The strangest New Year traditions. Interesting New Year traditions from different countries and peoples of the world

New Year In Russia it is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. Traditionally, it is customary to celebrate it with family and loved ones. Young people prefer noisy parties in clubs. On the eve of the New Year, in the main squares of cities, the fir tree is lit, near which the main...

The Germans celebrate the New Year, as in most countries of the world - on the night from December 31 to January 1. Unlike Slavic countries, in Germany it is not considered a family holiday. Instead of a home feast, young people prepare in advance for parties in clubs and bars. Older generation prefers...

The Spaniards, like most peoples of the world, celebrate the New Year on the night of December 31 to January 1. Unlike Christmas, New Year's Eve in this country is usually celebrated not in the family circle, but in large and noisy companies. Residents of Spain gather in the streets and squares, arrange...

New Year in the United States of America is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. This holiday is second in popularity Catholic Christmas(December 25). Unlike Christmas, which is a family celebration, most Americans celebrate New Year's Eve publicly, in the company of friends...

New Year in France is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. The French welcome him among close friends and relatives. They organize home gatherings, go to parties in clubs or restaurants, have fun, sing and dance on the streets of cities in fancy dress. With my heart...

New Year in Italy is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. It has the name "head of the year" (Capodanno), the supper of Saint Sylvester. Italians spend this holiday noisily and cheerfully, in the company of friends in clubs, restaurants or on the streets and squares of cities. On New Year's Eve...

New Year in Great Britain is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. In England, Wales and Northern Ireland it is second in popularity to Christmas. In Scotland, New Year is more loved and celebrated. In this part of the Kingdom it is called Hogmanay. Its celebration lasts for 3 whole days (from December 30 to December 1...

New Year in Finland is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. In the coldest country in Europe, an atmosphere of warmth and fun reigns during the winter holidays. The older generation and large families spend New Year's Eve at home at the festive table. Young people prefer to celebrate the New Year in...

New Year in Ukraine is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. Most people in the country celebrate this holiday with their families. Close and dear people gather at the ceremonial table, drink champagne, give each other gifts and say birthday wishes. next year. In anticipation...

New Year is celebrated twice in Kazakhstan. According to European tradition, its offensive is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1. In accordance with eastern traditions, it is celebrated on March 21-23 and is called Nauryz Meiramy. New Year January 1 Favorite place to celebrate the New Year...

New Year in Belarus is celebrated on the night from December 31 to January 1. Most residents of the country meet him in the family circle. After midnight, young people go with friends to the main squares of cities, to parties in clubs or restaurants. The older generation prefers to stay at home and watch...

New Year is celebrated twice in Turkey. According to the Gregorian calendar, the year begins on January 1. This celebration is popular in large cities in the southwest of the country and is celebrated in the style of European traditions. According to ancient Turkic custom, the New Year is celebrated on March 21, the day of spring...

India holds the record for the most New Year celebrations in a calendar year. Christians celebrate it on January 1, Muslims - on the first day of the month of Muharram (according to the Islamic calendar). Some residents of the country celebrate it at the end of October - beginning of November, on the day of Diwali....

New Year in Japan is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. The celebration takes a whole week - from December 28 to January 3. The Japanese celebrate the New Year calmly, solemnly, observing traditions and rituals. During the winter holidays, a special atmosphere reigns in the capital of the country. For...

New Year is celebrated twice in China. According to European tradition, it is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1 and is called Yuan Dan. Residents of the country celebrate it in the family circle, modestly and calmly. Since ancient times, it has been customary to celebrate the New Year in China on the second new moon after the winter...

The New Year in Brazil is traditionally celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Locals call this holiday Confraternização or Reveillon, which means “fraternization.” The participants of the celebration call each other brothers and sisters, hug and...

It’s better to plan a trip abroad for the New Year now - or not plan it at all. Bigmir)net poster has chosen the most interesting options.

