How the New Year is celebrated in different countries. How is the New Year celebrated around the world? New Year traditions of Asian countries

The Italians throw old irons out of the windows, the inhabitants of Panama whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear ... In general, there are many strange things in the world associated with the New Year!

Italy. On New Year's Eve, irons and old chairs fly out of the windows.
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to popular beliefs, on this night, the good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broomstick. She opens the door with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills children's stockings, specially hung on the fireplace, with gifts. For those who studied poorly or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.

Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year must begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows. The Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with their passion, characteristic of the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly through the window. According to signs, the vacant place will certainly be occupied by new things.

On the New Year's table, the Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.

In the Italian provinces, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, water must be brought home from the source. "If you have nothing to give to your friends," the Italians say, "give water with an olive branch." It is believed that water brings happiness.

For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or a priest, this is bad. It is also undesirable to meet with a small child, but to meet a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunately.


Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at exactly midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called "weeping widows" who mourn their "bad husbands". As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.

For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run with a suitcase or a large bag in hand around the house.

Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow on your head” in the new year, it is necessary, as soon as the clock strikes 12, to put on yellow underwear.

If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the linen should be red.

Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens.


Sweden. New Year - a festival of light
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 to children and treats to pets: a cat - cream, a dog - a sugar bone, a donkey - carrots. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in the houses, the streets are brightly lit.


SOUTH AFRICA. Police close quarters to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows

In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the quarters traditionally celebrate the New Year, throwing out various items from their windows - from bottles to large-sized furniture.

The South African police have already closed the Hillbrow quarter to traffic and appealed to residents of the area with a request not to throw refrigerators out of windows in new year's eve. According to a police spokesman, in connection with the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.

"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw things like refrigerators out of windows and not to fire guns into the air," South African police spokesman Krybn Nedu said.

On New Year's Eve, this quarter will be patrolled by about 100 police officers.


England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, it is customary to play performances for children on the plots of old English fairy tales on New Year's Eve. Lord Chaos leads a merry carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.

It was in England that the custom arose to exchange greeting cards for the New Year. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.

Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.

The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little before midnight and does it in a "whisper" - the blanket with which he is wrapped up prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But exactly at twelve bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.

At these moments, lovers, in order not to part next year, should kiss under the mistletoe branch, which is considered a magic tree.

In English houses, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.

In the British Isles, the custom of "letting in the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.

Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street
In Scotland, the New Year's holiday is called "Hogmany". On the streets, the holiday is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to the custom, barrels of tar are set on fire on New Year's Eve and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.

The Scots believe that the success or failure in the family for the whole next year depends on who enters their house first in the new year. Great luck, in their opinion, brings a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.

Special traditional dishes are prepared for the New Year: oatmeal cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, are usually served for breakfast, boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough for lunch.

Guests should certainly bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors swing wide open to let the old one out and let in the New Year.


Ireland. Honored puddings
Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas, to help Joseph and Mary, if they are looking for shelter.

Irish women bake a special seed cake treat for each member of the family. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany.


Nepal. New Year's Eve at sunrise
In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, the Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, hands, chests with an unusual pattern, and then they dance and sing songs in the streets.


France. The main thing is to hug a barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Pere Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked in the New Year's cake receives the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.

Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good owner-winemaker should certainly clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink for the future harvest.


Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday Christmas is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the house, leaving a large basket with gifts for the delight of the children.

New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at a table bursting with various dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.


Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Eve. Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.


Israel. Eat sweet food and refrain from bitter
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishri (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.

New Year's Eve is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday, they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hope for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet food and refrain from bitter. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlih prayer.


Japan. Best gift- a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under the pillow a picture depicting a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.

Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes adorn northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.

108 chimes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to an old belief, each ringing "kills" one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that's for them and the Japanese bell tolls.

In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And in order for happiness to come to the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with sprigs of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo represents fidelity, and plum represents love of life.

The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is prosperity, carp is strength, beans are health. Every family prepares New Year's treat mochi - koloboks, cakes, buns made from rice flour.

In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses to the street - to meet the sunrise. With the first rays, they congratulate each other and give gifts.

In the houses they put branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's mochibana tree.

Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Favorite New Year's entertainment girls - a game of shuttlecock, and the boys on the days of the holiday launch a traditional kite.

The most popular New Year's accessory is a rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them so that for the New Year there is something to rake in happiness. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various patterns and talismans.

