New Year in different countries of the world. How the New Year is celebrated in different countries

New Year is celebrated differently in different countries of the world - traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And there is always a Father Frost in every country, only in some places he is called Santa Claus, and in others - Joulupukki.

France: goose for some, scones for others

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

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

Germany: We are waiting for Weihnachtsman!

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, but the Germans also really love 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 children in Berlin, Cologne, and Munich receive presents from the Christmas man Vainachtsman - he is wearing an inverted fur coat, and in his hands there is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Vainakhtsman's companion is the blond Christkind, who looks like the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids correct themselves and read poetry to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is celebrated in a similar way to most other countries.

Great Britain: true English stiffness

In the United Kingdom, as in many European countries, the first and main holiday is Christmas, and only then the New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large New Year tree, which is brought from Norway, is placed in Trafalgar Square. The New Year's parade, the largest public procession, also takes place here. New Year's traditions in England involve 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's 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. For the Spaniards, like the English, all sorts of customs are associated with Christmas, and celebrating the New Year is a reason to just walk outside and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes are striking twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of wishes. Since the country is closely connected with viticulture, the New Year in Spain is celebrated with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promise money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the “Sacred Twelve Days”. As for Santa Claus, he exists in this warm country, but they call him Olentzero. He wears simple national clothes and always takes with him a flask of good Spanish wine.

Czech Republic: rich table

On January 1, this country celebrates Czech Statehood Day, and the night from December 31 to January 1 is called “Sylvester” by the Czechs, like the Germans, in honor of the saint we have already mentioned. New Year is celebrated in Prague on a grand scale, but local residents do not party until the morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course, ancient New Year's customs have already been forgotten here, but a number of national traditions still exist. For example, it is customary for the whole family to gather around a huge table, and the table should be very rich. The most surprising thing is that it must contain lentils or soup with small grains - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It’s 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 suggested that the children would sow for the future harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to fortune telling. But the modern New Year in Ukraine takes place in European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.

Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you

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

Finland: the birthplace of Joulupukki

Finland is a magical country; people here believe in fairy tales and miracles. This is probably also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, which is why many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns like to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thereby say goodbye to the old year. New Year in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.

What else attracts tourists to this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. A huge number of people come to Lapland for folk festivals to see the real Finnish Santa Claus, dance with him and ride reindeer. Another interesting event that takes place in Suomi during the holidays is the Snow and Ice Festival. It has been carried out for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.

New Year in Finland also involves a hearty table, and the food on it is the simplest: potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread are obligatory 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 most important holiday of the year. Elderly people do not consider it a significant event at all, so they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating the Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place in front of 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 New Year's Milli Piyango 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 local residents. As for young people, like in many countries of the world, they love to go out into the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in hotels in the country that welcome tourists throughout the year, festivities are organized for vacationers.

Karelia: ride malamutes and huskies

Karelia is the northern part of Russia, therefore the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, they also have their own distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times, Karelians called the holiday “Sunduma”, and it lasted from Christmas until Epiphany. And the most magical was the first day of the new year: you couldn’t take any things 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 - it promised misfortune. The New Year in Karelia requires a lot of attention to the table: it should literally be bursting with delicious dishes. A mandatory attribute is yarn pies, which are filled with oatmeal or sugar and are used for fortune telling.

Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid here to ecotourism. And the beautiful landscapes, even in winter, 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 invited to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan malamutes.

New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to experience 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 region of rather large India, the New Year is celebrated differently. Unlike us, Indians do not put up a Christmas tree in their house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, and 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 late March to April. It is noteworthy that the celebration is rather family and even personal, so no public events take place. True, it cannot be done 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 about honoring relatives and friends, and on the third day religious practices are carried out. New Year in India can be celebrated at different times. For example, Gujarati people celebrate it in the fall - in October, and all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy that, unlike Europeans, Indians 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 with our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, New Year is still celebrated in Thailand, 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 gave no rest to the God of Fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he did not answer three questions in a week, he would be beheaded, and if he answered correctly, God himself would be beheaded. As a result, the boy could not find the answers until the eagle helped him. The God of Fire had to lose his head - the 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 their heads as a symbol of worship to their father.

The national New Year in Thailand is called "Songkran". It is celebrated for several days - from April 13 to 15. The essence of the Thai calendar is twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of traits. 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 pour water on passers-by - this is how they wish everyone a Happy New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things; it brings grace to everyone it touches. And in Chiang Mai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is used, watering those around with water from the fortress moat in the city center. Historically, Songgran is a holiday of love and respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their family. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with delicious dishes, fruits or a new robe - 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 always carried out - his statue is watered with water with rose and jasmine petals, and every member of the family does this.

