Customs of celebrating the new year in different countries. Bizarre New Year's traditions in different countries. How to meet and celebrate the new year in Japan

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But in many countries the celebration is quite different. We have collected the most unusual New Year traditions from different countries in order to get even more into the spirit of the New Year on the eve of the holiday!

Traditions of European countries

European options for celebrating the New Year are similar to the Slavic ones, but Christmas (December 25 according to Catholic custom) is a more significant holiday for them. However, this does not prevent the existence of interesting customs that accompany his meeting in various countries.

Latvia

If the weather favors, unusual competitions are held in Jurmala on the first night of the year:

• to ride the biggest snowball;
• on the accuracy of throwing snowballs;
• snow battles;
• sled racing.

Among all this fun, you can choose handicrafts from local artisans as a keepsake: straw and wooden figurines, masks, as well as delicious national first and second courses and pastries prepared by professional chefs.

Norway

On the eve of the holiday, Norwegians visit the temple to receive blessings to enter the new year. It is not customary to congratulate with gifts on this holiday, with the exception of a box of matches, as a symbol of warmth and prosperity. Children expect gifts from a goat. To lure her, the babies' Christmas socks and boots are filled with hay for the animal to eat. And in the morning, instead of goat food, there are sweets for children.

Residents of the country are limited to a traditional dinner in the family circle.

Finland

Features of the holiday in Finland in general terms look like this:

• unlike most countries of the world, in Finland, the population listens to the New Year's address not from the president, but from the mayor of the capital;
• even in the country they do not sell fireworks and crackers to persons under the age of 18 and adults who do not have a special permit;
• the country is considered the birthplace of Santa Claus and on the first of January of each year you can meet adults who, in all seriousness, talk about how they saw him at night;
• on the New Year's table, the Finns have a candle, washed and peeled turnips, often grown by the head of the family, serve as a candlestick for it;
• the population of the country says goodbye to all the negativity of the outgoing year, setting fire to barrels of tar;
• during the New Year holidays, the world-famous festival of snow and ice sculptures is held.

Denmark

The Danes are lucky to have not one, but two Santa Clauses - the old big Ülemanden and the young little Ülenisse.

An obligatory dish of the New Year's table is a large bowl of rice porridge with a secret - almond or any other nut. Whoever gets it will certainly be happy next year.

In Denmark, an interesting and unusual New Year's way to preserve coniferous trees, it would not hurt to borrow it for us. Foresters treat spruces with a special agent, which, in warm living conditions, begins to smell very unpleasant and sharp. Therefore, no one cuts live Christmas trees there.

Albania

It is customary for Albanians to burn a tree generously sprinkled with herbs on New Year's Eve. They bring it to every house about a week before the holiday. The smoother and more beautiful the tree, the better, according to their beliefs. The ritual is carried out with the aim of expelling negativity and calling well-being into the house.

Greece

Unusual traditions of this country are associated with plants:

• On December 31, it is customary for the Greeks to put the root of the sea onion outside the threshold of the house. The next morning, his mother takes him out of there and hits all the sleeping members of the family with him;
• a few minutes before the arrival of the New Year, the entire Greek family goes out into the yard and waits for midnight. With its onset, relatives congratulate each other, and the most successful of them smashes grenades on the threshold of the house, and only after that everyone enters the house, always on the right foot.

Italy

Everyone knows that on New Year's Eve it is customary for Italians to throw everything unnecessary out of windows and balconies, including furniture. In reality, this is a myth to attract tourists. But what is actually noticeable about their celebrations:

• costumes: on New Year's Eve, all the inhabitants of the country are dressed in the colors of Santa's costume. Every Italian wears something red – be it socks, underwear, or the entire look;
• eating raisins: Italians have an unusual tradition of eating as many dried grapes as possible straight from the bunches. They believe that this ritual will bring them wealth in the coming year because raisins are associated with coins.

Austria

Austrians refer to December 31st as Saint Sylvester's Day or Old Year's Day. People dressed as Perchten walk the streets - a mythical character that looks more like a devil. They ring the bell, thereby announcing the departure of the current year. On the first day of January, the Austrians begin the carnival season, which continues until Lent.

