New Year is one of the few holidays that is celebrated with the same enthusiasm all over the world. However, in each country this happens in a special way. Sometimes interesting traditions come across, sometimes very familiar, and sometimes more unexpected. Today we will talk about them.
England. Meeting the New Year here is associated with home comfort and hospitality. The British believe that the first guest brings happiness for the next 365 days. Or misfortune. If a person enters first and brings a traditional gift, good luck for the whole year is guaranteed.
Denmark. On the thresholds of houses you can see a bunch of broken dishes. People usually break plates on their friends' doors. Old dishes are not thrown away, but stored specifically for this. It is believed that whoever has more broken plates at the door has more friends. There is also a tradition of jumping off chairs at midnight. So they "jump" into the new year.
China. The Chinese always paint their front doors with red paint, symbolizing happiness and good luck. On this day, all knives are hidden - so that no one cuts themselves, because this way you can “cut off” luck for the whole family for the whole next year.
Brazil . Prosperity and wealth in the country is symbolized by lentils. Theme traditional dishes of the New Year's table are prepared from legumes or with the addition of legumes. The clergy dress in white and blue clothes and perform a ceremony in honor of the goddess of water. And in Rio de Janeiro, a boat with candles, flowers and symbolic values is launched into the water, into the ocean. For health, happiness, prosperity.
Austria. No celebration is complete without roast pig and mint ice cream for dessert. Some local version of Olivier and tangerines.
Belgium. New Year's Eve is called Saint Sylvester's Evening. The celebration takes place mainly in the family circle, where everyone exchanges gifts and wishes.
Egypt. Here they believe that the real New Year comes only when the new moon is visible in the sky. New Year's atmosphere is very festive and cheerful.
Greece. The Greeks revere St. Basil, one of the founders of the Greek Church. They bake bread with coins inside. Whoever comes across this - because to carry the whole year.
Wales. At midnight, when the clock starts to strike, the front doors open and close for a second. So the old year and misfortune are let out of the house. As the clock strikes for the last time, the door is opened again, this time letting in the New Year and all the good things.
Japan. It is also a family holiday for the Japanese, starting with decorating the house and inviting happiness and good luck. They do spring cleaning, repay all debts, fulfill all broken promises. New Year is associated not only with a Christmas tree. Not even a Christmas tree, to be exact. Traditional plants in New Year's compositions are pine branch (for long life), bamboo (abundance) and plum blossom (nobility). And if there are bells in the house, then you need to ring every 108 times to get rid of all 108 misfortunes.
Philippines. All round objects bring good luck. Therefore, one must eat grapes, have at least a few coins in one's pocket, wear dresses with polka dots, and the like. Then the next year will be full of happiness and prosperity. It is also customary to make noise here - the New Year should be celebrated as loudly as possible in order to scare away all evil spirits.
Spain. You need to eat 12 grapes for each blow of the chimes. One for happiness, luck and luck for each month. The tradition, which originated in Spain, subsequently spread to the countries of Latin America.
Puerto Rico. A bucket of water can pour out of the window on you. Don't be scared. It's just the Puerto Ricans cleaning the house and the street of all the bad things that happened last year.
Chile. Mass is held on New Year's Eve and people visit deceased relatives in the cemetery. Often the New Year is celebrated there.
Italy. Perhaps you will not even be surprised that cheerful Italians celebrate the New Year for three days in a row. Houses are decorated with greenery and lights, and gifts are chosen very carefully. And sometimes at midnight, hateful objects fly out of the windows, which have no place in the next year.
USA. The kiss at midnight is traditional; and if you are standing under the mistletoe, you must also kiss the one who is standing nearby.
Ecuador. At midnight, Ecuadorians burn an effigy of the old year. It can have a different look - from an ordinary garden scarecrow to a whole monument with photographs of famous actors, singers, politicians and everyone associated with the year that is passing.
In Mexico, Argentina and Peru be sure to wear colored underwear, besides, you must remember that each color symbolizes something, and choose accordingly.
And, of course, Ukraine . We have many New Year's traditions, but everyone believes in one thing: how you celebrate the New Year, so you will spend it. So let your New Year's Eve be unforgettable!
Luzin Artem Valerievich
I wanted to know how the New Year is celebrated in different countries, to find out where the tradition of celebrating the New Year came from and why this holiday is celebrated at different times of the year. I was curious to know if Russian traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar to the traditions of other nations, and I described the most interesting ones in my work.