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

Egypt: when the Nile floods...

In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are public holidays, sometimes even public holidays. The same cannot be said about 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 Nile flood. The first season of the year began after the rise of the star Sirius, sacred to the Egyptians. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by 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 and shops with New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, this looks very unusual, considering that it is hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend a long holiday profitably, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea.

The most unusual traditions

• In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone rushes to buy dogwood sticks - Bulgarians will use them to hit their guests and relatives to wish them happiness.
• In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secretion - this can be almonds or other nuts. If he comes across to an unmarried girl, she will get married, and the rest will simply 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, and garlands. And Chinese Grandfather Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hanging on the walls.

• The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of pie, a glass of wine and a coal and go to their friends or relatives. This way, in their opinion, they will provide their friends with food, drink and warmth for the whole next year.
• On the eve of the holiday, Swedes give each other homemade candles - they play an important role, because in the depths of winter in Sweden it gets dark early, and you 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 break a pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its seeds scatter throughout the yard, the family will live happily this year.
• The New Year in Ukraine, as we have already described 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 removing it from 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 whistling, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. With this action, Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
• In Japan, the arrival of the New Year will be announced by 108 rings of the bell. According to legends, 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 - it brings good luck, according to local residents. And so that happiness enters the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san (Mr. New Year). And the most popular accessory is considered to be a rake - the Japanese plan to use it to rake their happiness every year.

In conclusion

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

How to celebrate the New Year in different countries of the world with pictures for children

Conversation for senior preschool children “Celebrating the New Year in different parts of the planet Earth”

Lyapicheva Elena Petrovna, teacher, Municipal State Preschool Educational Institution kindergarten No. 1 “Zvezdochka”, Kalach-on-Don, Volgograd region.
Description: This conversation can be used by kindergarten teachers, parents, children of primary school age, and can also be used as visual material for a moving folder.
Target: Introducing children to New Year's traditions of different nations.
Tasks: Expand children's knowledge about the traditions of festive culture, the customs of celebrating the New Year in other countries.

New Year traditions of different nations

The New Year holiday is celebrated in every country, but it is celebrated in different ways. Each nation has its own traditions and peculiarities of celebrating the New Year. Let's start our journey from European countries.

On New Year's Eve in the capital of England, Big Ben begins to ring, but first the bells are wrapped in a blanket and the ringing is heard only near the tower itself. But as soon as the clock strikes 12, the blanket is removed and the ringing of bells is heard throughout the area. With the first chime of the chimes, the British open the back doors of their houses to allow the old year to come out, and open the front doors so that the new year can enter. Therefore, New Year's Eve in England is an open day.

New Year's Eve in France is a night of fun. The French prefer to eat heavily and have fun on this night. There is a tradition according to which French housewives go to local springs and collect water. The one who comes first must leave a flour treat near him, the next one must take this treat and leave her own. This is how housewives exchange bread to make the New Year generous. In France, New Year's grandfather is called Père Noel. He is dressed all in white and for some reason is very afraid of the cold. Apparently, that’s why he leaves gifts for children near fireplaces and stoves.

The Spanish New Year is all about fun and festivities. The Spaniards do not like to sit at home on this holiday and everyone goes out to the squares of their cities. After the chimes, everyone congratulates each other. There is an interesting New Year's tradition in Spain. Young girls and boys write their names on pieces of paper and draw them out in pairs. This is how couples are formed who must pretend to be lovers throughout New Year’s Eve.

With the last strike of the clock at midnight, Italians open their windows and throw old and unnecessary things directly into the street. It is believed that the more old things you throw away, the more new things you will have.

Housewives on New Year's Eve serve rice porridge in a huge bowl. There is a small nut hidden in the porridge. If a girl finds it, it is believed that she will definitely get married next year.

Now let’s continue our journey through the countries of Asia.

On the morning of January 1, all residents of Japanese cities and villages go out to watch the sunrise. With the first rays of sunshine, the Japanese congratulate each other on the new year and exchange gifts. On New Year's Day in Japan, people eat long noodles to ensure a long life.

Mongolia

The New Year in this country coincides with the cattle breeding holiday, so it is characterized by sports competitions, tests of dexterity and courage. Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the New Year at the Christmas tree; Father Frost also comes to them, but he is dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a fox hat and looks very much like a shepherd.