Germany

In general, the celebration of the New Year in Germany is similar to ours. But they have one amusing and cheerful tradition: to jump on chairs with their feet as soon as the chimes start to beat and jump off with joyful cries and congratulations with the last knock. This is what Germans of all ages do.

Netherlands

The only time of the year when fireworks are allowed in Holland is from 10 am December 31st to 2 am January 1st. In addition to their streets, bonfires are lit, in which Christmas trees serve as firewood. So quickly the Dutch part not only with Christmas trees - it is customary to give gifts on the fifth of December, often you need to go through a whole one to receive them.

It is customary to give bulbs of rare varieties of tulips in beautiful pots or cups, shortbread cookies with spices, waffles in the form of Christmas wreaths, chocolate letters and souvenirs. Usually, in order to receive your gift, you must follow the instructions left in the notes throughout the house or workplace. A surprise can be hidden in the basement, somewhere on the street or in the yard, and sometimes very close in a boot or stocking, but before you find it, you need to play the role of a detective.

Also, in order to receive a gift, you may need to complete several playful and funny tasks - sing, dance, recite a verse, shout out some phrase in a crowded place. In large families, the ritual of exchanging holiday souvenirs can last all day. Especially this tradition is loved by all Dutch children.

Sinterclass appears in the country in an interesting and unusual way - it sails by sea on a brightly decorated ship in mid-November. He is met by half of the capital, headed by the mayor.

American traditions

America is a country with a very diverse mentality and customs. Each nationality has its own zest in the celebration of the new year, we will talk about the most interesting ones.

Celebration in the USA

The New Year's symbol of Americans is a baby (Baby) in a diaper, which, according to their beliefs, grows and ages in a year, transferring its powers to the next baby every December 31st.

A spectacle that attracts more than a billion viewers from all over the world is the fall of a huge colored ball during the last minute of the outgoing year from a 23-meter height in Times Square. The tradition has been going on since 1907.

Each state interprets it in its own way, and in different parts of the country on New Year's Eve, giant peaches (Georgia), acorns (North Carolina), ping-pong balls (Pennsylvania) descend to the ground.

Canada

Oddly enough, Canadians are close to us in the tradition of swimming in the ice-hole in winter. But they do this not at Water Baptism, but on December 31st. They call this ceremony “bathing the polar bear” and those who perform the ritual will have a healthy year.

Even in Canada, it is not customary to give expensive gifts for the New Year, Canadians are limited to small souvenirs for friends and relatives.

In addition, the inhabitants of the country eat pea soup the day before. They jokingly claim that the “musicality” with smells that it evokes scares away evil spirits on a festive night. This is the custom of Canadians of French origin, who inhabit the largest province of the country - Quebec. The soup should be thick, and yellow peas are chosen for it.

Argentina

On the eve of the New Year in Argentina, it is customary to throw out of the window irrelevant papers: old calendars, statements, documents that lose their validity in a matter of hours. By noon on December 31, the sidewalks of the country are thickly covered with papers. Where and how the tradition originated is unknown.

There is a story about how temperamental Argentines once went too far. The employees of one of the country's newspapers tried so hard to clear their offices of old papers that they threw the entire archive out of the windows.

Brazil

For a Russian person, the New Year is associated with a frosty winter with snow slides and cold. In Brazil, this holiday takes place when the weather is hot and sunny. Every inhabitant of the country on this day brings gifts to the goddess Imanji, who is identified with the Christian Virgin Mary: snow-white flowers and small candles. They are allowed into the sea: flowers are simply thrown, and lit candles on flat wooden boards are carefully placed on the water. The sight is very beautiful. At the same time, the Mexicans make a cherished wish and firmly believe that it will come true if the flowers float away and the candles do not die out for a long time. These rituals have African roots.

Another curious custom, similar to Italian, is to eat 12 grapes at the last minute of the outgoing year. In Brazil, there is no chimes, the population, celebrating the New Year in the company of friends, counts the last seconds aloud and in unison.

Mexico

Mexicans celebrate the New Year for at least nine days. In this state, the holiday is associated with fun and carnivals, during which scenes from Bible stories are played out.

Like the people of Brazil, Mexicans eat 12 grapes on New Year's Eve.

Here it is customary to break clay pots (pinatas) in the form of stars or animals, filled with sweets. Children love the lesson, although its meaning is adult - the dish symbolizes the sins that are forgiven before the New Year, and the gifts serve as payment for faith in God.