Finland, Rovaniemi

Perhaps the most New Year's country in the world - this is Finland. Everything around here is covered with snow; you can ride a sleigh drawn by a couple of reindeer, ride a dog sled, or go ice fishing day and night. But the main thing here is the presence of our foreign colleague Father Frost - Santa Claus. You should definitely go to his residence. The trip will cost you 60 euros per person. And on the way back you can stop by a farm where huskies are bred. They are located near every tourist town. It costs 75 euros and you can even buy a dog if you want.
The Albiz Tour company takes you for a week for 2108 euros. Tel.: 522-9315

Czech Republic, Prague

It's only a two-hour flight from Kyiv to Prague, but you'll feel the difference as soon as you get to this incredible city, which is especially beautiful at the end of December. Everyone knows about the Charles Bridge - the most beautiful Gothic building in Europe, Golden Street and many cozy cafes for which this city is famous. But you need to go to celebrate the New Year in the Old Town Square under the chime of the astronomical clock of the 14th century, surrounded by a motley crowd from all over the world. And if you don’t want to freeze, go to the Prince’s restaurant. There, under the piano melodies of the 30s, you can watch what is happening on the square or simply admire the view of the tiled roofs of Prague. But we recommend booking a table in advance.

Vietnam, Phan Thiet

Vietnam is the complete opposite of the usual idea of ​​winter holidays. But if you want exoticism or variety, this is where you need to look. After all, the history of this country is built on continuous legends, the landscapes stun any imagination, the cuisine is unique, however, as in any Asian country, and the beauty underwater world will surprise even the most experienced diver. You can celebrate the New Year, for example, on the white beach of Phan Thiet resort. And then look at Ha Long Bay, which is on the list of the new 7 wonders of the world, Paku Cave, Quang Shi Waterfall, Lake of the Returned Sword, ancient royal palaces and temples and floating villages.
The Joinup company offers 13 nights for 4330 USD. Tel.: 303-9999

Austria, Vienna

Vienna is a small city, but it is not short on diversity. If you arrive a little earlier than December 31st, you can still catch Christmas markets, the history of which dates back to the 13th century, and buy all kinds of toys self made, eat gingerbread and drink hot mulled wine. But the New Year itself can be celebrated in any of the coffee shops or restaurants, each of which is unique in its own way and is famous for its culinary specialists and, of course, Viennese coffee. Vienna is very cozy and compact; in a few hours you can walk through snow-covered parks, admire the Gothic style in St. Stephen's Cathedral or the best examples of Baroque in local churches, imagine all the luxury of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, looking at the palaces, moving from squares to the vaults of the opera and theaters, stopping briefly to warm up at a small restaurant. Or you can stay longer and, if you’re lucky, get to one of the Viennese balls.
Teztour offers 6 nights in Vienna for approximately 1500 euros. Tel.: 392-7777

Israel, Red Sea, Dead Sea and Jerusalem

In Israel you can combine the incompatible: entertainment with pilgrimage. The plan is this: first, have a good New Year's Eve at one of the Dead Sea or Red Sea resorts, and then go to Jerusalem for Christmas to atone for your sins. Winter is the peak season on Israeli beaches; the air and sea temperatures at this time become ideal. A huge amount of entertainment, bars, clubs - for those who do not like to celebrate the New Year in a close family circle. Having thoroughly enjoyed the vibrant holidays, you can join the pilgrims and go to the holy places. Pilgrims from all over the world flock to Jerusalem for Christmas, so the atmosphere here is very special. To touch all the shrines of the ancient city, you will need to visit Jerusalem more than once, but you can see the main attractions and historical places in a few days. Well, and, of course, it would be a sin not to go to Bethlehem, the place where, according to the Gospel, Jesus Christ was born.
Joinup offers a combined tour for 2820 USD. Tel.: 490-6592

France, Paris

The only thing better than a trip to Paris is a trip to New Year's Paris. The city, beautiful at any time of the year, day or night, sparkles with lights on New Year's holidays, filled with the aroma of hot mulled wine and the smell of roasted chestnuts. But, we need to immediately prepare for the fact that there will be no snow in Paris for the New Year, rather rain, and there will not be the usual scope of celebrations. Since Christmas is considered the main holiday throughout Europe, Parisians are accustomed to celebrating the New Year quite calmly. First classic version celebrations - a procession on the Champs Elysees, champagne and fireworks under the Eiffel Tower. The second is an evening in one of the many restaurants, cabarets or bars, which, of course, offer a varied New Year's program. We have travel agencies that offer a tour to Paris with the opportunity to immediately pay for New Year's Eve at the Moulin Rouge, Lido or several other expensive and famous places. You can book an evening at less fashionable establishments yourself on the Internet.
Many people mistakenly think that visiting Paris, especially during the New Year holidays, is only for the rich. Paris is very big city with an incredible number of different hotels, restaurants, cafes for every budget.
And if you take your child with you, then this is the ideal time to visit Disneyland Paris with him, with short queues for the rides compared to summer, and a fabulous Christmas atmosphere.
A bus tour for 6 days will cost 375 USD. per person. Lucky ptv.com. Airfare and seven days of accommodation - 1565 euros. Nadra Marina Company.