The traditions of the New Year holiday are different for all peoples. But for everyone - this is fun, jokes, fireworks, Santa Claus, gifts, this is a cleansing from everything bad and the expectation of well-being, happiness. In my opinion, not only the feeling of the New Year's holiday, but also the preservation of New Year's traditions bring happiness and peace to people in every home. People pass on New Year traditions from generation to generation, and we must know them, observe them and, when we grow up, pass them on to others.
Download:
Preview:
How is New Year celebrated in different countries?
From cognitive literature, I learned that the custom of celebrating the New Year's holiday originated in the 4th millennium BC. on the banks of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. In the famous state of Babylon, a cuneiform tablet was found, which tells about this. And then the New Year began to be celebrated in other countries. I was curious to know if the Russian traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar to the traditions of other peoples, and I described the most interesting ones in my work.
Australia . Australians celebrate the New Year on January 1st. .. on the beaches, at this time there is a 30-degree heat, and Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden distribute gifts in bathing suits. The main festive events are fireworks, the first illuminates the sky at 9 pm, and the second at midnight.
America. In America, Santa Claus brings gifts to children on Christmas night, December 25th. The whole country participates in the New Year celebration. There are noisy, colorful street balls and processions. At midnight, people congratulate each other, hug, kiss, car drivers honk. Rattles, whistles, horns are heard everywhere. In New York, in the last 10 seconds of the outgoing year, a huge illuminated apple is lowered down the spire. At this time, crowds of people begin to congratulate each other.
New Year's table is very rich. Mandatory dishes are peas, beans with black spots - they bring good luck and wealth, Hoppin John rice dish and a large birthday cake.
Africa. They learned about the tradition of celebrating the New Year's Eve from Europeans. African Santa Claus lives on the highest mountain of the mainland, Kilimanjaro, where the snow lies. When the holiday time comes, the kind old man dresses up in his red fur coat, picks up a huge bag of gifts and goes down the mountain to the people.
The Bavenda tribe lives in South Africa. They consider the python to be the guardian of the tribe. On New Year's Eve, girls of 13 years old dedicate a dance to him. They line up in a chain, hold each other by the elbows and wriggle, imitating the movements of a snake, dancing to the sound of tympanums.
Brazil. The coming year is celebrated with cannon shots. At this moment, people begin to kiss, they believe that if you have time to kiss a person, the year will be happy. The streets of the cities are festively decorated, small bells and flowers are hung on poles. And in Rio de Janeiro at midnight, thousands of people dressed all in white head to the sea: candles are placed in the sand, flowers are thrown into the sea, since the bay in which the city lies is opened by the Portuguese on New Year's Eve.
Germany. The custom of decorating the Christmas tree was born in Germany. In the last week of November, Christmas markets open in almost all cities. Christmas decorations, gingerbread, roasted chestnuts are on sale. They bake houses from ginger dough and populate them with little animals made from prunes and raisins. As soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, people jump on chairs, tables, armchairs, and with the last blows together, with joyful greetings, jump into the New Year.
Italy. In Italy, gifts are not given on New Year's Eve: all gifts were given at Christmas. But they also have their own traditions. There must be 2 dishes on the festive table - lentils and boiled sausage. It is also mandatory to eat dried grapes in bunches at the New Year's table - a symbol of health and longevity. In Italy, on New Year's Eve, it is allowed to shout loudly to celebrate the New Year with an open heart. Not so long ago in Italy there was a tradition before the New Year to throw unnecessary things out of the windows, even furniture. But now it is not observed, because people have become thrifty, they do not buy a lot of things for the future. Yes, and it is dangerous to throw out the window, because there are people, cars.
Italian Santa Claus is good-natured, cheerful, ruddy, with a luxurious white beard. And soon after him comes the "grandmother Morozikh" - Befana with gifts that she leaves in a stocking. For naughty children, she leaves a coal, a pinch of ash or a rod. It's a shame, but they deserve it!
Israel. The Jewish New Year is celebrated in autumn and is called Rosh Hashanah. Everyone wants to enter the New Year with pure thoughts and a soul free from sins. To do this, believers come to the seashore with the words of the prayer “You will plunge all our sins into the abyss of the sea” and carefully shake out their pockets so that there are no crumbs.
Usually acquaintances and strangers greet each other with the words “May this year be kind and sweet!”. Traditional dishes of the New Year's table are apples, honey, round challah. But the main treat is a fish head, so that each person is a head, not a tail.
