New Year In Russia it is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. Traditionally, it is customary to celebrate it with family and loved ones. Young people prefer noisy parties in clubs.
In the main squares of cities on the eve of the New Year, the fir tree is lit, near which the main events unfold winter holidays. The main Christmas tree of Russia is installed on Cathedral Square of the Kremlin. It is live and selected to strict standards. It should have a smooth trunk, without moss, lichens and hollows. The span of the branches at the base of the main coniferous beauty must be at least 9 meters and the height must be at least 30 meters. A team of designers works on decorating the Christmas tree, coming up with new ideas every year: from color range to LED garlands.
Traditions and rituals
Housewives invite guests in advance, create menus and purchase ingredients for festive meals.
A few weeks before the holiday, old, beloved New Year’s films begin to be shown on TV: “ Carnival Night"," Irony of Fate, or C light steam!”, “Sorcerers”, “Girls”. People enjoy watching these films year after year and have already sorted them out into quotes.
Russians believe in the superstition: “How you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it!” On the eve of the holiday, they try to complete all important tasks, pay off debts, and forgive grievances. People buy their holiday outfit in advance. It is believed that whoever greets the coming year in new beautiful clothes will spend it in new clothes.
Residents of Russia are sensitive to the patron saint of the Chinese (Oriental) calendar. They try to appease the owner of the coming year: they prepare decorations that suit him, put dishes on the table that should please him (bananas for the Monkey, cereal products for the Rooster, cheese for the Rat), and give symbolic souvenirs to loved ones. Russians believe that a petted animal will bring good luck and prosperity to the house.
New Year celebrations begin on the evening of December 31st. The owners of the house and their guests gather at a luxurious table and say goodbye to the outgoing year. At 00 hours and 00 minutes, as the chimes strike, they drink champagne, watch the President’s New Year’s address on television, congratulate each other and make a wish. Particularly adventurous people write down their wish on a piece of paper, which is set on fire at midnight. The ashes are placed in a glass of champagne and drunk. They believe that this ritual will lead to the fulfillment of a wish.
history of the holiday
New Year in Russia began to be celebrated on January 1 in 1700, by decree of Tsar Peter I. IN tsarist times it was celebrated for seven whole days. Noble families placed elegant coniferous trees in front of their houses, lit tar barrels and launched rockets. Cannons were fired in front of the Kremlin.
Modern traditions of celebrating the New Year originated in the USSR. He became real family holiday, with its integral attributes: the Olivier salad, the striking of the Kremlin chimes, Father Frost and the Snow Maiden. January 1st has been a public holiday since 1948. In 1993, January 2 was also declared a non-working day. Since 2005 have been installed New Year holidays from 1st to 5th. Since 2013, they have been extended until January 8.
New Year decoration
A few weeks before the holiday, Russians decorate city streets, shop windows, shopping centers and homes with garlands and New Year's compositions. Each house has a Christmas tree, which is decorated with balls and garlands. Figures of Father Frost and Snow Maiden are placed under the coniferous beauty. A popular decoration are snowflakes cut out of paper or foil. They are glued to windows in apartments, houses, offices, schools and kindergartens.
In the last decade, Russians have adopted some American and European traditions. One of them is decorating the front door with a New Year's wreath made of fir branches.
Festive table
New Year celebrations in Russia are distinguished by an abundance of dishes on the table. Housewives spend the entire day of December 31 in the kitchen preparing holiday treats. Integral dishes are the “Olivier” and “Herring under a Fur Coat” salads, meat jelly (jellied meat). Russian housewives also prepare casseroles, pies, and various desserts. On some tables there are pies with wishes, inside of which they put a sweet or salty filling and a piece of paper in foil. A pleasant wish for next year is written on paper.
Not a single New Year's table is complete without tangerines. Their smell is an integral attribute of the winter holidays.
On New Year's Eve, Russians use different alcoholic drinks, the most popular of which is champagne. Even on children's tables there is a non-alcoholic substitute for an “adult” drink. In addition to champagne, there are wines, cocktails, cognac, and vodka on the tables.
Present
In Russia, on New Year’s Day it is customary to give various gifts to friends, relatives and colleagues: from symbolic cards and souvenirs to expensive jewelry and gadgets.