United States, New York

During the Christmas holidays, New York turns into the fairy-tale village of Santa Claus. The city just shines these days. Absolutely everything, including shop windows, people’s homes, huge buildings, trees, bushes, benches, is decorated with electric garlands that flood the city with light beyond recognition. Santa Clauses, elves and New Year's reindeers walk the streets in droves, and you can even whisper your New Year's wishes into the ear of the American Santa Claus. In general, to be in New York for New Year - best way plunge headlong into an idealized festive mood.
Most often, tourists go to celebrate the New Year in Times Square. Here, everyone traditionally awaits colorful confetti, an incredible laser show, fireworks, fireworks, performances by show business stars and a cheerful multinational crowd of 50 thousand people. This pleasure will cost 350 USD, the same price as an entrance ticket to the festival in Times Square.
A trip to New York will cost about four thousand USD. Will take you

If you celebrated every New Year at the festive table with your family and relatives, then you probably at least once thought about a more interesting and new option for celebrating the New Year holidays.

We invite you to consider a list of cities in the world that will give you such a New Year's Eve that you will remember your whole life and tell your grandchildren about the adventures that these fabulous places will undoubtedly give you.

New York, USA

Many New Year's American films show us the events that take place in New York. And this is not without reason, because this metropolis becomes the village of Santa Claus on holidays. There are a lot of people walking everywhere here, dressed up as various fairy-tale characters, music is playing on the streets, beautiful illumination illuminates the Manhattan building, and all the shops are decorated with hundreds of lights.

Directly on New Year's Eve, you can go to Times Square and watch an amazing snowfall of colorful confetti, show programs of popular celebrities, a laser show, and a crystal ball that descends from a skyscraper and symbolizes the beginning of the New Year. To get to this action you will have to buy a ticket for $350. In addition, you can go to Gotham Hall, where you will pay about 200-300 dollars for admission and experience the role of Disney cartoon characters.

The best nightclubs of this city present New Year's programs for their guests. By the way, we can say that admission to the party will cost only about $130. And, of course, you can always celebrate the New Year in a chic restaurant overlooking Central Park or Manhattan.

Rome, Italy

Since Rome is the capital of the Catholic world, this status requires preparation in Rome for the New Year holidays several months in advance. St. Paul's Cathedral is a particular attraction for locals and tourists because it hosts the Christmas Mass, which is not easy to get to, but does not take away from the traditional street religious processions. During the New Year holidays, this city is famous for its various Christmas markets, where you can buy wonderful gifts for your family and friends. There are great Christmas promotions and discounts in stores at this time.

As a rule, after a family New Year's feast, city residents continue the celebration in a local restaurant or walk through the streets of Rome until the morning. In fact, we recommend going to the central squares to celebrate the New Year. A variety of music is played here: jazz, classical, rock and much more. The most popular square among city guests and local residents is called Piazza del Popolo. By the way, don’t worry about being cold outside at night – in winter in Rome the average temperature is +9 degrees Celsius.

Prague, Czech Republic

According to many tourists, Prague is interesting on any holiday and time of year. But on New Year's holidays this city acquires a special atmosphere and transforms even more. In the Czech Republic, on the eve of the New Year, another significant holiday takes place - St. Sylvester. Therefore, Czechs have several reasons to have fun at the same time. On New Year's Day, you can easily go to a restaurant and join a completely unfamiliar company.

You will spend about 100 euros per person on such fun, but there will be more than enough drinks and food. And the most desired dish on the Czech holiday table is lentils and baked carp with apples. These dishes symbolize attracting happiness in the coming year. And remember, if you serve a bird, it will quickly fly away, taking good luck with it!