China. The Chinese celebrate the New Year twice. One is on January 1, the other is on the day of the Chinese lunar calendar. This is the day between January 23rd and February 19th. For the holiday, it is customary to give amulets and talismans, for example, a rake, with which you can "rake" a lot of happiness.
In the family, everything begins with the expulsion of spirits - the cleansing of the house. All furniture is moved, garbage is thrown out the door. On the night of December 24, it is the time of the god of the hearth, a farewell dinner of sweet dishes is arranged for him, after which he rises to heaven and tells sweet speeches about the household to the highest deity.
Before the New Year, much attention is paid to the front door. They install a special screen so that evil spirits cannot enter the house.
The New Year is not complete without deafening firecrackers, rockets, explosions. Everyone jokes, sings, but watch their speech. Not a single word about misfortune should not be uttered so as not to call it into the house.
On the first day of the New Home, everyone is at home, especially the hostess does not go anywhere, otherwise happiness can slip out after her.
Turkey. In Muslim countries, the New Year - Navruz (Nevruz) falls on March 21 - the day of the vernal equinox and literally means "New Day".
This holiday is not celebrated at night, but on a bright day. At a solemn moment, all family members should be at home, sitting at a table set according to tradition. The rum of dishes must contain seven items starting with the letter “s”: greens of sprouted grains (saben), rue (sepand), apples (sib), garlic (syr), vinegar (serke), wild olive (sinjid), thyme ( satar).
In the countryside, on the first day of Nevruz, a solemn ceremony of laying the first furrow is performed, after which sowing begins.
Japan. In Japanese, the New Year is called "Segatsu" - "true month, the first month of the year.
It has long been customary to decorate a home with specially grown dwarf plants (bonsai). Purple-leaved cabbage heads are often found among New Year's decorations. They are also included in bouquets in combination with plum branches. Preparing for the New Year, the Japanese make kites, bright lanterns, paint them with hieroglyphs of wishes.
Until now, decorations play a special role - amulets from dark and impure forces - shimekazari. This is a straw bundle, to which strips of paper, tangerines, coals, and dried fish are hung.
In the evening the whole family gathers for dinner. This evening they serve thin noodles made from buckwheat flour - soba. The longer the soba, the longer the prosperity in that house will last.
On this special day, the Japanese dress up in kimono and have elaborate hairdos, even the men. On New Year's Eve, the bronze bells of Buddhist temples beat off 108 strokes, believing that they expel 108 worries that darken a person's life. Also, before the celebration of the New Year, the Japanese buy pictures depicting a sailboat with gods on board. On New Year's Eve, everyone dreams of seeing the desired dream - the seven gods of happiness on this ship.
The celebration of the New Year is accompanied by games and entertainment. Traditional dishes are prepared for the New Year's table: rice cookies - a symbol of abundance, a dish of peas for health, carp, a symbol of strength, candied slices of seaweed - wishes of happiness, caviar - wishes for having many children.
The exchange of gifts takes place in the evening. They give a rake decorated with cranes, coins for luck, a fan, tea, dried fish wrapped in a colorful wrapper. Parents give their children a coin in a special envelope as a symbol of happiness and prosperity. Celebrate the New Year in Japan for 7 days. At the end of the celebration, colorful parades of fire brigades are held in the cities, and then all New Year's decorations are burned.
Conclusion
I was very interested in the research topic, but it is difficult to tell about many countries in one work, so I described, in my opinion, the most interesting New Year traditions and made a coloring book with New Year pictures according to the traditions of different countries.
I learned that the tradition of celebrating the New Year came to us from Babylon in the 4th millennium BC, and then the holiday began to be celebrated in other countries. I realized that initially the holidays arose as agricultural rites that helped the peasants turn to nature with a prayer for protection and help. After the end of the holiday, the earthly world seemed to them renewed, and the person himself - purified, wise.
For every nation, the New Year did not always begin in winter, but also in spring, autumn, which is associated with the awakening of nature.
The traditions of the New Year holiday are different for all peoples. But for everyone - this is fun, jokes, fireworks, Santa Claus, gifts, this is a cleansing from everything bad and the expectation of well-being, happiness. In my opinion, not only the feeling of the New Year's holiday, but also the preservation of New Year's traditions bring happiness and peace to people in every home. People pass on New Year traditions from generation to generation, and we must know them, observe them and, when we grow up, pass them on to others.