Father Frost brings gifts to children with his assistant, his granddaughter Snegurochka. He rides a team with three horses and leaves sweets and toys under the Christmas tree for the children who have been obedient all year. This character's homeland is Veliky Ustyug, where his official residence is located. In the estate of Father Frost there is a post office to which children from all over the country send letters.
New Year's resorts in Russia
Russia is a huge and beautiful country where you can find holidays for every taste.
The hallmark of the New Year in the Russian Federation is Veliky Ustyug. This northern city is a holiday destination for the whole family. Children and their parents will find themselves in a winter fairy tale filled with magic and Russian hospitality. Guests are welcome here interesting entertainment, fairs and performances. Through Santa Claus Mail you can send a postcard with his autograph or personal stamp to your family and friends.
Winter St. Petersburg will appeal to young people and lovers of cultural recreation. The city will greet its guests with an atmosphere of romance and ancient palaces steeped in history. New Year's fairs, fireworks, theatrical performances, concerts, city skating rinks and snow slides will delight entertainment lovers.
Fans of winter sports will be welcomed by the ski resorts of Sochi. The snow-capped peaks of the Caucasus Mountains, mild climate and clean air will make your vacation unforgettable. Trails of different difficulty levels, safe lifts and modern hotels will pleasantly surprise vacationers.
Lovers of national color and untouched nature have plenty of places to roam. Winter tours to Karelia, Krasnoshchelye, Kamchatka, and the Kola Peninsula will give you the opportunity to experience local traditions, ride a sled with reindeer or dogs, and taste local cuisine.
The custom of celebrating the New Year originated a long time ago, in the third millennium. It originates in Mesopotamia. At the end of March, as soon as the water in the rivers rose, all work related to agriculture began. At that time, people cheerfully celebrated the onset of spring time for 12 days, accompanied by carnivals and masquerades. In these days they believed that the holy god Marduk was achieving bright victories over the forces of death and destruction. This wonderful period was symbolized by freedom, the cessation of work and all kinds of punishment. Over time, the tradition of New Year's celebration passed to all peoples of the world.
When did they start celebrating the New Year in Rus'?
In the calendar of the ancient Slavs, years were counted from"the creation of the world"which occurred 5508 years BC. The New Year began on March 1- with the beginning of spring work in the fields. In the 10th century (988), the baptism of Rus' took place, and with it came a new calendar. Now in Ancient Rus' the New Year began in the church way on March 1, and in the civil way on September 1.
In 6850 (1342), Metropolitan Theognosty abolished the March New Year, leaving only September for both the church and the laity. And on December 15, 1699, when in Rus' the year 7208 was counted from the “creation of the world,” Peter I issued a Decree that ordered “to count the New Year not from September 1, but from January 1 of this year, 1700, and as a sign of that good undertaking and of the new centenary century, in joyful congratulations to each other on the New Year, and the day after December 31, 7208 from the “creation of the world” is considered January 1, 1700 from the “Nativity of Christ”.
On the morning of January 1, 1700, Peter I himself commanded the festive procession, which ended with a thunderous salute from 200 cannons. And in the evening in the dark skyMulti-colored lights flashed. This is how Rus' celebrated the New Year “European style” for the first time - in winter.
From now on and forever, this holiday was enshrined in the Russian calendar. This is how the New Year came to us, with Christmas tree decorations, fires, fires (which Peter ordered to be organized at night from January 1 to January 7 by lighting tar barrels), creaking snow in the cold, winter children's fun: sleds, skis, skates, snowmen, Santa Claus, gifts...
It must be said that the new New Year's customs took root among the Slavs quite quickly, because previously the holiday of Christmastide was celebrated at the same time. And many old rituals: funny carnivals, mummers' pranks, sleigh rides, midnight fortune-telling and round dances around the Christmas tree fit well into the ritual of celebrating the New Year.
Traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries
In the old days they said that winter releases from under forest snags and rotten logs not only blizzards, but also evil spirits. Therefore, at this unusual time they told fortunes, performed fabulous rituals, and spoke to evil spirits.
New Year's Eve - ancient tradition, existing among all peoples of the world, because “both for the New Year and for the whole year.” That's why we tried to prepare as many treats and gifts as possible.