Peru

If in some countries on the eve of the New Year it is customary to get rid of old things, then in Peru people at this time shed negativity with the help of fights. On the streets of cities at the end of December, you can find men and women of all ages beating each other - from children to the elderly.

Peruvians who want to travel in the new year must jump out of their homes at 11:55 pm on December 31 with a huge suitcase and run around their entire block with it before midnight. Returning home, the breathless resident of the country, like his neighbors on the continent, eat grapes, but not 12, but 13 berries. They believe that it is the last grape that brings good luck in the new year.

The girls of Peru can still choose a couple on a festive night - they go out into the street with willow twigs and those guys whom they touch with them become their chosen ones.

The celebration in the country's squares is accompanied by the ritual burning of an effigy of the outgoing year. To make it more fun, firecrackers are stuffed into his clothes. Thus, in addition to the fire, fireworks are also obtained.

New Year traditions of Asian countries

The East is a delicate matter, as everyone knows. Unlike most countries of the world, almost all Asian states celebrate the New Year not only in winter with the whole world, but also in spring and autumn (Israel). Their traditions are diverse, original and very interesting.

Japan

Thailand

That's who was the most lucky with the New Year - it's the Thais: they meet it three times:

1. December 31 - January 1;
2. Together with the Chinese in late January - early February;
3. Your New Year, Songkran - April 13th.

The celebration in the spring is accompanied by the obligatory pouring of water, absolutely all the people on the streets of the country are wet and happy. In addition, on the same day, it is customary to smear each other with clay. It is forbidden to wipe and wash it off, you need to wait until it dries and falls off by itself.

Vietnam

The Vietnamese New Year is celebrated between January 20 and February 20 and is called Tet. On the day of the holiday and a few days after, not a single store is open in the country.

A peach or apricot branch, as well as a tangerine, often serve as a New Year's tree. All these plants bloom during this period.

On the first day of the new year, it is customary to get up early and immediately go to the temple. There, the monks give people money in red bags, this is considered a gift from the Buddha.

Israel

The Jews are no less lucky than the Thais, they celebrate the New Year three times:

1. With the whole world on December 31 - almost no attention is paid to the holiday, with the exception of Russian-speaking repatriates.
2. The New Year of the Trees is a floating date, falling in January. On this day, trees are planted and songs glorifying their fertility are sung.
3. The Jewish New Year is celebrated in September-October and is called Rosh Hashanah. It is customary to eat apples, honey and sweet cakes on this day so that the next year will be happy. Before the holiday, it is customary to audit all things in the house, followed by the elimination of unnecessary ones.

According to Judaism, it is during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in heaven that the fate of a person is recorded for the next year, so the traditional congratulation is literally translated as “good record”.

Cambodia

The New Year in Cambodia comes when the harvest season ends and the rainy season has not yet begun. It lasts three days, usually April 13-15. This is essentially the same Songkran as the Thais.

The holiday is inextricably linked with religion, so many residents of the country go to temples on the last day of the outgoing year. There they worship the Buddha, thank him for everything, donate money and burn incense sticks. On this day, it is customary to wash the face in the morning, the torso in the afternoon, and the legs in the evening with sacred water.

On the second day of the New Year, it is customary to do charity work and, if possible, help all those in need.

On the third day, Cambodian Buddhists wash the Buddha sculptures with scented water.

Philippines

Residents of the Philippine Islands believe that all family members will remain alive in the new year if the whole family celebrates the holiday together.

They use circles as a symbol of good luck, so these figures are used in decorations and prints of clothes. On the festive table, there must certainly be 12 round-shaped fruits that will make every month of the year happy.

The people of the Philippines are also in a hurry to fill their wallets with paper bills and coins to the brim before the New Year. This should bring them wealth and wealth. Some even, in order to succeed financially, put coins in a pot, walk around their own house and shake it, creating a ringing sound.

Filipino children are jumping up with all their might, believing that this will help them grow up faster.

In general, the celebration of the New Year in the country is very noisy, because the inhabitants believe that loud sounds scare away evil spirits.