Bibliography:
1. Big book of holidays of the peoples of the world. M., Eksmo, 2008
2. Children's encyclopedia. No. 12, 2005.
3. Kreten N. Holidays. M., Astrel, 2002.
4. Lokalova S., A holiday as a gift. Yaroslavl, Academy of Development, 2002.
5.Lavrent'eva L.S., Smirnov Yu.I. culture of the Russian people. Customs. Rites. Folklore. S-P, Laritet, 2005.
6. Russian traditions and holidays. L. Mikheeva, M. Korotkova, M., Bustard Plus, 2007.
7. Christmas. New Year: customs, rituals, superstitions, fairy tales. Comp. L.O. Voznesenskaya. Institute of Practical Psychology. 1997.
8. Change, No. 1-2006.
9. I want to know everything. Holidays. Children's enc./E. Chekulaev. M., Astrel, 2001.
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. Further 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 Rome, this day was especially honored by the god Janus - 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 was replaced by the well-known Halloween.
New year in Russia
Our people 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, Russia began to be celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of the celebration with us is a decorated Christmas tree. On 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 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 Snegurochka.
All the children are waiting for this event for a whole 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 comes. 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. 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. It is customary to present such presents even 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 frightened of a child dressed in red.
Since then, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their dwellings on New Year's Eve 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 wealth, 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 outside 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 wealth in the coming year.
The Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and 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 consider 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. 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, 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 shoes specially prepared for this 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 flies on a broomstick at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-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 of the problems 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 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 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 certainly 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 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. The real fun begins with songs, dances, jokes.
Bulgaria
There are traditions for celebrating the New Year here. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria, this can be candied pumpkin, apples in caramel or homemade marmalade. Traditional New Year's dish - bannitsa. It is puff. 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 health 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 with songs and dances.
When the clock on the city tower strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the year, the 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, such as, for example, Cuba, are original. 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: Balthazar, 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. Here they believe that it brings happiness to a person and charges with positive energy.
Sultry 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 depicted as a beautiful woman in long blue robes with loose 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 into the ocean with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lighted 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 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 on 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 beauties in the 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
The 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 mainland that is considered the birthplace of this holiday. If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, then palm trees are often decorated here, and not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits.
In many African countries, there is a tradition of throwing green nuts through 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 on fire of 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.
All kids are looking forward to the New Year holidays, because this time is usually remembered by the abundance of various sweets and amazing gifts. Of course, for kids this part of the holiday is the main one, but do not forget that Grandfather Frost brings gifts not only to obedient children, but also to those who know the history of the New Year. Therefore, it is better for us to prepare in advance for the holiday and still get acquainted with the history of the New Year in our country. We will also get acquainted with the most interesting and unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year from other peoples, and perhaps we will borrow several rituals from them. We are used to celebrating the New Year on the night when the last month of the year ends, although earlier everything was somewhat different.
By the way, in some countries of the world, the New Year celebration falls on a different month of a completely different time of the year.
So, let's find out how and when we celebrated the New Year some time ago. The history of the new year is interesting for both children and adults. In addition, we will get acquainted with some interesting facts about New Year celebrations in other countries.
History of the New Year - for children and adults
The holiday was March 1st. Imagine celebrating the New Year without snow, gloomy skies and severe frost? Of course, our March most often resembles January, but, nevertheless, not everyone would like the spring New Year.
It is unlikely that people used to think about the nuances of the celebration, because they had completely different concerns at that time. Well, for us, the lack of New Year's mood may seem like a real tragedy.
Why did March become the starting point of the new year? But the fact is that it was in this month that people were already actively engaged in preparing for the sowing of fields, because their comfortable existence directly depended on the harvest.
Therefore, they tried their best to meet the next year so that it would bring them a rich harvest. By the way, the lighting of garlands in this magical time originated from that time. After all, among the Slavs, lighting fires meant that this year the harvest should be rich.
New Year September 1st. But, already with the adoption of Christianity, everything changed, and the New Year began to be celebrated on September 1, when most of the harvest had already been harvested.
It was in such a season that people could arrange a real holiday with an abundance of delicious dishes.
Holiday New Year January 1. But since 1700, Peter l gave a decree that said that the countdown of the new year would begin on January 1, as in other European countries.
It was at this time that a tradition appeared to decorate an ordinary spruce with various decorations that help it transform into a real New Year's tree.
Since then, people have begun to celebrate the New Year according to all the traditions that we have long been accustomed to.
Pompous celebrations were held, accompanied by fireworks and costumed festivities.
New Year is a holiday story for children. Traditions of different countries
The New Year traditions of some countries may seem somewhat “wild” to us, although they are familiar to their inhabitants.