In order to appease the Deity of the Year, which brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates of three bamboo sticks in front of the house, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy dwarf pine, bamboo sprout, and small plum or peach trees.


Labrador. Keep your turnips
In Labrador they store turnips from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, founded by the Scottish highlanders, merry songs brought over from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.


Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A merry little man, dressed in a furry coat, a high sheepskin hat, with a box behind his back, comes to the Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he always has gifts


Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland on a ship. Children joyfully meet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny jokes and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers


Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz - the Afghan New Year - falls on March 21st. This is the start time for agricultural work. The elder of the village makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.


China. You need to pour water while congratulating you
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in pure water from mountain springs. And the people themselves are poured with water at the moment when others say in their address new year wishes happiness. Therefore, on this festive day, everyone walks the streets in soaking wet clothes.

According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21st to February 20th.


Iran. Everyone shoots guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gunshots are fired. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of their constant stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with a new one.


Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather for the New Year at the festive table, and in all houses the lights go out for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.


Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: "Let the wealth of the host be heavy, like this stone." And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small pebble with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”

New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.

New Year in different countries of the world is celebrated in different ways - the traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And Santa Claus is sure to be in every country, only somewhere he is called Santa Claus, and somewhere - Joulupukki.

France: to whom goose, and to whom cakes

Many of us would like to meet and spend the New Year in Paris. But few people know that the Christmas holidays begin here on December 6 - the day of St. Nicholas. It is on this date that Per Noel - the French Santa Claus - gives gifts to obedient children. He wears wooden shoes, moves on a donkey, carries presents in a basket behind his back, and leaves them after entering the house through the chimney. According to European tradition, all gifts are placed in shoes, which the children place in advance next to the fireplace.

New Year in Paris is celebrated in a special way. The table must be richly stocked with smoked hams, salads, pastries, sweets and wine. Moreover, in different provinces of the French state, the main festive dish is different: the Burgundians prefer turkey with chestnuts, the population of Brittany prefer buckwheat cakes with sour cream, and the inhabitants of the northeast always serve goose as the main dish. But the French do not have a Christmas tree - instead, they decorate the doors of their houses with mistletoe branches.

Germany: we are waiting for Weinachtsman!

New Year in Germany is always celebrated with noise and fun. Moreover, no one sits at home - young people walk around the city, and older people go out to restaurants. The traditional dish for this holiday is baked carp, however, the Germans are very fond of modern dishes. The celebration itself is called "Sylvester" - in honor of the clergyman who died on December 31, 335. Santa Claus brings gifts to children, and the children of Berlin, Cologne, Munich receive presents from the Christmas man Weinakhtsman - he is wearing an inside-out fur coat, and in his hands is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Weinakhtsman's companion is the blond Kristkind, who looks like the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids improve and read poetry to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is held by analogy with most other countries.

UK: real English stiffness

In the United Kingdom, as in many European countries, the first and main holiday- Christmas, and only then New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large Christmas tree, which is brought from Norway. There is also a New Year's parade - the most massive folk procession. The traditions of the New Year in England involve the festive decoration of houses. Gifts for children are presented by Santa Claus, dressed in red clothes. It should be noted that the British are one of the few who continue to give each other New Year cards and simple souvenirs. An interesting local custom is to let the New Year into the house - this is done at twelve o'clock at night, when the chimes strike. It is believed that you need to open the doors and thereby move from the old frontier to the new.

Spain: Santa Claus with a flask of wine

As already mentioned, the New Year in different countries of the world has its own traditions. The Spaniards, like the British, observe all sorts of customs associated with Christmas, and New Year's Eve is an occasion to just take a walk on the street and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes strike twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of desires. Since the country is closely connected with viticulture, the New Year in Spain is also celebrated with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promises money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the "Holy Twelve Days". As for Santa Claus, he is also in this warm country, they only call him Olentzero. He wears national simple clothes and always takes with him a flask of good Spanish wine.

Czech Republic: a rich table

On January 1, this country celebrates the Day of Czech Statehood, and the night from December 31 to January 1, the Czechs, like the Germans, call "Sylvester" - in honor of the saint, whom we have already mentioned. New Year in Prague is celebrated on a grand scale, but the locals do not walk until the morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course, the old New Year's customs are already forgotten here, but there are still a number of national traditions. For example, it is customary to gather at a huge table with the whole family, while the table should be very rich. The most surprising thing is that lentils or soup with small cereals must be present on it - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It is worth coming to the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic to relax in the mountains and spend the beginning of the year as actively as possible.