There is also another unique place: Old Town Square, which is visited by a large number of people to listen to the chimes. This night brings everyone together and makes them friends, so get ready for hugs, singing and dancing. If you want a more relaxed atmosphere, then head to Wenceslas Square. And one more thing: finally, at the end of New Year’s Eve, don’t forget to touch the statue of John of Nepomnutsky and, of course, make a wish. Local residents assure that in this way it will definitely come true. Come here and you will have pleasant and fantastic memories of New Year celebrations.

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

For lovers of real summer fun and those who can't get enough sun, we recommend this option. Rio de Janeiro is a city of festivals, constant movement and carnivals. New Year's celebrations are no exception. It’s not without reason that about 700,000 tourists come here during this period, and the city authorities allocate huge amounts of funding to surprise them. Rio also hosts a carnival, which is accompanied by loud music and fireworks. The New Year tree is also in motion: it is launched into the water on a special raft amid stunning fireworks.

One of the most exciting shows in the world is the 20-minute fireworks display on Copacabana (a famous beach in South America). Come here with your family, friends and family, or even with friends, fun is guaranteed!

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

This country combines centuries-old traditions well, high level service, modernity and Arab culture. The United Arab Emirates is considered a world center of tourism and trade. And the city of Dubai itself is so beautiful that you can have a good time and celebrate holidays all year round. The velvet season here begins in December, the heat goes away and weather with pleasant temperatures below +30 degrees Celsius appears. And on New Year and Christmas, stores really surprise you with crazy discounts and great offers.

You can spend New Year's Eve in one of the many clubs or restaurants, go to a sand quarry and ski, visit the Bedouins, go to an emerald oasis, or just take a walk around festive city. And if you are a snow lover, we recommend heading to the center of Dubai, where a large indoor ski center is located at your service.

Sydney, Australia

In this country, the New Year begins earlier than in other parts of the world. This continent seems to be launching celebrations for everyone else. The surprising thing is that such a “winter” holiday takes place here in the midst of summer. The whole of Australia is replete with a large number various events: sports competitions, concerts, chants, outdoor fun.

A huge highlight is undoubtedly the largest fireworks display on the planet. It launches in Sydney Harbour. Tourists claim that such a spectacle has no equal on Earth. Therefore, no one is upset about New Year's traffic jams, noise, high prices, crowds of people who, in the amount of 1.5 million people, come to Sydney for such fireworks. Each year the fireworks show has a different theme.

Finland, Rovaniemi

Everyone knows that Finland is considered the most New Year's country in the world. Here everything around is covered with snow, you can ride a sleigh pulled by a couple of reindeer all day and night, or go winter fishing. But the main attraction is the presence of Father Frost’s colleague here – foreign Santa Claus.

We definitely recommend going to his residence. This pleasure will cost you about 60 euros per person. And when you return, take a look at the farm where they breed a lot of huskies. They are located near every tourist town. The price for this is 75 euros and if you want you can even buy yourself a dog.

Georgia, Tbilisi

Tourists fall in love with Georgia literally immediately. Everything here is amazing and unique. And most importantly, you don't need a visa. You can spend a few days unforgettably: skiing along the snow-capped peaks, picking spring primroses, sheltering from the rain in an ancient castle or monastery, having a picnic on the grass and walking along the hot sand of the Black Sea coast of Colchis.

There, even in December, you can sunbathe and pick ripe tangerines and lemons without any problems. In addition, there are hospitable, wonderful people everywhere here who will tell you about their country, treat you to delicacies in the most cozy and friendly restaurants, let you taste the best homemade wines and make a lot of efforts to make everyone feel welcome.

Vietnam, Phan Thiet

Vietnam is the complete opposite of the usual idea of ​​New Year holidays. But this option will also appeal to you if you are a lover of variety or exoticism. This is where you will find them. After all, the entire history of this amazing country is built on stories and legends, the landscapes are incredibly beautiful, the cuisine is quite unique, as in all Asian countries, and the beauty of the underwater world will take the breath away of even the most avid diver. You can celebrate the New Year at the resort of Phan Thiet on the white beach.

Austria, Vienna

Although Vienna is a small city, there is plenty of diversity here. If you come here a little earlier, you can see Christmas markets, buy all kinds of handmade toys, taste gingerbread and drink hot mulled wine. And you can celebrate the New Year itself in some coffee shop or restaurant, which are unique here and have the best chefs.