Here, New Year marks the hottest time of the year, so its arrival is celebrated with a “water festival.” On the streets of cities and villages, when people meet, they pour water on each other from various containers. No one remains offended, since at the same time they wish happiness and health in the new year.

Next we will visit the New Year holidays in the countries of North and South America

In Canada, it is traditional to celebrate the New Year on the street in the company of friends and strangers. Many people gather in all the squares of the country and pop stars perform. Canadians really like to go skating on New Year's Day.

In Mexico, on New Year's Eve, a clay pot is filled with sweets, which is hung in the room, and then the assembled guests are blindfolded one by one and given a stick in their hands. The one who broke the pot will certainly be lucky in the New Year.

Argentina

On New Year's Eve, old papers, newspapers, receipts, and bills are thrown out of homes and offices. Everyone does this in order to get rid of the old and celebrate the New Year without the burden of the past.

Brazil

Brazil is always famous for its vibrant carnivals and festivals. New Year's Eve is no exception. At this time of year, the streets of Brazilian cities are filled with colorful parades and processions of local residents and visitors. Such events are always noisy and fun.

Now let's see how the New Year holidays are held on the African continent. Residents of Sudan usually celebrate the New Year near the Nile River or other bodies of water. They believe that this will bring happiness and prosperity to their home. It is a great happiness for a Sudanese to find a green nut on New Year's Eve. This promises great joy. And so that no one would be offended, they began to scatter the green nuts in advance.

In Tunisia, before the New Year, they organize a grandiose festival, the highlight of which is camel racing. Such competitions are always spectacular and arouse great interest among local residents.

Let's end our journey with a strange one, which is located alone on the mainland, namely Australia.

Australia

Australians don't like to celebrate New Year's at home. All the festivities take place in restaurants and on the beach, since at this time of year it is summer and very hot. Interestingly, Santa Claus appears in Australia. After all, in a hot country it’s impossible to wear a fur coat, so he arrives on a surfboard in only swimming trunks. But the beard remains an unchanged attribute.

Meeting New Year in different countries it is associated with traditions preserved from ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief arose - how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it. To this day, in different countries they resort to various tricks to “lure” luck, prosperity and prosperity.

Celebrating the New Year in different countries is associated with traditions that have been preserved since ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief arose - how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it. To this day, in different countries they resort to various tricks to “lure” luck, prosperity and prosperity.

So, in Austria It is believed that on New Year's Eve, in order to be happy, you need to eat a piece of pig's head or snout.

IN Hungary In the first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle through children's pipes, horns, and whistles. It is believed that they are the ones who drive away evil spirits from the home and call for joy and prosperity. When preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about the magical power of New Year's dishes: beans and peas preserve the strength of spirit and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from harm, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.

IN Germany people of all ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, climb onto chairs, tables, armchairs and, with the last blow, unanimously, with joyful greetings, “jump” into the New Year. And in the villages the medieval tradition of the bleiglessen ceremony has been preserved: there is a lead bullet that “contains the secrets of the future.” The bullet melts to a boil and is poured into a glass drop by drop. The lead solidifies again. The resulting figure will tell you what awaits you in the coming year.

IN Romania unmarried women usually go to the well, light a candle and look down. The image of the flame will paint the face of her future husband in the dark depths of the water. Those who do not risk wandering the streets at night take a branch of the basilica and place it under the pillow: the dream will show the betrothed.

IN Greece New Year is the day of St. Basil, who became famous for his extraordinary kindness. Children leave their shoes near the fireplace, hoping that the saint will fill them with gifts.

IN Italy It is customary to throw out broken dishes, old clothes and even furniture from apartments at the very last minute of the old year. Following them, firecrackers, confetti, and sparklers fly. It is believed that if you throw away an old item on New Year's Eve, you will buy a new one in the coming year. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who flies at night on a broom and enters the house through the chimney. She fills children's shoes, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts.

IN Spain There is a tradition of eating grapes on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes, one for each of the twelve coming months.

IN Scotland The New Year is celebrated with a kind of torchlight procession: barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets. Thus, the Scots “burn” the old year and light the way for the new one. The well-being of the owners depends on who is the first to enter the house on the morning of the New Year. It is believed that a dark-haired man who comes with a gift will bring happiness.

V England according to the ancient custom, when the clock begins to strike 12, the back doors of the house are opened to let out the old year, and with the last stroke they open the front doors, letting in the new year.

IN Scandinavia In the first seconds of the New Year, it is customary to grunt under the table to ward off evil spirits, illnesses and failures from the family.