Perhaps some of our customs may cause some surprise, but this does not mean that they should not be respected, right?
Let's take a look at how people are used to celebrating this amazing night in different countries. It is interesting that absolutely identical traditions do not exist, even in neighboring countries.
We will talk about how the New Year is celebrated in different countries, we will consider only the most interesting examples of celebrations that will definitely surprise you with their unusualness.
1. England
Exactly at midnight, the British open the doors to the backyard so that all the bad things that happened in the past year leave this house.
So, they not only say goodbye to past troubles, but also see off all the good things that happened this year. Such a ceremony is carried out with the onset of midnight.
But before the clock shows one minute of the new year, you need to have time to open the front door. That's right, they seem to invite the New Year not only to their home, but also to their lives.
In addition to the New Year tree, the British decorate their homes with mistletoe sprigs, which are placed above the doorway. A rather tricky move, because those two who find themselves under such a plant will have to kiss.
2. Hungary
Interestingly, the Hungarians most often call the New Year's holiday "Sylvester", and this is due to the fact that the beginning of the celebration falls on the evening of December 31st. It is this day that the Hungarians consider Sylvester's Day.
Everyone prepares for such a holiday in their own way, but, in the first seconds of the new year, everyone, as one, begins to blow various whistles and pipes.
Thus, people simultaneously drive out evil spirits from their own homes, and invite joy into the house, with the help of sounds emanating from a festive klaxon.
3. Germany
A minute before the clock strikes "New Year", everyone sitting at the festive table climbs into their chairs and waits for midnight.
With the first chime of the clock, everyone standing on the chairs jumps off them at one moment, as if moving into the new year. Imagine how much noise there will be in a house where many children live.
4. Italy
Well, the Italians even celebrate the New Year in their classic style. Everyone has heard about Italian quarrels, the consequences of which are tons of broken dishes, so they are definitely not going to change their traditions on New Year's Eve.
People are throwing the same broken dishes out of the windows that have accumulated over the past year. But besides this, old furniture and clothes are thrown out of the window.
But even such unnecessary things need to be seen off correctly, therefore, crackers and confetti fly after them.
Such a rite may seem somewhat wasteful, but the Italians are not at all worried about this.
They are not afraid to get rid of the old, because a new purchase always brings a lot of joy.
Well, children, instead of the usual Santa Claus, are waiting for the sorceress Befana. According to legend, she arrives on her broom only once a year, on New Year's Eve, and gives children gifts that they have been dreaming of all year.
Children, along with their parents, hang small shoes on the fireplace that evening for the sorceress to fill them with gifts.
5. Spain
This people has its own bizarre traditions, one of which is eating grapes. Moreover, the Spaniards eat it only in a certain amount, which is equal to the number 12. Thus, they salute each of the months of the next year.
6. Scandinavia
This people probably broke all records in the category of the most unusual New Year's traditions. After all, not everyone will grunt on New Year's Eve, right? And their custom just implies grunting, and they do it under the table.
The Scandinavians are sure that in this way you can easily drive away all the troubles from your family. In general, not such a bad way, and most importantly - fun.
7. China
Have you seen Chinese lanterns at least once in your life? Yes, of course they saw, because they are considered almost the most striking symbol of modern China. So, the New Year, just, is considered the festival of lanterns.
It is interesting that this holiday is celebrated every time in different ways, or rather, its date changes. That is, absolutely any date can be the starting point of the new year.
But, do not think that the numbers are chosen randomly, they are not at all. In terms of holidays, the Chinese always follow the calendar.
Let's move on to the celebration. It consists in lighting the very orange lanterns that we associate with this country.
But, their main purpose is not at all aesthetic. People believe that only such flashlights are able to drive away all evil spirits.
8. Japan
On New Year's Eve, Japanese children dress up in new clothes, which should bring prosperity to the family. In addition, there is a special task for children.
We are used to writing a letter to Santa Claus, in which the secret of the greatest children's desire will be revealed.
But the kids of this people depict their dream on a blank sheet of paper using paints or pencils. It is believed that this is how it can be achieved.
9. India
Surprisingly, in India, the New Year is celebrated as many as eight times. Imagine, we don’t always survive even one night, but there we have to responsibly meet the same year all eight nights a year.
By the way, on one of these celebrations, they have to eat leaves of the neem-neem tree, which are not very tasty, to say the least.
It tastes quite bitter, but people have to do it, because their faith is much stronger. They believe that the foliage of this tree will help maintain health, and also help to cope with any troubles.
