first visitor played a significant role. According to a widespread belief, the woman who entered the house first on this day brings misfortune. Therefore, a boy is often sent to the house of relatives under some pretext, after visiting which the house is no longer afraid of a woman's visit. Many magical actions were taken in order to be healthy and rich in the New Year. So, in other localities, when washing in the morning, instead of washing, they rub their hands with coins so that they are not transferred in their hands all year round. 
In Yugoslavia on New Year's Eve, they wondered a lot: the weather in a particular month was determined by the 12 salted onion slices (Croats, Slovenes). In some regions of Slovenia, ten different objects were laid out on the table: among them were a pine twig (happiness), a ring (wedding), a doll (family growth), money (wealth), etc., which were covered with a fur hat. Each fortuneteller had to pull out the object three times, and if he came across the same one all the time, this meant that within a year an event would occur in his life associated with the symbolism of this object. Muslims use the lunar calendar, so the Muslim New Year's date shifts 11 days forward every year. In Iran(a Muslim country that used to be called Persia) New Year is celebrated on March 21. A few weeks before the New Year, people plant wheat or barley grains in a small dish. By the New Year, the grains sprout, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and a new year of life. Hindus depending on the place of residence, they celebrate the New Year in different ways. The people of northern India adorn themselves with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. In southern India, mothers place sweets, flowers, small gifts on a special tray. On the morning of the new year, children should wait with their eyes closed until they are brought to the tray. In central India, orange flags are hung on buildings. In western India, New Years are celebrated at the end of October. Small lights are lit on the rooftops. On New Years, the Hindus think of the goddess of wealth Lakshmi. New Year in Burmastarts on April 1st, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people heartily pour water on each other. There is a New Year's water festival - Tinjan. In October, New Year comes to Indonesia ... All people dress up and ask each other for forgiveness for the troubles they caused in the past year. The Jewish New Year is called Rosh Hashanah... This is a holy time when people think about their sins and promise to atone for them next year with good deeds. Children are given new clothes. People bake bread and eat fruit. In vietnam New Year is called "tet". He is met between January 21 and February 19. The exact date of the holiday changes from year to year. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Years this god goes to heaven to tell there how each of the family members spent the outgoing year. Once upon a time, the Vietnamese believed that the god swims on the back of a carp fish. Nowadays, on New Year's Eve, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp, and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home in the New Year will bring good luck or bad luck in the coming year. In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. To keep evil spirits out, the Japanese hang bundles of straw in front of their homes, which they believe brings happiness. At the beginning of the new year, the Japanese start laughing. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in the coming year. Chinese New Year is celebrated between January 17th and February 19th., during the new moon. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. Thousands of lanterns are lit during processions to light the way on New Years. The Chinese believe that the new year is surrounded by evil spirits. Therefore, they scare them away with firecrackers and firecrackers. Sometimes the Chinese stick paper over windows and doors to keep out evil spirits. Greece New Year - this is the day of St. Basil. Saint Basil was known for his kindness, and Greek children leave their boots by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill them with gifts. 