This city is very cozy and compact; in just a couple of hours you can walk through snow-covered parks, see the Gothic style of St. Stephen's Cathedral, as well as the Baroque of local churches, and just see all the luxury and grandeur of the Austro-Hungarian Empire. You can also see the palaces and warm up a little in a small restaurant. And if you stay a little, you can get to the Viennese ball, where you can dance your heart out. If you choose to stay in this country to celebrate the New Year holidays, then here you will spend some of the most unforgettable and wonderful days of your life. The atmosphere of fairy tales and magic, happiness and great fun reigns here! You need to visit such a beautiful country at least once in your life, and on New Year’s it is especially warm, cozy and colorful.

In this article, we have shown you that New Year and Christmas can be celebrated in different parts of the world and on any budget. If you choose a place to celebrate, pay attention to cities such as Nuremberg, Hong Kong, Reykjavik, Salzburg and London. At the same time, almost all cities in the world are transformed for the New Year and Christmas in different ways.

How to make your holiday in the New Year unforgettable? Of course, go somewhere abroad, to snowy Austria or the wonderful Czech Republic, and if you want dramatic changes, then you can move from winter to summer and celebrate the New Year in GOA or Bali. In general, as in any other month of vacation, the choice is huge. The choice depends entirely on the type of holiday you choose - beach or active. We tried to collect the TOP 10 holiday options in December, which are the most popular! So, let's go.

1. New Year in Prague, Czech Republic. This holiday option in December is the leader among all. If you want to find yourself in a real New Year's fairy tale, then the question of where to go on vacation in the New Year has been resolved - feel free to go to Prague!

Celebrating the New Year in Prague is a great idea! Walking along the ancient European streets, admiring the view of Prague Castle, you can feel the atmosphere of past centuries. The New Year can become wild, cheerful if you go there with a group of friends, and romantic if you celebrate the New Year in Prague together. In any case, the holiday will be unforgettable for you!

Thailand takes first place for beach holidays in December thanks to its snow-white beaches, surrounded by tropical greenery. This is an excellent option for a holiday at sea in December, suitable for those who want to relax and unwind from the hustle and bustle, which will also be greatly facilitated by sessions of traditional Thai massage. A real piece of paradise!

An ideal option for celebrating the New Year with your family! During Christmas, the Finnish streets freeze, because for residents such days are the best opportunity to spend time with their family at home , attend a church service, participate in family activities, such as doing handicrafts together Christmas decorations. And how wonderful it can be to relax outdoors, in the fresh air, enjoying picturesque landscapes ! New Year's Eve in Finland - the birthplace of Santa Claus, is an exciting adventure for you and your family!

Where to celebrate the New Year on a budget in warm regions? Best option, suitable for such parameters is Egypt. Despite the fact that local residents do not celebrate the New Year on the night from December 31 to January 1, nevertheless, a lot of things are being prepared for vacationers entertainment programs, palm trees are dressed up as Christmas trees, Santa Clauses are walking here and there along the streets and beaches. It all looks very funny and at first glance, awkward and surprising. New Year in Egypt promises to be hot and fun!

5. New Year in Paris, France. Holidays in the New Year in Paris are truly magnificent! There are bright colorful illuminations all around, houses are decorated in colorful garlands. Snow in Paris is very rare, so for the New Year the city is decorated with artificial snow. The symbol of Paris - the Eiffel Tower looks magical these days! It is better to come to Paris a month before the New Year to enjoy a series of Christmas holidays. The first date of the New Year holidays is December 6 - St. Nicholas Day.

6. New Year in GOA. Where to go on vacation in December? GOA - luxury place for lovers of ocean waves, perfect beaches, relaxing massages and exotic cuisine. New Year in GOA is just the height of the season, when the autumn rains have already ended, and the summer dry weather will begin only in April. The temperature in Goa is very comfortable. Something specifically New Year's, besides green trees decorated with lanterns and festive dinner, as well as “conditionally New Year’s” discos in the open air, you should not expect from GOA, but even a standard tourist recreation program carried out in the middle of winter is an interesting pastime and cool memories.