New Year traditions of African countries

Africa is mysterious. This is a separate world with its own beliefs, rules and outlook on life. But the presence of many countries in the colonies of France and Spain left your mark - despite the frequent refusal of the population to accept the traditions of the ruling country, the African states nevertheless "Europeanized" in some matters.

Cameroon

In this country, on New Year's Eve, every adult who is congratulated by a child is obliged to give him a coin. Thus, the locals cajole the spirits. The children of Cameroon are happy to try to congratulate everyone, make noise and have fun, emptying the wallets and pockets of passers-by. Therefore, many adult residents even try not to leave the house on this day.

Nigeria

A feature of the traditions of Nigeria is that only men participate in festive New Year's parades and masquerades. Theatrical actions are played out, the essence of which is without fail the victory of good over evil.

Burning torches in the hands of local residents serve as evidence of the onset of the new year. They are made by Nigerians with their own hands.

Ivory Coast

A very unusual and interesting tradition of celebrating the New Year in Côte d'Ivoire. Local residents are divided into 63 tribes, and in one of them it is customary to organize original competitions. Their essence is that the participants in the race run on all fours, carrying a raw egg in their teeth. It acts as a symbol of the birth of the coming year, and its shell reminds of the fragility of life in general.

New Year Traditions in Australia and Micronesia

During the celebration of the New Year in distant Australia there is no snow and frost, but, like all year round, there is a warm ocean. Therefore, Santa Claus appears from the water on a surfer in a surfer suit, the colors of which are identical to the classic Santa Claus. A must-have beard and a traditional hat, with an original look, complete with red beach trunks and a large bag of gifts. The spectacle is original, exotic and humorous - just like the Australian mentality in general.

On a festive night, it is customary to visit crowded open-air places where fireworks are fired. Most Australians go to bed at 00:10, immediately after the New Year's Eve - this is due to their national tradition of going to bed early. But young people can celebrate noisily until the morning.

micronesia

Among all the countries of the world, Micronesia is distinguished by its originality.

A mandatory event every year is the change of the name of every inhabitant of one of the Caroline Islands. The goal is to drive away evil spirits and evil spirits. The ritual goes like this: on the morning of January 1, family members cover their mouths with their hands and tell each other their new names. At the same time, they appoint a person responsible for protection from evil spirits, who, with all his might, will color the tambourine so that the noise will not let them hear new names. Having gone outside and met a neighbor, the inhabitants of this island squat down and tell each other their new names in a whisper.

Our planet is amazing with its diversity and New Year traditions in different countries are a vivid proof of this. In addition to the above features of the holiday, each nationality is interesting for its cuisine and outfits. What customs do you like the most?

New Year is the most magical holiday. A decorated Christmas tree, the clinking of champagne glasses, shiny toys, a clock strike - this is what the average resident of the Russian Federation associates with the New Year.

However, not all countries celebrate this date as we do. Many peoples have very unusual, and sometimes even strange traditions that are customary to observe on New Year's Eve. And the celebration of the New Year itself does not always fall from December 31st to January 1st, and, moreover, in some countries the date of New Year's celebration is "floating" and is often appointed by the government. There are a whole lot of interesting traditions and customs, which we will tell you about today.

in Italy

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Hot and temperamental Italians celebrate this holiday in the same emotional way, which is quite consistent with their character. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old and unnecessary things out of the windows: absolutely everything is used - from crockery with cracks to a broken refrigerator. Walking the streets in the evening, you need to be extremely careful, otherwise you risk getting a powerful blow with an iron or a chair. After all the rubbish is mercilessly thrown away, the Italians take care of their wardrobe - on New Year's Eve, the wardrobe should be filled with new clothes, and the holiday should also be celebrated in new clothes. It is believed that such a custom helps a person to cleanse himself of everything old and prepare for the new.

As in many other countries, the New Year in Italy is a time of gifts. Children are preparing their shoes for surprises from the Befana fairy, while adults are waiting for Babbo Natale (Italian Santa Claus). Even if you have nothing to give - do not worry. Just bring your friend "new water" from the spring and an olive twig. This gift is sure to bring happiness.

In Austria

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In Austria, the New Year begins with Strauss's operetta "Die Fledermaus" at the Vienna Opera - this is the main symbol of the holiday. The feast is merry and loud: people release fireworks into the air and open a masquerade to exorcise evil spirits; housewives prepare a festive table: suckling pig, hot punch, green ice cream, chocolate or marzipan piglets.