Ukraine: first there was Karachun...

In this fraternal state, the New Year is celebrated in the same way as in our country. True, back in the days of Ancient Rus', Ukrainians called this celebration “Karachun”. One of the main traditions that has remained in some cities to this day is sowing on the first day of the new year. The ritual assumed that the children would sow for the future harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to divination. But the modern New Year in Ukraine is held in European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.

Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you

This country is already interesting because Santa Claus has his own residence here. The fabulous estate is located in the Belovezhskaya Pushcha itself, and therefore now you can easily get to visit it. Residents of the country are always welcomed by Zyuzya - this is the Belarusian Santa Claus, who is famous for his hospitality. New Year in Belarus is simply not possible without this fairy-tale character, personifying the cold. He treats all his guests with delicious herbal tea from a samovar and pancakes. On this holiday, it is customary in the country to dress up in interesting costumes, put on makeup and walk the streets in this form. The New Year in Belarus is not complete without festive festivities.

Finland: birthplace of Joulupukki

Finland is a magical country, people here believe in fairy tales and miracles. Probably, this is also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, so many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns love to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thus see off the old year. New Year in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.

What else attracts tourists in this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. Comes to festivities in Lapland great amount people to see the real Finnish Santa Claus, dance with him and ride reindeer. Another interesting event that takes place in Suomi in holidays, is a festival of snow and ice. It has been held for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.

New Year's Eve in Finland also involves a plentiful table, and the dishes on it are the simplest: potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread are must-have dishes.

Türkiye: New Year in Pajamas and Slippers

It must be said right away that in this country the New Year is not the brightest and main holiday of the year. Elderly people do not consider it a significant event at all, therefore they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating a Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place at the TV, as the Turks themselves say, in pajamas and slippers.

The New Year in Turkey is notable, perhaps, only for the obligatory participation of almost every family in the Milli Piyango New Year's lottery. The main prize, by the way, is a rather impressive amount of money. Nevertheless, there is Santa Claus in the country, and his name is Noel Baba. He also brings gifts to the children, but this is not so common among the locals. As for the youth, like in many countries of the world, they like to take to the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in the country's hotels that receive tourists throughout the year, festivities are organized for vacationers.

Karelia: ride Malamute and Husky

Karelia is the northern part of Russia, so the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, there are also distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times, the Karelians called the holiday "Syundum", and it lasted from Christmas until the very Epiphany. And the most magical was the first day of the new year: no things could be taken out of the house. It was also believed that the arrival of a man, especially a bearded one, would bring prosperity to the family, but women were afraid of the visit - he promised misfortune. New Year in Karelia implies great attention to the table: it should literally burst with delicious dishes. A mandatory attribute is yarn pies, which are stuffed with oatmeal or sugar and are used for divination.

Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid to eco-tourism. And beautiful landscapes, even winter ones, are worth seeing. Now a new direction is actively developing - dog sledding. To do this, you can go to the largest nursery in Russia - to the village of Kudama. Here you will be offered to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan Malamutes.

New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to touch the beauty and picturesque nature, visit local nature reserves and world-famous islands, including Valaam.

India: instead of a Christmas tree - flowers and candles

This country is distinguished by rich traditions and customs, and in each area of ​​rather big India, the New Year is celebrated in different ways. Unlike us, Indians do not put a Christmas tree in their house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, candles. Agree, it doesn’t look like Russian realities at all? The New Year itself in India is called Vishu, it is celebrated in the sign of Aries - from the end of March to April. It is noteworthy, but the celebration is rather family and even personal, so no public actions take place. True, it cannot do without traditional dances and performances.

The first day of the year is called the Cow Festival in some regions. This day is dedicated to honoring these domestic animals. On the eve of the celebration, delicacies are prepared for them. The next day is the honoring of relatives and friends, and on the third day, religious practices are held. New Year in India can be celebrated at different times. For example, Gujaratis celebrate it in autumn - in October, while all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy, but, unlike the Europeans, the inhabitants of India not only congratulate each other on the holiday, but also thank the gods for giving them the opportunity to live another year.