IN Ancient China On New Year's Day, the only beggar's holiday of the year was declared, when anyone could enter the house and take what they needed, and if you refused, the neighbors would turn away with contempt. IN modern China New Year is a festival of lanterns. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the Lunar New Year. On New Year's Eve, countless small lanterns are lit on the streets and squares, believing that the sparks from them will drive away evil spirits. The New Year itself comes in January-February, so it is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For many centuries, the inhabitants of China, seeing off the cold and bad weather with the light of lanterns, greet the awakening of nature. Lanterns are given different shapes, decorated with bright designs and intricate ornaments. The Chinese especially like to place lanterns on the streets in the form of 12 animals, symbolizing each year of the 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar.

In Vietnam New Year according to the lunisolar calendar is called Tet. This is a family holiday, during which all quarrels are forgotten and grievances are forgiven. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. Every Vietnamese home has an ancestral altar, and paying tribute to their memory is an important part of the New Year's celebrations. New Year and January 1 are celebrated in Vietnam, it is called the “holiday of the young”.

IN Mongolia With the arrival of the first day of the New Year, a truly national celebration begins in the country. The official New Year in the country is January 1, and the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar is called “Tsagaan Sar”. According to tradition, the family says goodbye to the old year; the farewell is called “bituun”. At this moment you cannot quarrel, argue, swear and deceive, this is considered a great sin.

New Year's Eve Japan is one of the most popular holidays in the country. Japanese children celebrate the New Year wearing new clothes, believing it will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a drawing of their dream under their pillow, then their wish should come true. Pine dominates flower arrangements, symbolizing longevity and endurance. And in the morning, when the New Year has already come into its own, the Japanese go out to greet the sunrise; at the first rays they congratulate each other and present gifts. Armfuls of straw are hung on the facades of houses to protect the house from evil spirits. And the most important thing for the Japanese is to laugh in the first second of the New Year - then happiness will accompany them all year.

The main New Year's accessory is a rake (kumade), with which the Japanese will be able to rake in happiness in the New Year. They are made in sizes from 10 cm to 1.5 m and are decorated with rich paintings. To appease the Deity of the year, who brings good luck to the family, the Japanese build a kadomatsu in front of the house - a small gate made of three bamboo sticks to which pine branches are tied. Also in Japan, at exactly midnight, a bell begins to ring and strikes 108 times. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only 6 of them - greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy, but each has 18 shades.

IN India as many as eight dates are celebrated as New Year, as many cultures intersect in the country. On one of these days - Gudi Padwa - you need to eat the leaves of the neem neem tree, which taste very bitter and unpleasant. But according to the old belief, they protect a person from illnesses and troubles and, oddly enough, provide a sweet life.

IN Algeria, Bahrain, Jordan, Lebanon, Morocco, Oman, Pakistan, Sudan, Syria and Tanzania celebrate Muharram - the first month of the year of the Muslim lunar calendar. A few weeks before this date, Muslims place wheat or barley grains on a dish of water to germinate. By the beginning of the new year, sprouts appear, symbolizing the beginning of a new life.

Very soon, as the chimes strike, we will open champagne, raise our glasses and make a wish. The smell of tangerines, fireworks on the street, sparklers, the president's speech - these are the typical attributes of the Russian New Year.

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, find out how the New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world
So, let's go.

How to celebrate New Year in Australia

New Year comes early to Australia. Australians are among the first in the world to welcome the New Year.

At this time, the hot summer is raging here, because December and January are the summer months. All kinds of free shows and concerts are held here. In Sydney, one of the largest fireworks displays in the world is launched at midnight in Sydney Harbor.

And at exactly midnight, all the parties are interrupted and people honk, whistle, and ring bells. This is how you are invited to visit the New Year.

How to celebrate New Year in England

In England, it is customary to order gifts from Father Christmas (literally - Father of Christmas). In order for the letter to reach, it must be burned in the fireplace; it is the smoke that will deliver all the wishes to their intended destination.

This is the magical side of the issue, but let's not forget that the British are very scrupulous and balanced people, so real gifts are chosen with great care. As a rule, lots are drawn in the family - who will give what to whom. The cost of the gifts should be approximately the same.

Despite the fact that people all over the world have begun to write letters on paper much less often, nevertheless, in England there is still a wonderful tradition of congratulating all friends and acquaintances with Christmas and New Year cards sent by mail.