10. Bulgaria
But in this country, people are accustomed to celebrating the coming year at home, in general, just like in our country. This holiday is considered a family holiday, so only the closest people are present at the festive table.
The youngest child is solemnly placed on a stool near the Christmas tree, and the baby happily sings New Year's carols. He wishes well-being to all present, for which they give the baby gifts.
11. Cuba
The Cubans have one interesting custom, which is to fill all the vessels with water. And exactly at midnight, all the water pours out of the windows. In this way, people see off the outgoing year.
12. France
The kids find their gifts left by Per-Noel, not under the tree, as we are used to, but in small shoes. They are hung right on the fireplace or left near it.
A bean is hidden in the birthday cake that is baked every year. The one who finds it will be called the "bean king", which means that all the wishes of the king will have to be fulfilled this very minute. But such a small piece of power goes to the winner only for one night.
13. Sweden
Every year, the children pre-select their Queen Lucie, who will be dressed in a white robe (she is the queen of light, after all).
Her main task is to distribute all the gifts intended only for obedient children. In addition, she does not bypass pets.
What is Santa Claus called in other countries?
We are accustomed to calling such a character “Frost”, probably only for our fierce winters.
Our grandfather is dressed in a warm red coat that will keep him warm in the January frosts. He has a long gray beard, and on his head is a red hat in the season of a fur coat.
Every child knows Santa Claus, and looks forward to seeing him every year. But he usually comes not alone, but with his assistant - the Snow Maiden, who helps him distribute gifts to all obedient kids.
Here, for example, in Western European countries, as well as in America, they used to call such a festive character Santa Claus.
He, for the most part, looks like our Santa Claus, because he also wears a red suit, decorated with white fur.
Only Santa Claus has a cap on his head, instead of a hat. In addition, he has a heavier build.
And here in Sweden there are two such New Year symbols. The first grandfather was called Yultomten, and the second was named Yulnissaar. Both characters take part in the process of giving New Year's gifts, which they leave on the windowsills in the children's rooms.
Finland she was most remembered for her "Santa Claus", who received the name Joulupukki. He is also wearing a red suit, which is complemented by a cone-shaped red hat. His assistants can be called gnomes, who are dressed in colorful costumes.
France also could not stop at one character, so they also have two Santa Clauses. One gives children gifts that they have long dreamed of, and he brings them in a wicker basket. The other plays the role of a negative character, who, every now and then, punishes naughty children.
in Italy the role of Santa Claus is played by the fairy Befana, who flies into the house on a broomstick through the chimney. She leaves gifts only for obedient children, but for those who did not behave very well this year, she leaves only ashes.
It does not matter exactly how to celebrate the New Year, and most importantly, that all relatives are nearby, and wishes come true at the click of a finger.
And, of course, gifts should correspond to the desire of every child who has been waiting for this magical night all year. And it doesn't matter who brings the gift - Santa Claus or a fairy, because in any case, it will be delivered to the child.
I hope the story of the New Year for children will be interesting and informative. Remember, the most important thing is to believe in a fairy tale, regardless of age. And don't forget to believe in miracles, because only your faith fuels them.
New Year's Eve is undoubtedly the favorite holiday of children. Each kid is waiting for something magical from this holiday, decorates the Christmas tree with joy and looks forward to the arrival of the main magician - Santa Claus. Have you ever wondered - what is the history of this fabulous holiday? Today I propose to plunge into the past and study a little the history of the celebration of this solemn day. Certainly, every child will be interested to learn the traditions and customs of the inhabitants of past centuries. And besides, such an entertaining story will also expand the horizons of the baby.
The history of the new year for preschool children is always more interesting, fabulous, covered in secrets. Children listen with bated breath. After all, this is a favorite holiday for children. Santa Claus, Christmas tree, gifts, it's so exciting and reverent.
The story of the new year for children in Russia
The most unexpected fact of the celebration of the New Year in Russia is that this day was not always celebrated on the first of January, as we all used to think.
For a rather long period, the beginning of the year was celebrated on March 1st. Such a reckoning began in 988, when Prince Vladimir adopted Christianity in Russia.
The first day of spring was chosen for the beginning of the year not by chance, because it was from that day that work began in the fields, and the earth came to life again after wintering.
Already in those distant times, people dressed up Christmas trees and lit lights on them. It was believed that the more shining lights on the tree, the more fruitful the coming year would be. The lights, of course, were not at all what we see them now.
Our ancestors used candles for festive lighting, which were installed in glass containers.