Thailand: Fabulous Songkran

This is another magical country that does not fit in our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, the New Year in Thailand is still celebrated on April 13th. This date was not chosen by chance. There is a legend in the country about a boy who understood the language of animals and birds. And this skill of his did not give rest to the God of fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he does not answer three questions in a week, he will be beheaded, and if he answers correctly, God himself will lose his head. In the end, the boy could not find the answers until the eagle helped him. The god of fire had to lose his head - her child put it in a bag and hid it in a cave. Now, on the first day of the year, the daughters of God carry out a basket with a head as a symbol of worship to their father.

National New Year in Thailand is called "Songkran". It is celebrated for several days - from 13 to 15 April. The essence of the Thai calendar is in twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of features. Accordingly, every year will correspond to these features. During the holiday, Thais, and especially local children, go out into the street with buckets of water and water passers-by - this is how they congratulate everyone on the New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things, it brings grace to everyone it comes across. And in Changmai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is immediately used, pouring water on those around from the moat in the city center. Historically, Songkgran is a holiday of love, respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their families. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with delicious dishes, fruits or a new cassock - this symbolizes the veneration of the clergy. Each visitor to the temple takes away a handful of sand from the territory. At home, a ritual of washing the Buddha is necessarily performed - his statue is poured with water with rose petals, jasmine, and each member of the family does this.

New Year in different countries of the world is a special holiday. It is popular among Thais to tie strings on the wrist of their guests - they symbolize happiness.

Egypt: when the Nile floods...

In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are holidays, sometimes even public holidays. The same cannot be said for Egypt. In ancient times, the beginning of the new year in this country did not fall in winter and was generally calculated based on the flood of the Nile. The first season of the year came after the ascension of the sacred star for the Egyptians Sirius. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by the desert, was a real sacred period.

The New Year in Egypt today is in many ways similar to our perception of this holiday. Accustomed to tourists from all over the world, local residents even decorate their homes, shops New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, it looks very unusual, given that it's hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put a thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend long holidays with benefit, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the Red Sea.

The most unusual traditions

• In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone is in a hurry to buy dogwood sticks - Bulgarians will hit their guests and relatives with them to wish them happiness.
• In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secret - this can be an almond or other nut. If he gets caught by an unmarried girl, she will get married, and the rest will just be happy.
• New Year in different countries of the world is most often a bright event with its own characteristics. For example, the Chinese decorate the Trees of Light with lanterns, flowers, garlands. And the Chinese Grandfather Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hung on the walls.

• The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of cake, a glass of wine and coal and go to friends or relatives. Thus, in their opinion, they will supply their friends with food, drink and warmth for the whole next year.
• On the eve of the festival, the Swedes give each other homemade candles - they play an important role, because in the dead of winter in Sweden it gets dark early, and one cannot do without light.
• In Greece, at exactly twelve o'clock at night, the head of the family must go out into the yard and smash the pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its grains scatter around the yard, the family will live this year happily.
• New Year in Ukraine, as we have already mentioned above, is accompanied by fortune-telling and dancing, and in Norway at this time, children are waiting for gifts from ... a goat. And this is no coincidence: in the Scandinavian state, the goat occupies a privileged position. According to legend, King Olaf II of Norway saved a wounded animal by lifting it off a cliff. The goat was cured, and as a sign of gratitude to her savior, she brought him medicinal plants.
• In Hungary, New Year's Eve is accompanied by a whistle, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. With this action, the Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
• In Japan, 108 tolls of the bell announce the beginning of the New Year. According to legend, each blow is the expulsion of one of the human vices with eighteen shades. In the first seconds of the new year, you should definitely laugh - this brings good luck, according to local residents. And in order for happiness to enter the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, the Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san (Mr. New Year). And the rake is considered the most popular accessory - the Japanese plan to rake happiness with it every year.

Finally

The New Year is a magical holiday, because it is no coincidence that many people believe that it will certainly bring new happiness with it. And the traditions of various countries say that local residents expect more from this celebration than just a festive mood.

Interesting traditions of the New Year.
Very soon, under the chiming clock, we will open champagne, raise our glasses and make a wish. The smell of tangerines, fireworks in the street, sparklers, the president's speech - these are the typical attributes of the Russian New Year.
And let's take a trip to other countries of the world and get to know the local traditions of the most beloved holiday of Russians.

Australia

New Year in Australia comes early. Australians are among the first in the world to welcome the onset of the New Year.
At this time, hot summer rages here, because December and January are the summer months. All sorts of free shows and concerts are organized here. In Sydney at midnight, one of the largest fireworks in the world is launched in Sydney Harbor.