All peoples of the world celebrate the New Year according to their customs and traditions.
In England, in addition to the Christmas tree, the house is decorated with mistletoe branches. There are even mistletoe bouquets on lamps and chandeliers, and, according to custom, you can kiss a person standing in the middle of the room under a mistletoe bouquet.
In Italy, on New Year's Eve it is customary to get rid of old unnecessary things, and Christmas is marked by the burning of the Christmas log.
In France, Father Christmas - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. Whoever gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king", and festive night everyone obeys his orders. Wooden or clay figurines - santons - are placed near the Christmas tree.
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed up in White dress, a crown with lit candles is put on the head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey.
Happy New Year in Bulgaria. When people gather around the festive table, the lights in all houses are turned off for three minutes. These minutes are called “minutes of New Year’s kisses,” the secret of which is preserved by darkness.
In Colombia, the main hero of the New Year's carnival is considered to be the Old New Year; he walks around on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale - Colombian Santa Claus - arranges fireworks.
In Cuba, before the New Year, all jugs, buckets, basins and bowls are filled with water, and at midnight the water is poured out of the windows. So they wish the outgoing year a path as bright as water. While the clock strikes 12 times, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany a person all year.
In Mexico, the New Year is celebrated with festive fireworks, firing from rocket launchers, and the ringing of special New Year's bells. And children are given delicious gingerbread dolls at midnight.
In Japan, bells are rung 108 times on New Year's Eve. Each strike of the bell corresponds to one of the vices. There are six of them in total: greed, stupidity, anger, frivolity, indecisiveness and envy, but each vice has 18 different shades, which in total amounts to 108 rings of the bell.
In Myanmar, the New Year comes during the hottest time of the year, so its arrival is celebrated with the so-called “water festival”, when people throw water on each other when they meet. The tradition of pouring water is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.
How old is Santa Claus?
Imagine that in some countries the ancestors of Santa Claus are considered to be local gnomes singing Christmas songs, medieval wandering jugglers, and wandering sellers of children's toys.
There is an opinion that among the relatives of Father Frost is the East Slavic spirit of cold Treskun, aka Studenets, Frost. The image of Santa Claus has evolved over centuries, and each nation has contributed something of its own to its history.
However, among the elder’s ancestors there was also quite a real man. In the 4th century, Archbishop Nicholas lived in the Turkish city of Myra. According to legend, he was a very kind man. So, one day he saved three daughters of a poor family by throwing bundles of gold through the window of their house. After the death of Nicholas, he was declared a saint. However, soon after this, the church in which he was buried was robbed by Italian pirates. They stole the remains of the saint and took them to their homeland.
The parishioners of the Church of St. Nicholas were outraged. An international scandal broke out. This story caused so much noise that Nicholas became the object of veneration and worship of Christians from different countries of the world.
In the Middle Ages, the custom of giving gifts to children on St. Nicholas Day, December 19, was firmly established, because this is what the saint himself did. After the introduction of the new calendar, he began to come to the children at Christmas, and then on New Year.
The Santa Claus costume also did not appear immediately. At first he was depicted wearing a cloak. By the beginning of the 19th century, the Dutch depicted him as a slender pipe smoker, skillfully cleaning chimneys through which he threw gifts to children. At the end of the same century, he was dressed in a red fur coat trimmed with fur. In 1860, the American artist Thomas Knight decorated Santa Claus with a beard, and soon the Englishman John Tenniel created the image of a good-natured fat man.
We are all very familiar with this Santa Claus.
About celebrating Christmas
If on New Year it was customary to congratulate all acquaintances, then on Christmas visits were made only to close relatives and friends, which once again tells us about the family nature of the holiday.
Rules of decency of the late 19th century. were not allowed to avoid these visits, since it was believed that« for supporting good relations » they are simply necessary. At Christmas it was customary to give sweets or some useful things.
If you want the Christmas holiday to return again, let it into your home, into your family. Start by telling your children about the origins of the holiday and how it was celebrated in Russia in the past. Children will be interested in the Christmas Eve ritual with its lit candle on the window and unusually simple and very tasty food. The table can be decorated with original compositions of branches and candles.
