Traditions of celebrating the New Year around the world

2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:55

New Year is perhaps the most desired and beloved holiday for all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.

It is also noteworthy that in every state the New Year is celebrated at its own time. Many nations, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Taking into account standard time, the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean are the first to start celebrating here. But in Europe, Christmas is considered the main holiday, 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 between January 21 and February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Next, we will talk about them.

New Year - a holiday from ancient times

How old this holiday is, no one can say for sure now. But it is known that it existed already in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days in ancient Romeon this day, the god Janus was especially honored - the lord 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, their traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world existed many centuries ago. Then people firmly 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 afraid. They brought with them hail, blizzards, 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 being erased at that time. A horde of wickedness descends on the earth. In Samhain it was necessary to burn bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirit will not dare to come out. 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 most kind, cheerful, bright. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia it began to be celebrated since 1700. Then Tsar Peter 1 issued a corresponding decree. True, our country then lived according to the Julian calendar. Since 1919, the New Year in Russia has been celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of the celebration with us is a decorated New Year tree. On the evening of December 31, all relatives and friends in many families gather to spend the oldyear and welcome 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 good Santa Claus comes to the children. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver coat with patterns, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, shaggy eyebrows whitened from frost, rosy cheeks … Who does not recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand, and a large bag of gifts behind his back. Sometimes he is accompanied by his granddaughter, the beautiful Snow Maiden.

All the kids are waiting for this event for a whole year, sending letters to Santa Claus with wishes for future gifts and gifts. These are the traditions we have for celebrating the New Year. It has its own meaning for children in different countries.

China

If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with 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 the new moon comes. Celebrations here last 15 days and end with the Lantern Festival. Both adults and children participate in the activities. From the very morning, people clean their houses, because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. The streets at this time dazzle in the eyes from 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. Evenit is customary to present such presents to children and work colleagues. When it gets dark, people take to the streets to launch salutes, festive fireworks, and burn incense. Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with folk epics. China is no exception. The inhabitants of this country believe in an ancient legend about the terrible monster Nian, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the people's livestock, supplies and grain, and sometimes even children. One day, people saw how Nian was scared of a child dressed in red clothes.

Since then, on New Year's Eve, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their dwellings to scare away the beast. Festive fireworks and incense are also considered good deterrents for 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 festival of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated in late October or early November. What can be seen on the streets of Indian cities on this day? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with bright flowers, lights, lanterns and lit candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of we alth, abundance, prosperity, good luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary to give interesting gifts to everyone. Gifts for children are placed on a special tray intended for this, and then they are brought to him with their eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go out into the street,to set off 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. The sweet delicacy of mochi is loved by both children and adults. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated on top with an orange fruit. To give mochi means to wish a person prosperity and we alth in the coming year.

And the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish cake, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, sweet soybeans 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 to get together and play games: hanetsuki (the game of shuttlecock), a board game with sugoroku chips, uta-garuta and others. The streets are crowded during the holidays. 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 given not gifts, but money put in a special envelope called potibukuro.

In France and England

We are considering what traditions exist for celebrating the New Year 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 mistletoe sprigs. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. A wreath of mistletoe decorates andentrance door. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from diseases. In France, not Santa Claus comes to 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 presents for them in specially prepared shoes in front of the fireplace.

Adults on this day 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 in English, the shortest greeting sounds like this: “Happy New Year!”, Which means: “Happy New Year!”

Italy

In this country, the celebration begins on January 6th. On the eve of the holiday, children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to receive many delicious and wonderful gifts. Only it is not Santa Claus who gives them here, as we do, but a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. Children believe that she arrives 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. The one who was only naughty and mischievous for a whole goal will receive only a black ember and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult Italians don't believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is the time to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions. For example, the inhabitants of this country throw old and unnecessary things out of the house to the sound of the clock, thus getting rid ofproblems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace discarded ones will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday, people give gifts to each other. In the provinces, you may be presented with an olive sprig in water taken from a spring. It is believed that such a symbolic gift brings happiness. Lentils, nuts and grapes are always present on the table on this day in every family. In order for good 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 sorts of superstitions. For example, it is believed that if a priest meets the first on the way in the morning after New Year's Eve, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, this is also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather, who came out to the meeting, promises he alth and good luck for the whole 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 on the triumph can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only family. On the eve of it, the doors of all houses open wide. Anyone can enter any of them and join the celebration. The guest will be seated in the most honorable place, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and toasts will be made to “Peace in the world!”. Irish New Year is hard to imagine without the traditional treat here, which is called seed cake. It's a cumin cake. The local housewives also prepare a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feasteveryone 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. The real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.

Bulgaria

Here there are traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, this can be candied pumpkin, apples in caramel or homemade marmalade. The traditional New Year's dish is bannitsa. This is a puff pastry with cheese. And in Bulgaria there is a tradition to put a loaf of bread in which there is a coin on the festive table. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in their piece. After the feast, both adults and children here make dogwood sticks, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, garlic heads, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called sourworts. Everyone in the family must be hit with this item in order to bring him he alth and good luck. Sometimes they go to neighbors with suruvs to wish them all the best. And then the youth pours out into the street singing and dancing.

When the clock on the city tower strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the year, kissing lights are turned off throughout the city for three minutes. There are even competitions: who kisses the most.

In Cuba

We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday is held where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the tropical zone are original, suchlike Cuba. Here, on this day, a coniferous tree, an araucaria, or even just a palm tree, is dressed up. 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. Before 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. But he is not alone, like us. There are three of them in Cuba: B althazar, Gaspar and Melchior.

On the eve of the holiday, children write notes to them with the wishes of what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night long, Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and pour water on each other. It is believed here that this brings happiness to a person and charges with positive energy.

Hot Brazil

The life of this country has always been closely connected with the ocean. In local folklore, the goddess of the seas Iemanzha played a leading role for many centuries. It is with her that the local customs of celebrating the New Year are associated. In different countries of the world on this day, people cast magic spells and perform ritual ceremonies. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents try to appease the goddess Iemanja so that she will show favor and patience to them throughout the next year. She is portrayedlike a beautiful woman in long blue robes with flowing hair the color of moonlit silver paths. Many Brazilian women try to dress 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 waters of the ocean, making wishes. A half-hour fireworks display ends. 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 for winter holidays? We continue to consider the traditions of celebrating 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. Identity here, as a rule, takes place in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, fun dancing, fantastic fireworks, music festivals with the participation of world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Year's Eve. Santa Claus in a red hat 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, let's 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 character 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 on the beach at midnight. It is believed that after that the old year left the country forever and gave way to a new one. There is also a Santa Claus here. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red coat and hat, just like our main hero of the holiday. He only walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly funny.

Seeing him, the inhabitants of the city begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire guns into the air. He does not bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master of fireworks. It is believed that it is he who decorates the New Year's sky with colorful fireworks and lights.

New Year in Africa

Traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are interesting. Curiously, how do they celebrate the celebration in African countries? After all, it is this continentis considered the birthplace of this holiday. If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, then palm trees are often decorated here, and not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits

In many African countries, there is a tradition to scatter green nuts on the streets. It is believed that the one who 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 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 period and the beginning of the time of fruit ripening. On the eve of the main holiday of the year, old and young 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 fire to 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.