New Year in GOA

What do you know about the features of the New Year in Italy, besides the tradition of getting rid of old things? Its celebration begins a week before Christmas in Italy and continues until mid-January. These are the days of folk festivals, fireworks and sales, when you can buy branded items at a ridiculous price, taste Christmas dishes and buy a lottery ticket for a symbolic price to win a gift from Santa. The aroma of cappuccino, hot chocolate and New Year's magic mix in the cool December air, everyone is rushing in search of gifts and every now and then giving each other smiles. Owners of shops and restaurants compete to see whose window display is more elegant. Ordinary residents do not lag behind them, decorating with garlands, spruce wreaths and red ribbons on their windows and balconies.

A real tropical adventure! The azure sea and golden beaches, the lush greenery of the jungle, a unique festive atmosphere are an excellent replacement for the slightly boring Olivier salad in traditional company. For those who choose a fashionable holiday, it is better to go to Jimbaran or Nusa Dua. Nightlife lovers will have a great time in Kuta. For those who prefer unity with nature, the tourist area of ​​Ubud is suitable. It should be noted that, despite the difference in tastes, every traveler will be able to have a great rest and have fun.

9. New Year's cruise in Scandinavia- this is an acquaintance with the most beautiful cities such as Helsinki and Stockholm, the snowy plains of Lapland, the picturesque Norwegian fjords will appear before you in all their glory. Most often, the cruise includes visits to 3 countries - Sweden, Denmark and Norway. Plunge into a real winter fairy tale!

New Year's Cruise in Scandinavia

For children, a New Year's holiday in Veliky Ustyug is a journey into the kingdom of fairy tales and adventures. However, for adults, entertainment tours to Ustyug for the New Year will be a wonderful break from everyday hustle and bustle and problems. Veliky Ustyug is the best budget option when you want a change of scenery and feel a real fairy tale!

Choose the best direction for yourself! Happy New Year!

New Year is one of the oldest holidays on the planet. It is celebrated in Europe on January 1, in Burma on April 1, in India the beginning of the year is celebrated eight times, and the Eskimos are sure that it comes with the fall of the first snow. They have known since time immemorial that how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it, which is why to this day different countries the world carefully preserves traditions and customs that help attract good luck and prosperity.

In Germany The New Year is usually spent with the family. The culmination of the holiday is the Besherung, a traditional gift exchange ceremony. Adults give each other pleasant little things, Christmas grandfather Vainakhtsman in an inverted fur coat and the girl Christkind, a colleague of the Snow Maiden, come to visit the children. Everyone sits down at the festive table, and when the clock begins to strike midnight, they climb onto chairs and, with the last blow, unanimously “jump” into the New Year. It is not customary to sit at home on New Year's Eve: Germans walk the streets, meet friends and set off fireworks. And if you meet a chimney sweep while walking, you will have good luck all year.

Happy New Year in Mongolia, traditional national festivities begin in the country. On the eve of the Old Year, there is a farewell ceremony called “bituun”. During this period, it is considered a great sin to argue, quarrel, deceive or swear. New Year is a family holiday and all old grievances should be forgotten. An indispensable holiday accessory in East Asian countries is a special rake, which is richly decorated and decorated. It is believed that on New Year's Eve they help “row happiness.”

In Scotland Old year"burn". A grandiose torchlight procession, when burning barrels of tar roll through the streets, lights the way for the New Year and forever relieves the departed from the sorrows and adversities of the departing one. The Scottish holiday, called Hogmanay, begins in the early evening and continues until the morning. At exactly midnight, everyone sings a New Year's song in chorus and congratulates each other. After the New Year, it is customary to go to visit friends. You need to take wine and pie as a treat, and also be sure to take a piece of coal with you. This is the surest way to provide yourself with drink, food and warmth for the whole year.

To meet New Year's holiday in Cuba, you need to fill all the dishes in the house with liquid in advance, and at exactly midnight start pouring water out of the windows. According to the inhabitants of the island, this is a wish for the New Year to have a happy journey, which is as bright and pure as the water itself. In addition, while the clock strikes twelve, you need to have time to swallow twelve grapes, and then well-being, harmony and prosperity will accompany each month. For Cuban children, the New Year's holiday is called Kings Day. Letters are written to them with cherished wishes, and three wizard kings bring gifts.

New Year is celebrated in Japan January 1st and is one of the most popular holidays in the country. It is customary to hang armfuls of straw on the facades of houses to ward off evil spirits. Rice cakes and tangerines are placed in a prominent place in the home, symbolizing health and longevity. The main decoration that welcomes the New Year's Deity is kadomatsu - “pine tree at the entrance.” It is made from fern, pine, bamboo, tied with a rope woven from rice straw and placed in front of the entrance.