At the table, after eating, you can arrange readings aloud, which children also love. To do this, it is good to choose stories and fairy tales that are called that way in literature - Christmas, Yuletide.
During the Christmas holidays, do not forget about visits to the families of your relatives and friends, about the gifts that children can receive from the beautiful Christmas tree. Be sure to include in your holiday program a walk through a winter city or park, a visit to the theater or a concert. Create your own tradition, which your children would know about from childhood, feel its warmth and respect it, and would like to continue it in their families in the future.
Classic look of Santa Claus
According to the description of ethnologist Svetlana Vasilyevna Zharnikova, the classic Santa Claus is characterized by the following features:
Shirt and pants - white, linen, decorated with white geometric patterns (symbol of purity).
Fur coat - long (ankle-length or shin-length), always red, embroidered with silver (eight-pointed stars, geese, crosses and other traditional ornaments), trimmed with swan down. Surely, many have seen a gray-haired wizard in a blue or green fur coat. If so, know that this is not Santa Claus, but one of his many “younger brothers”. If the fur coat is short (the lower leg is open) or has clearly visible buttons, this means that you are looking at a costume of Santa Claus, Père Noel or one of the other foreign analogues of Father Frost. But replacing swan down with white fur, although not desirable, is still acceptable.
A cap - red, embroidered with silver and pearls. Trim (creased), swan down (white fur) with a triangular cutout made on the front part (stylized horns). The shape of the hat is semi-oval ( round form hats are traditional for Russian tsars; just remember the headdress of Ivan the Terrible).
T long-fingered gloves and mittens - white, embroidered with silver - a symbol of the purity and holiness of everything that he gives from his hands. Three-fingered is a symbol of belonging to a higher divine principle.
Belt - white with a red ornament (symbol of the connection between ancestors and descendants).
Shoes - boots made of silver or red, embroidered with silver. The heel is slanted, small in size or completely absent. On a frosty day, Father Frost puts on white felt boots embroidered with silver. White color and silver - symbols of the moon, holiness, north, water and purity. It is by shoes that you can distinguish a real Santa Claus from a “fake” one. A more or less professional performer of the role of Santa Claus will never go out to the public in boots or black boots! As a last resort, he will try to find red dancing boots or ordinary black felt boots.
Staff - crystal or silver “like crystal”. The twisted handle is also silver-white. The staff is completed with a moon (a stylized image of the month) or a bull's head (a symbol of power, fertility and happiness). Nowadays, it is difficult to find a staff that matches these descriptions: the imagination of decorative artists and props makers has almost completely changed its outline.
Snow Maiden - this is a unique attribute of the image of Santa Claus. None of his younger or foreign brethren has such a sweet accompaniment. The image of the Snow Maiden is a symbol of frozen waters. As a rule, this is a girl dressed in white clothes. No other color is allowed in traditional symbolism. Her headdress is an eight-rayed crown embroidered with silver and pearls. Modern suit The Snow Maiden most often corresponds to the historical description. Violations of the color scheme are extremely rare, and, as a rule, are justified by the inability to make the “correct suit”.
This is such an amazing story and interesting traditions for the New Year!
New Year in Russia is loved and celebrated with pleasure and joy. This holiday is overgrown with traditions that have developed over many years. Over time, modern customs and practices emerged that are characteristic of our country. Traditions are important for every nation, because they are the connection of new generations with their ancestors, they reveal the essence of the nation, its character. Therefore, we advise all Russians to study New Year traditions in Russia.
Traditions of past centuries
They began to celebrate the New Year according to the new chronology in Russia under Peter I. By his decree, everyone was ordered to decorate their houses with branches of pine, spruce or juniper, have fun and set festive tables, but not to commit any outrages. The fluffy and elegant Christmas tree came to Russian homes in the 19th century. This event is still considered controversial, since according to some sources, the future wife of Nicholas I brought the tree in 1830, and according to others, Empress Catherine in 1855. In those days, in Russia they worshiped the culture of Germany and its traditions, and therefore they gladly accepted such wonderful custom. It was believed that spruce is a sacred tree in which a good spirit lives. In addition, the evergreen plant was a symbol of immortality, and the cones personified health and strength of spirit.