How to celebrate New Year in Burma (Myanmar)

Between April 12 and 17, on the hottest days of the year, the New Year begins in this state.
The celebration lasts three days, and the start date is announced by the government in the New Year's message.
We believe in Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, and the Burmese believe in the rain gods. To attract the attention of the gods, the inhabitants of the country organize competitions, and women and children try to make as much noise as possible.

In another way, this holiday is called the holiday of water. All residents take to the streets and pour water on each other.

How to celebrate New Year in Bulgaria

This holiday is often called Vasily’s Day; it received its name in honor of St. Basil. The New Year does not seem as significant as Christmas and is not celebrated as magnificently and cheerfully. Nevertheless, the New Year's table should be bursting with food so that the coming year will be richer.

After the New Year's feast, children, teenagers and young people make “survachki”. These are dogwood sticks decorated with red thread, heads of garlic, nuts, and coins. They should be knocked on the backs of family members in order to ensure health and well-being in the coming year.

Also on New Year's Eve, firecrackers are set off and fireworks are set off.

How to celebrate New Year in Brazil

New Year in Brazil is a summer holiday, because... At this time the weather is hot and the sun is shining brightly.
If we are accustomed to the fact that New Year is a family holiday, then in Brazil everything is exactly the opposite. It is customary to celebrate the New Year in noisy companies in clubs, bars, and on the beach.

Gifts are usually given purely symbolically, because... The time for large and significant gifts falls on Christmas. And our traditional chime has been replaced by a countdown of the seconds remaining until the new year, after which there is general rejoicing.

African pagan traditions are also found in Brazilian culture, for example, it is customary to throw white flowers and candles across the water and make wishes.

How to celebrate New Year in Vietnam

Instead of a Christmas tree, they decorate tangerine trees, apricot and peach branches. It is at this time that most fruit trees bloom, so many people associate the holiday itself with flowers and fragrance.
Traditionally, the New Year falls on floating dates between January 20 and the end of February, when flowering is in full swing. Streets and houses are decorated with flowering branches.

New Year is considered a family holiday and is always celebrated with family. Children are the first to congratulate the older generation, and parents, in turn, give their children money in bags. Banknotes and coins must be new.

Before the New Year, it is customary to collect rich gifts for 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.

How to celebrate New Year in India

There are many dates for celebrating the New Year in India. It all depends on the region. But there is an official date, it is March 22. Traditionally, the Indian New Year is a family holiday, which brings together all family members, all distant relatives.

However, Western influence is making itself felt. And more and more young people go out into the streets, singing funny songs and drinking alcohol. By the way, New Year is the official day of the year on which even police officers are allowed to drink a little alcohol.

Instead of spruce, Hindus dress up a mango tree, and decorate their houses with palm branches and garlands.

How to celebrate New Year in the USA

In America, the main attention is paid not to the gift itself, but to its packaging - boxes and boxes, a pile of multi-colored paper and various cases. After all, the pleasure lies in unwrapping the gift. By the way, most of the gifts are then joyfully returned to the store, so it is customary to give gifts with a receipt.

New Year is celebrated much more calmly than Christmas, most often in the family circle.

How to celebrate New Year in Japan

Once upon a time, the Japanese celebrated the New Year according to the Chinese lunar calendar. But from the 19th century they began to celebrate according to the generally accepted Gregorian calendar.

Preparations for the holiday take a long time and carefully.

In modern Japan, the team takes first place, so corporate events are very popular among the Japanese. Celebrating the New Year with colleagues is everyone’s responsibility.

There is also a tradition of "greeting card" in Japan. Such congratulations are necessarily sent to all friends and acquaintances. Moreover, if a Japanese person has ever written a postcard, he is obliged to do so every year. Even in elementary school, Japanese children are taught the craft of signing cards. Wishes are written 2-3 weeks before the New Year, but they are always dated January 1st. Postmen try to deliver the postcard on the 1st.

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 figures of Santa Claus and deer appeared, Russians began to decorate their houses with Christmas wreaths, and from the beginning of the 21st century it became customary to set off fireworks.

I wouldn’t be surprised if in the near future we start beating each other with “survaks” or dousing ourselves with water.

Every year, almost the whole world celebrates the New Year. Of course, each country is unique in its traditions - somewhere Christmas is more popular, somewhere New Year is more popular, and somewhere both holidays are completely prohibited.

And yet, celebrating the beginning of the year surprisingly unites people of different nationalities and ages. Both adults and children love him.

What do we know about the New Year? This collection contains 25 interesting facts about this holiday!