By the way, not only spruce acted as a New Year's tree, it could be any other tree. And they decorated it with sweets, nuts or fruits.
A little later, a tradition appeared to celebrate the New Year in September, and March 1 remained the beginning of the year according to the church calendar.
In this regard, there was some confusion with the celebration, so the Russian Tsar issued a decree to postpone the holiday to September 1.
The New Year was celebrated mainly in city squares, near churches and temples. In the morning, the king went out to the people and distributed alms. On this day, every person had the right to turn to the king with their petitions and problems.
Each family laid tables for the New Year with an abundance of delicious dishes. Especially popular were pies, often baked from pea flour.
Fish, meat, berries were used as fillings. Pancakes and pancakes were also baked to the table. From drinks, the ancient Slavs preferred to prepare berry jelly.
Adults prepared alcoholic drinks in advance, based on berries, fruits and yeast. Of the vegetables on the festive tables, radishes and turnips were usually present, both in salads and cut into pieces.
The meat of ducks or geese was also cooked, they were baked on coals. The Slavs decorated the huts with spruce branches.
In 1699, Peter the Great issued a decree abolishing the celebration of the New Year on September 1. Since that time, the holiday was officially postponed to January 1.
Peter the Great was very fond of European traditions, so he tried to make life in Russia appropriate.
Since that time, the New Year has become a cheerful and noisy holiday, the king even built the first fireworks rocket.
In addition, it was customary to shoot guns and cannons to all residents to make the holiday seem even more grandiose.
They began to celebrate the beginning of the year until the very morning, singing songs and exchanging prepared gifts.
But everyone's favorite wizard appeared later. More precisely, he was before, but in a different guise. It was just a fairy-tale character who had incredible generosity. The New Year's hero was extremely kind and brought gifts to each kid.
But the usual clothes - a red coat, a staff and a long beard, the wizard received only by the middle of the 19th century, in other matters, like the modern name - Santa Claus.
And a little later, he also had an assistant - the granddaughter of the Snow Maiden.
An interesting fact is that the New Year's wizard is a fantasy not only of the Russian people. Each country has such a good companion of the holiday, only in each of the countries it has its own name.
History of the New Year in other countries
Now consider how the New Year is celebrated in other countries.
Japan
In Japan, the familiar Santa Claus is called Oji-san. And the New Year's holiday itself lasts almost a month, starting from December 25th.
Residents decorate their houses with spruce branches or olive branches. It is believed that this promises wealth in the coming year.
Before the holiday, the Japanese visit temples and treat each other with rice cakes. Moreover, the color of these cakes should be pink or white, since these colors, according to the inhabitants of Japan, bring happiness and good luck in their endeavors.
China
The Chinese magician is called Sho-Hin, and the festival itself falls in February. The holiday is very noisy, with the use of all kinds of firecrackers, firecrackers and fireworks.
The Chinese are sure that the more they have fun and make noise on New Year's Eve, the more they will frighten evil spirits and drive them away as far as possible.
Thailand
But in hot Thailand, the beginning of the year falls on April 13th. To attract good luck, Thais pour water over the Buddha Statues with jasmine or pink flower petals.
However, not only the Statues get it, every resident who finds himself on the street on a holiday falls under the festive shower.
By tradition, the inhabitants of this country prepare a lot of water pistols and various spray devices in advance in order to congratulate acquaintances and strangers they meet in such an unusual way.
Greece
On the eve of the holiday, residents spend funny carols, and then go to the festive table. As an obligatory treat in every home, there is a sweet berry pie, a piece of which is left for St. Basil.
Another interesting tradition is the throwing of a pomegranate by the head of the family. The bottom line is that when falling, the pomegranate shatters into many grains, and the more grains scatter, the more successful the coming year will be.
Turkey
In Turkey, New Year falls on January 1st. Residents decorate Christmas trees in advance, decorate their homes with lights. On a rich festive table, there is always a stuffed turkey, fresh fruits, and various sweets.
Children consider St. Nicholas to be the main Magician, to whom they write letters in advance with wishes for gifts.
Germany
Germany, like Russia, celebrates the holiday on January 1st. However, the table is a little poorer than it is customary to set in Russia.
The main dish of the New Year's table is baked carp. The Germans also like to decorate the table with fresh fruit, champagne, punches, sweet pies or cakes.
But gifts in this country are not given at the beginning of the year, and if they are, they are purely symbolic - in the form of postcards or magnets with the symbol of the coming year.