Before the holiday, it is customary to observe the custom of seeing off the Old Year. The Japanese give each other postcards with images of the animal of the coming year, toys and souvenirs. One of the most wonderful traditions is to laugh at the first moment of the new year, because laughter will certainly bring good luck and happiness. On New Year's Eve you need to visit the temple, where the bell chimes 108 times. According to beliefs, each blow “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are six of them, but each has eighteen different shades.

If in Italy at the last minute of the outgoing year, dishes, clothes or furniture will fall on you, do not be surprised. According to tradition, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows of houses onto the pavement, so that in the New Year good luck will not pass you by and help replace them with new ones. Italians care not only about home renovation. New Year's Eve should be celebrated in new clothes, and on December 31, red underwear should be given to loved ones, because red is a symbol of newness. The children of Italy are waiting for gifts from the sorceress La Befana, who flies in on a broom, makes her way through the chimney and puts them in special shoes.

Brazilian New Year is an amazing combination of European traditions with Indian and African rituals. It annually attracts about three million people - ardent fans of carnival and beach parties. It is customary to celebrate New Year's Eve in white, since it is this color that brings happiness. However, clothes can be complemented with other colors if there are additional requests to the deities: if you want health, include pink in your outfit, prosperity – yellow and gold, love – red.

Brazilians believe that New Year is the best time to win favors higher powers, therefore, every Brazilian should present gifts to the African goddess Imanja - the mistress of the seas, identified with the Virgin Mary. White flowers, mirrors and decorations will serve as gratitude for all the good things that happened in the Old Year. When burning candles are sent out to sea on wooden stands, you need to make your most cherished wish, and if the fire does not go out for a long time, it will definitely come true. The celebration continues with a grand New Year's carnival, fireworks, champagne and fiery samba.

In England When the Big Ben clock begins to strike midnight, according to ancient tradition, it is customary to open the back doors so that the Old Year can leave the house, and with the last stroke open the front doors, letting in the New Year. Gifts are ordered by the British from Father Christmas. If you write him a detailed letter and throw it in the fireplace, the smoke from the chimney will deliver the wish list the fastest. In the family circle, the ancient custom of sending out letters on the eve of the New Year is often observed. greeting cards to all acquaintances, and also to give each other gifts of the same value and distribute them among the household by lot.

The most “New Year’s” country in the world – India. Here, the beginning of the year is celebrated about eight times, which is associated with the diversity of religions and cultures. Hindus, Buddhists, Muslims, Christians live in the country, and each part of the population celebrates the New Year according to its own customs. Residents who profess Hinduism celebrate Gudi Padwa in the spring, and lunar calendar every year falls on different days. In the western states, New Year is celebrated in October. On this day, thousands of lanterns are lit and it is believed that the goddess of wealth Lakshmi goes from house to house in search of a place to rest, but will only stop where there is bright light.

Muslims in India celebrate the holiday on March 21, the day spring equinox. It is called Nowruz, which means “new day.” If the European New Year comes at night, Navruz is celebrated during the day, but still in the family circle. January 1 is also celebrated in the country, since many social spheres focused on Christian chronology. Residents of the northern part decorate themselves with flowers, while in the southern part they place sweets and gifts on a special tray. It is also customary to light a large fire - its smoke, as Hindus believe, will take away all the misfortunes of the outgoing year.

In Russia There are many celebration traditions, but almost all of them come from the West. With the adoption of Christianity by Slavic Russia, the ancient pagan customs of celebrating the New Year were forgotten. For a long time, nobles imported traditions borrowed from Western culture into Russia. Many were accepted, “took root” and became popular. By decree of Peter I it was approved christmas tree, toys and festive table, and the USSR gave us Father Frost, the Snow Maiden, champagne and the chimes on the Spasskaya Tower.

New Year is celebrated in different ways and in different times, but still remains one of the kindest and happy holidays. Despite the diversity of cultures, traditions and customs, in every country in the world the New Year has a common feature - it should be celebrated cheerfully and on a grand scale.

Shipilov Timofey
Photo: goodfon.ru, blog.tui.at, kalita.by, topzine.cz, mets85.narod.ru