1. New Year celebrations have their roots in Ancient Mesopotamia. It was there back in 3000 BC. people began to celebrate the beginning of a new calendar year for the first time.
2. Since ancient times, the beginning of a new year has been associated with the seasons of the year. The Phoenicians, Egyptians and Persians began the year with the autumn equinox, and the Greeks - with the winter solstice.
3. This holiday was started by the famous Roman Julius Caesar. It was he who, in 46 BC, approved January 1 as the beginning of the year, and from that moment this date began to be celebrated in the Julian calendar.
4. Why was January chosen as the beginning of the year? The fact is that the name January comes from the name of the god Janus, who had two faces. One looked back, the other forward, he patronized choice, any endeavors and open doors.
5. Until 1753, Great Britain celebrated the beginning of the year on March 25th. Only in 1752 was it decided to move the New Year celebration to January 1, as is customary in the Gregorian calendar. For the year to start like everyone else, there were only nine months in 1752.
6. According to the Gregorian calendar, the New Year began to be celebrated on January 1 in 1582. Gradually (but not immediately) almost all countries switched to this calendar and began to celebrate the beginning of the year in January, and not in March or September as before.

1. One of the most popular traditions for the New Year is to leave all bad habits in the old year and start a new life. Millions of people around the world try to change themselves every year.
2. In Estonia, it is customary to prepare 7, 9 or 12 dishes for the holiday table. They believe that this amount of food will give them strength and luck in the coming year.
3. In Norway and Denmark, people traditionally gather around the festive table, the main dish of which is a cake called kransekake. The name literally translates as “wreath cake”, this dish is served at Christmas and New Year.
4. On January 1, the Japanese celebrate Tosigami, the deity of the New Year. Instead of chimes, bells in Buddhist temples ring 108 times to summon Toshigami, a kind of Japanese Santa Claus.
5. In Belgium, New Year's Eve is called Saint Sylvester Vooranvond. This roughly translates as “St. Sylvester’s Day.” Residents of the country throw parties with champagne on this day, and at midnight exchange wishes and letters with godparents and parents.
6. Every year, about a million people gather near the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin on the night of January 1st. This holiday is one of the largest in Europe.

1. It was in Spain and Mexico that the tradition of eating grapes during the chimes began. Residents of these countries eat 12 grapes of different varieties for good luck. This tradition is also popular in other countries.
2. The Dutch burn the Christmas tree and set off fireworks on New Year's Eve. Christmas tree bonfires signify the passing of the old year, and fireworks symbolize the beginning of a new one.
3. One of the most popular American traditions is the descent of the New Year's time ball in Times Square in New York at 23:59. Exactly one minute, just before midnight, the ball descends down the flagpole.
4. In Russia, the holiday is celebrated taking into account two calendars - Julian and Gregorian. That is why there is a small holiday, the Old New Year, which is celebrated from January 13 to 14. According to the old style (Julian calendar), this night is New Year's Eve!
5. In Colombia, Puerto Rico and Cuba, it is customary to make a stuffed man on New Year's Eve, a symbol of the outgoing year. At exactly midnight, this doll is burned, taking with it all the bad memories.
6. There are only 14 calendar options. Therefore, you can use the old calendar in other years. For example, a calendar for 2018 will also be useful in 2029, 2035, 2046, 2057 and 2063.
7. North Korea uses the Juche calendar rather than the Gregorian calendar. Its chronology begins with the year of birth of Kim Il Sung (1912). That is, now the year 108 will come in North Korea according to the Juche calendar.

1. In Australia, New Year's Eve is rich in fireworks. Every year, around 1.5 million people head to Sydney Beach to see the two biggest fireworks shows - the family one at 9.30pm and the New Year's Eve one at 12am.
2. In Italy, one of the most common traditions is to wear red underwear on New Year's Eve. This attracts good luck in the coming year.
3. In Germany, several major television channels show the same period play every year. Moreover, it was filmed in English and is called Dinner for One. This tradition began in 1972, and in the UK this comedy play is not popular at all.
4. New Year's Eve is one of the most fire-dangerous nights of the year. That is why almost all major years in the world try to organize pyrotechnic shows after the chimes. Beautiful fireworks displays from the city administration are reducing the number of private fire shows.
5. Residents of Denmark spend the whole year collecting old and unnecessary dishes. On New Year's Eve, they break all unnecessary utensils without regret. Well, the belief says that the dishes break for good luck!
6. Livestock farming is widespread in Belgium, so farmers make sure to wish their cows a Happy New Year. Quite an unusual New Year's tradition!

Every country in the world has made the New Year its own special holiday and added uniqueness to it. Different nationalities have their own