The thing is that a week before that, Germany celebrates Christmas. And this holiday is celebrated more, so residents exchange gifts on December 25th.
Switzerland
Residents of Switzerland celebrate the New Year on the night of December 31 to January 1. Everything around in this country becomes bright and festive.
Streets, shop windows, houses and yards are decorated. In each city, street fairs begin to operate, where you can buy various souvenirs, Christmas tree decorations and handicrafts.
In the center of the fair, a green forest beauty flaunts in lights.
The holiday usually begins with a family feast. Fondue, homemade cookies, various types of cheeses are usually prepared from goodies.
And from drinks, the Swiss especially respect hot chocolate or champagne.
Despite such different traditions and even dates for celebrating the New Year, each of us is looking forward to the holiday. It's so nice, at least for a moment, but still to return to childhood and believe in magic a little ...
Presentation on the theme of the New Year. The history of the holiday - video
How the New Year is celebrated in different countries, history and traditions - all about beauty and health
Removal, processing and disposal of waste from 1 to 5 hazard class
We work with all regions of Russia. Valid license. Full set of closing documents. Individual approach to the client and flexible pricing policy.
Using this form, you can leave a request for the provision of services, request a commercial offer or get a free consultation from our specialists.
2017 has been declared the Year of the Environment in Russia. The President of the Russian Federation signed the order, which has already entered into force.
Putin's order affects several spheres of life and involves a comprehensive fight against the acute problems that exist in the field of ecology.
Presidential Decree: Highlights
President Putin's decree on the Year of Ecology 2017 was signed on January 5 last, 2016, and entered into force at the same time. The Chairman of the Environmental Committee is Sergey Ivanov, and his duties include approval of participants, development of specific activities, as well as control over the execution of tasks at different levels of government and in individual regions.
The main goals set for 2017 of the year of ecology in the Russian Federation:
- Protection of existing and endangered ecosystems.
- Attracting the attention of all citizens of the state to topical environmental problems.
- Preservation of the diversity of biospecies, including rare and endangered ones.
The plan and tasks should cover 2 areas: ecology in the global sense and optimization of existing systems of reserves.
An interesting fact: in 2015, Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin signed a decree that in Russia 2017 should become the Year of Specially Protected Natural Areas. The activities carried out within its framework should help draw attention to the problems of preserving the unique heritage of nature. Why did 2017 get this status? It was dedicated to the anniversary of the creation of the very first Barguzinsky Reserve in the state, which will be one hundred years old.
Planned events
Putin declared 2017 the year of ecology and outlined several main areas of activity. The activities to be carried out should cover different areas:
- Improvement of the current legislation. It is planned to implement changes in the laws related to the sphere of ecology, developed earlier. Global changes will affect such areas as the land, forest and water codes of the country, some decisions of specific entities that directly relate to the environment.
- Since 2017 has been declared the year of ecology and is dedicated to specially protected areas of nature, the state plans to create seven national parks, two nature reserves of federal significance, and two nature reserves. In addition, two already existing large and important natural areas will be expanded.
- The Year of Ecology in Russia will directly affect the protection of water resources. There should be many objects under protection, the largest of which is the unique Lake Baikal.
- The decree of the Russian president affected the protection and protection of the animal world. It is planned to continue the reintroduction of some rare species into the natural environment, for example, the Przewalski's horse, the European bison. The publication of the next volume of the Red Book is coming.
- Important aspects should be the conservation and restoration of forest resources. According to the given plans, it is required to restore about eight hundred hectares of forests in different parts of the state.
- Putin noted the need to switch to the best and most accessible technologies. Numerous environmental measures will be carried out, and the emission of waste into the atmosphere during the year should be reduced by 70 thousand tons.
- Another intended goal is the optimization of waste management. It is planned to recultivate more than twenty large waste landfills, open new sorting and processing complexes, and introduce a system for the collection and disposal of hazardous waste throughout the state.
- Education of society in the field of ecology. All citizens of Russia should be clearly aware of the relevance and consequences of existing problems, and the developed regional programs will help in this, covering the analysis and study of the most pressing issues. The list of events includes various festivals and gatherings, competitions and conferences, forums, exhibitions and promotions, round tables. Vigorous activity should be carried out in educational institutions and health camps. In addition, all events will have to be covered in detail in the media. The environmental education program should reach all sections of society of all ages.
The ecological crisis is becoming a real threat to all mankind. And in order to avoid it and save nature, you need to reconsider your attitude to the use of resources and life on the planet. The year of environmental protection is the best time to start acting comprehensively and together.