But Russian people learned how to decorate a Christmas tree beautifully from the French. They hung cookies, apples, and bright flowers made of multi-colored paper on the branches of the tree. This tradition quickly spread throughout Germany and throughout Europe.
The custom of giving each other gifts on New Year's Day has survived to this day. Only in ancient times, on these days, did young men choose a bride for themselves and try to appease her with all kinds of offerings.
Carols and fortune telling in the month of Prosinets
In the old days, January was called “Prosinets” for the clear and blue sky between the clouds. At this time, everyone monitored the weather and events to determine the future in the coming year. The girls wondered about the betrothed-mummers, for good luck. The young people had fun from the heart, caroled and collected rich gifts, congratulating the owners on the New Year and Merry Christmas. Carols are a glorious tradition New Year's holidays. This is the Slavic spirit of joy and fun. Basically, the carols sang goodness, wealth and generosity, asked for good luck and prosperity for themselves and for those to whom the carolers came. In gratitude for good wishes the owners gave money and goodies.
Everyone tried to celebrate the holiday with a pure soul and without debt. Be sure to wear new clothes, gave money, made peace with relatives and neighbors, asked each other for forgiveness.
New Year in modern Russia
Before the New Year, we are all preoccupied with preparations for the holiday - we are looking for gifts, trying to time our vacation to coincide with New Year's Day, emptying supermarket shelves, standing idle in traffic jams. And yet, with trepidation and joy, we wait for the enchanted night to meet new joy, new happiness at the festive table. Modern customs include garlands, sparkling balls, Olivier salad, surprise pies, sparklers with champagne, and making wishes during the chimes. In many houses, small garlands are hung on the windows so that they flicker welcomingly in the dark, reminiscent of the holiday. In some houses, snowflakes, Father Frost and the Snow Maiden are painted on mirrors and glass.
In cities, loving parents invite you home fairy tale characters so that they congratulate the children on the holiday and give them gifts. Someone goes abroad to celebrate the New Year on the golden sands of the beaches.
Whatever the old traditions or the new ones that have arisen, this holiday will always be in a special place for Russians. Maybe it's all about beautiful traditions? After all, belonging to a rich history fills any event with special meaning. New Year is no exception. We, too, will someday become part of the past for our descendants. Let them know only good things about our lives.
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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 the New Year on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Taking into account standard time, the first to celebrate here are the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean. But in Europe, the main holiday is considered to be Christmas, which is celebrated on the night of December 24-25. In China, the holiday coincides with the winter new moon, which occurs between January 21 and February 21. Very interesting traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Next we will talk about them.
New Year - a holiday from ancient times
No one can say for sure how old this holiday is. 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 Rome, on this day the god Janus, the lord of choice, doors and all beginnings, was especially revered. He was depicted with two faces: one was turned back ( last year), and the other - forward (new year). As now, different countries around the world have had their own traditions of celebrating the New Year 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 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 this time. A horde of evil is falling upon the earth. On Samhain it was necessary to light bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirits will not dare to come out. Later, this holiday replaced the well-known Halloween.
New year in Russia
Residents 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 dressed-up Christmas tree. On the evening of December 31st, all relatives and friends in many families gather to celebrate old year and meet a new one. Traditional dishes on the table this holiday: Olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day, kind 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, shaggy eyebrows whitened by frost, rosy cheeks... Who doesn’t 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 children wait for this event all year, sending 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 occurs. The celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children participate in the events. From the very morning, people clean their houses because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. At this time, the streets are dazzling with 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 give such gifts even to children and work colleagues. When it gets dark, people go out into the streets to set off fireworks, fireworks, and burn incense. Interesting Chinese unusual traditions New Year celebrations. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with folk epic. China is no exception. Residents of this country believe in the 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 afraid of a child dressed in red clothes.
Since then, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their homes on New Year’s Eve to scare away the beast. Festive fireworks and incense are also considered good repellers of this monster.
Vibrant India
The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world are original and mysterious. In India main holiday year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated at the end of October or beginning of 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 bright flowers, lights, lanterns and lit 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 intended for this purpose, and then they are brought to it with eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go out into the streets 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. Both children and adults adore the sweet delicacy mochi. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated with orange fruit on top. Giving mochi means wishing a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.