And exactly at midnight, all parties are interrupted and people are buzzing, whistling, ringing bells. So welcome to the New Year.

On New Year's Eve, the good Fairy Befana arrives on a magic broomstick. She opens the door with a small golden key and fills her socks with presents. For those who studied poorly or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
In Italy, it is believed that the New Year must begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows - irons, chairs.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale.

Sweden.


In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the queen of light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, a crown with lit candles is put on her head. Lucia brings gifts to children and treats to pets: a cat - cream, a dog - a sugar bone, a donkey - carrots. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in the houses, the streets are brightly lit.

England.


In England, Santa Claus is called Santa Claus. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to act out performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Chaos leads a merry carnival procession, in which fairy tale characters take part: the March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell announces the coming of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little before midnight and does it in a "whisper" - the blanket with which he is wrapped up prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But exactly at twelve bells are undressed, and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.

Vietnam.


In Vietnam, the New Year is celebrated between January 21 and February 19, when early spring comes here. Instead of a Christmas tree, tangerine trees, apricot and peach branches are decorated here. Branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children look forward to midnight when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.
New Year is considered family holiday, and is always celebrated in the family circle. Children are the first to congratulate the older generation, and parents, in turn, give money to children in bags. Banknotes and coins must be new.
Before the new year, it is customary to collect rich gifts for the Buddha and bring them to the temple. Various entertainment events take place on the streets for three days, which end with a bright, magnificent dragon procession at night.
With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make fires in parks, gardens or on the streets, several families gather around the fires. Special delicacies from rice are prepared on coals.
On this night, all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. On New Year's Eve, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp and then release it into a river or pond.

France.


French Santa Claus - Pere Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked in the New Year's cake receives the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.

Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus


In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the house, leaving a large basket with gifts for the delight of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at the table. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and guess by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.

Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey


In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Eve. Before going to bed, the children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and they put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.

Cuba.


Water is poured out of the windows.
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called the Day of the Kings. On the eve, the children write letters to them, in which they talk about their cherished desires.
Cubans on New Year's Eve fill all the dishes that are in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. So all the inhabitants of the island of Freedom wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you for all twelve months.

China


Back in the late 80s, the Chinese custom came to us to associate the arrival of the New Year with one of the animals of the Eastern calendar. A little later, traditional European figurines of Santa Claus and deer appeared, Russians began to decorate their houses with Christmas wreaths, and since the beginning of the 21st century, it has become customary to launch fireworks.
In China, the New Year tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in pure water from mountain springs. And the people themselves pour water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes of happiness to them. Therefore, on this festive day, everyone walks the streets in soaking wet clothes.
According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year each time varies from January 21st to February 20th.

Japan


The Japanese used to celebrate the New Year in Chinese lunar calendar. But since the 19th century, they began to celebrate according to the generally accepted Gregorian chronology.
Preparations for the holiday are long and thorough.
In Japan, there is a tradition greeting card". Such congratulations must be sent to all friends and acquaintances. At the same time, if a Japanese has ever written a postcard, he is obliged to do it every year. Also in primary school Japanese children are taught the craft of signing postcards. Wishes are written 2-3 weeks before the New Year, but they are always dated January 1. Postmen try to deliver the postcard on the 1st.

I wish you all a happy new year!

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 meet 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 preparing for sowing fields, because their comfortable existence directly depended on the harvest.

Therefore, they tried their best to meet next year to 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 for themselves real holiday with an abundance of delicious food.

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 the tradition of dressing up an ordinary spruce appeared. various decorations that help her transform into a real Christmas 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

New Year traditions some countries may seem somewhat "wild" to us, although for their inhabitants they are familiar.

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 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.

New Year's story for children preschool age 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 Rus' 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 Rus'.

The first day of spring was chosen for the beginning of the year not by chance, because it was from this 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.

Incidentally, as christmas tree not only spruce, 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 Rus' 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.

According to tradition, the inhabitants of this country prepare in advance a mass of water pistols and various spray devices in order to in an unusual way congratulate acquaintances and strangers met people.

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.

Türkiye

In Turkey, New Year falls on January 1st. Residents decorate Christmas trees in advance, decorate their homes with lights. on the rich festive table always present stuffed turkey, fresh fruit, 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 love to decorate the table. 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. Street fairs are starting to operate in every city, where you can buy various souvenirs, Christmas decorations and handmade items.