On this day, the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and sweet soybeans. And, of course, the New Year celebration is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition of everyone getting together and playing games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock game), board game with chips sugoroku, 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 rakes like a bear's paw), takarabune (boats with rice for good luck). As a rule, on holidays, children here, as well as in China, are given not gifts, but money placed in a special envelope called potibukuro.
In France and England
We look at 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 branches. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. They decorate with a wreath of mistletoe and front door. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from diseases. In France, it is not Father Frost who comes to children, but 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 shoes specially prepared for this in front of the fireplace.
On this day, adults dance in red caps, fool around, have fun, joke, and sprinkle confetti on each other. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries on English language the most short congratulations 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 they are given here not by Santa Claus, as with us, but by a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. The children believe that she flies in on her broom 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 spent a whole goal just being naughty and playing pranks will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult 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, residents of this country throw out old and unnecessary things from the house when the clock strikes, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace those thrown away 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 an olive sprig in water taken from a spring. It is believed that such a symbolic gift brings happiness. Every family must have lentils, nuts and grapes on the table on this day. In order for good luck to accompany you in all matters throughout the year, you must eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all sorts of omens. For example, it is believed that if a priest is the first to meet on the way on the morning after New Year's Eve, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, that’s also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather, who comes to the meeting, promises health 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 a lot in common. In English, congratulations on the occasion can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only a family one. 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 definitely be seated in the place of honor, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and toasts will be made to “World Peace!” It’s hard to imagine the Irish New Year without the traditional treat here called seed cake. This is a cumin cake. 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 stands big Christmas tree. The real fun begins with songs, dances, and jokes.
Bulgaria
There are traditions for celebrating the New Year here. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria it could be candied pumpkin, caramel apples or homemade marmalade. A traditional New Year's dish is bannitsa. This is a puff pastry. And in Bulgaria there is a tradition of putting on festive table a loaf of bread containing a coin. 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, heads of garlic, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called suruvachki. This item must be hit on everyone in the family to bring them health and good luck. Sometimes they go to their neighbors with suruvachki to wish them all the best. And then the young people pour out into the street singing and dancing.
When the clock on the city tower strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the year, the entire city turns off the kissing lights for three minutes. There are even competitions to see who can kiss the most.
In Cuba
We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday is celebrated where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba, are unique. Here on this day they decorate an araucaria coniferous tree or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluting it with orange juice, liqueur 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 good luck and peace and prosperity will accompany you all year. There is also a Santa Claus here. Only he is not alone, like with us. There are three of them in Cuba: Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior.
On the eve of the holiday, the child writes them notes with wishes about what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and throw water on each other. Here they believe that this brings happiness to a person and charges him 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, Iemanja, played a leading role in local folklore. 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 portrayed as beautiful woman in long blue robes with flowing hair the color of lunar silver paths. Many Brazilians 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 magical ritual for good luck. It consists of sending small rafts into the ocean with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lit candles. 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 We continue to look at the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Comic performances are usually staged everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. Identity here, as a rule, goes under 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 cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach... You can only see this in Australia.
At exactly midnight, city streets are filled with the sounds of car horns and the ringing of bells. This is how Australians try to ring in the New Year for their visit. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.
Colombia
To remember summer and enjoy its beauty in winter period, let's go to Colombia. There are some here interesting customs New Year celebrations. 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, who walks the streets and amuses the 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 this the old year left the country forever and gave way to the new one. There is also a Santa Claus here. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red fur coat and hat, just like ours main character holiday. Only he walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly funny.
Seeing him, the city residents begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire guns into the air. He doesn't bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who decorates the New Year's sky with multi-colored 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, this continent is considered the birthplace of this holiday. If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, palm trees are often decorated here, not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits
In many African countries, there is a tradition of scattering green nuts along 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 exceptions, for example, Ethiopia. The celebration takes place here on September 1st. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the ripening of fruits. 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, celebrations and dances around a set fire to a sheaf of palm branches, decorated with yellow flowers.
Different countries have their own traditions of celebrating the New Year. Photos, interesting facts from many parts of the planet: everything can be found in our article.