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

19.12.2018 , 09:52 6240

Glasses of champagne, basins of Russian salad and herring under a fur coat, the president's speech on TV... Tired of celebrating the New Year the old fashioned way? Then, perhaps, it is worth borrowing interesting traditions from residents of other countries.

Sweden

In the homeland of Carlson, on the eve of the holiday, the kids must choose the queen of light, Lucia. She is dressed in a snow-white outfit, her head is crowned with a diadem with lighted candles. The queen gives gifts to children, and various goodies to pets: sour cream for a cat, a bone for a dog, carrots for a donkey. On New Year's Eve, the streets are illuminated with colorful illuminations.

Colombia

In Colombia, during the New Year's carnival, the outgoing year is celebrated. He walks on huge stilts and amuses children with funny stories. The local fabulous grandfather is Papa Pasquale. He masterfully organizes fireworks.

On the eve of the holiday, a puppet parade is held on the streets of the capital: hundreds of jesters, witches and other fairy-tale heroes, fixed on the roofs of cars, walk along the streets of the most ancient district of Bogota - Candelaria, saying goodbye to the inhabitants.

Nepal

In Nepal, the holiday is celebrated at dawn. At night, during the full moon period, locals make fires and throw their old things there. Tomorrow starts a bright action - the Festival of Colors. People paint the body with interesting drawings, then sing and dance in the streets.

Hungary

In Hungary, in the first second of the new year they whistle. Interestingly, they do this not with the help of fingers, but using children's whistles, horns, pipes.

According to legend, these tools drive away evil spirits from housing, calling for happiness and prosperity. When preparing for the holiday, the Hungarians also take into account the miraculous power of dishes: legumes support fortitude, apples give love and youth, garlic protects against diseases, nuts protect against misfortune, and honey sweetens life.

Iran

In Iran, the New Year holiday is celebrated on March 22 at 00:00. From the first second gunshots are heard. People hold silver coins as a symbol of the inseparable stay in their native land for the next 12 months. On the first day of the coming year, old clay utensils are broken in the house and replaced with new ones.

South Africa

In Johannesburg, there is a custom to welcome the coming year by throwing all kinds of objects out of the windows - from bottles to large furniture.

South African police have already blocked the Hillbrow quarter, appealing to local residents with a convincing request not to throw refrigerators out of windows. Because of this peculiar New Year's tradition, the quarter is recognized as the most dangerous in the city.

Ecuador

In Ecuador, at 00:00, dolls are burned at the stake to the "widow's cry". Usually, the representatives of the stronger sex disguise themselves as widows, putting on dresses, pulling wigs and making bright makeup.

Those who want to spend the whole year on exciting trips should run around the house with a suitcase in their hands during the chiming clock. From the outside it must look pretty hilarious!

Thirsty for wealth at midnight, you need to pull on yellow shorts. And if you are more interested in success on the personal front, they put on red underwear.

In order to leave all the sorrows in the outgoing year, the locals throw a glass of water into the street: together with it, all sorrows scatter into thousands of small fragments.

France

Local Santa Claus with a typical French name Pere Noel puts gifts in children's shoes on New Year's Eve. The lucky one who gets a piece of the festive bean pie is given the title of "bean king", and on New Year's Eve everyone must follow his orders.

Santons are placed near the festive tree - figurines made of wood or clay. The owner always clinks glasses with a wine barrel, congratulating her on the holiday and drinking to a bountiful harvest.

Thailand

The Thai New Year symbolizes the change of year according to the ancient Indian calendar and the arrival of the rainy season. The locals dine Buddhist monks holiday meals. A bath with rose and jasmine petals is performed over the Buddha statue. It is unlikely that anyone will be able to get out of the water these days: the Thais douse everyone they meet with water from basins, hoses and water pistols, while smearing them with talc and white clay. So they are cleansed, updated and get rid of the accumulated negative emotions.

Panama

In Panama at 00:00 something unimaginable begins: bell ringing, the howl of sirens, the rumble of cars. The locals scream heart-rendingly and knock on everything that comes to hand. Noise exceeding all conceivable and unimaginable decibels is produced to appease the coming year.

New Year's traditions in different countries are amazingly diverse. If there is a desire to implement one of them, the main thing is to remember about security and the peculiarities of the national mentality.