New Year's traditions are relevant every year. Everyone believes in their hearts that making wishes, certain dishes and decorations can bring good luck, happiness and prosperity.
No one can say with certainty whether this is actually so, but everyone adheres to traditions.
Among New Year's customs there are many interesting and unusual signs that our ancestors still believed in.
Each of us remembers ourselves in childhood. The New Year was a miracle and the welcome arrival of Santa Claus.
Adults already know that grandfather does not exist, but they still want their wishes to come true.
First in history to use new year traditions began Peter 1, who issued a decree about this. It was he who gave birth to the tradition of decorating everything with spruce branches.
To this day, the Christmas tree is a decoration of every New Year.
All New Year's traditions
I think many of you practice these customs because it is very exciting and interesting activity, even if deep down in our souls, we do not believe in it.
The main traditions for the New Year are:
- decorations;
- new Year gifts;
- stockings for gifts;
- festive table.
Decoration according to New Year's traditions
It is believed that the more food there is New Year's table, the richer the owners will be.
Also, if you believe New Year’s traditions, then there must be rabbit or poultry meat on the table. This way your happiness will not be able to fly away or run away.
Olivier salad is no longer considered traditional, although at other holidays all guests demand it.
For the New Year you need to prepare something unusual. So, for example, you can cook or.
They look delicious and New Year's.
On the New Year's table, modern traditions there must be tangerines.
It is not known why Russians loved them so much, but it has already become a custom.
The most important is “Soviet champagne”, which is opened when the chimes strike.
Just imagine: the smell of spruce and tangerines, the chiming of the clock and the screams of Hurray! What could be more fun!
New Year's tradition "Make a wish"
The most favorite tradition. After all, everyone believes in miracles and New Year's tale. Why not?!
We will tell you exactly how to make wishes so that they come true and what customs exist regarding exactly this.
How to make a wish for the New Year so that it comes true:
- According to New Year's tradition, you need to write a wish on a piece of paper, set it on fire and dissolve it in a glass of champagne. You need to drink it while the chimes are striking;
- Write 12 wishes on small pieces of paper and place them under your pillows. Get up in the morning and pull one of these out. The wish you made will definitely come true. If during sleep several pieces of paper fell out from under your pillow, then fate will fulfill all your wishes;
- Another New Year's tradition is making wishes for a stranger. If you are spending the New Year in the company of friends, but there is a person whom you are seeing for the first time, then after 12-00 take his hand and wish for anything;
- launch a Chinese lantern into the sky, in which you place a letter with a wish in advance;
- catch a snowflake, and if it does not melt while the chimes are striking, everything will come true (this is possible when celebrating on the street);
- light a candle and make a wish at the chime of the clock; if the candle burns to the end without going out, it will come true;
- When the clock strikes, eat 12 grapes, having time to spit out the seeds;
- at 00-00 jump up and make a wish;
- cut out and write your wish on it, you can make several of them. Then throw them off the balcony.
You can follow all the traditions, but remember, when making a wish, do not wish people harm, because the New Year is a bright and kind holiday.
New Year's signs
There are many signs, especially those related to the New Year. You can believe in them, or you can ignore them. It depends on your superstition, but if you want your wishes to come true, then follow the New Year's traditions and signs.
- break dishes (you will swear all year);
- quarrel (an unlucky year awaits);
- cook at least 10 dishes (to poverty and hunger);
- throw away leftover food from the table (drive away luck);
- do not invite guests (to lack of money).
Signs that must be followed:
- buy a new broom and tie a bow of red ribbon on it, placing it in the corner of the kitchen with the broom facing up;
- ask everyone for forgiveness;
- put a banknote in your pocket (towards money);
- hang a wreath on the door;
- leave a glass of wine and a spoon of salad for the brownie in the kitchen;
- Before guests arrive, light a church candle in each room (observe fire safety).
No less interesting signs and New Year's traditions are associated with other things.
This is how new clothes are accepted; it is believed that by doing so you attract success and money, so go shopping boldly.
It is equally important to pay and collect all monetary debts. It is believed that if the debtor has not returned the funds to you, then after New Year's Eve he will never return them.