Also, the Austrians do not miss the chance to find out what awaits them next year - fortune-telling on lead helps them in this. Molten metal is poured into cold water, and then they look at what kind of figure it turned out.

In Finland

As you know, Finland is the birthplace of Santa Claus, but here his name is Joulupukki. He has talking deer and a mountain of goodies. He delivers them to obedient children, managing to travel the whole world in one night.

For the Finns, the New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas: they gather again with the whole family at the festive table, arrange funny performances and tell fortunes on wax.

In Ireland

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During the celebration of the New Year, the Irish are distinguished by their hospitality - looking into any house, you can count on refreshments and an honored guest place at the table. And it will not be difficult to enter the Irishman's house on New Year's Eve, as they open all the doors and windows so that the unclean forces leave. Here you will be treated to traditional pastries - seed cake (cookies with cumin), as well as a variety of meat, fish and vegetable dishes. A special place is occupied by pudding. It is worth noting that Irish housewives cook it three times a year: at Christmas, New Year and Epiphany.

As in many other countries, in Ireland it is also customary to guess. The girls put mistletoe, clover, ivy, and lavender under their pillows and go to bed to dream of seeing their betrothed.

In Brazil

Although the New Year is celebrated in Brazil on December 31st, it is a summer holiday because the sun, sea and beach always reign here. Unlike many other nations, Brazilians celebrate this day outside the home - they go to bars and restaurants to watch the New Year's fireworks and have a good rest.

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Since Brazilian culture has African origins, it is customary to pay tribute to the goddess of the sea, Imange, on New Year's Eve. To do this, they make a wish and send candles and white flowers to the sea on wooden boards. It is believed that the further the candle floats without going out, the more likely it is that the wish will come true.

There is another custom that will help to fulfill the desire. To do this, you need to eat twelve grapes. Brazilians also call everyone around brothers and sisters, forgiving insults and promising to be more tolerant of each other. Interestingly, there is no Santa Claus here at all.

In Japan

In Japan, the New Year is exclusively a family holiday. It is believed that on this day seven gods descend to earth, including those who are the patrons of rice and fishing - the staple food in Japan.

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The fact that a new year has come to earth is announced by 108 blows that come from the temple. The Japanese believe that there are six basic human vices - greed, greed, envy, frivolity, anger and stupidity, each of which has 18 subspecies. One strike of the bell is designed to expel one misfortune from a person. When the last blow strikes, people go out into the street to congratulate each other on ... birthdays. It is interesting that many years ago in Japan they did not celebrate this date and everyone at the same time added “one” to their age on New Year's Eve.

In the evening, the whole family gathers at the festive table. There is no place for fun, noise and din - everyone should seriously think about the coming year, full of new events.

And for little Japanese O-shogatsu(New Year) is one of the most long-awaited holidays, because Segatsu-san (Santa Claus) will bring interesting gifts that the kids have been waiting for a whole year.

In Guatemala

In Guatemala, the New Year is celebrated very noisily: cheerful festivities on the streets, grilled vegetables and meat, street performers - all these are integral attributes of the holiday. As in Italy, it is customary to get rid of old things. However, here they are not just thrown out the windows, but burned in bonfires in the main square of the city. While unnecessary irons and pots are burning, people walk around the fire, beat drums and set off fireworks. And here you can’t do without alcoholic drinks: local rum, beer and the famous Rompopo cocktail.

IN THE USA

As in Russia, in the USA the celebration of the New Year begins on the evening of December 31st. Americans celebrate this holiday noisily, cheerfully, with foaming champagne and the clink of glasses. On this day, two of the most important events of the year take place in the United States: the Pantomime Parade and the Tournament of Roses.

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The pantomime parade was first held in Philadelphia by Irish settlers who staged the celebration as a ten-hour performance. It is accompanied by songs and dances. People under the leadership of the King of Pantomime march through the streets of the city. The Tournament of Roses is also a very bright, beautiful and memorable event. For the first time this holiday was held in the state of California. The end of the tournament is evidenced by the Pink Ball football match, which is broadcast on all television channels in the country.

Americans also have their own New Year's symbols. The most famous are the old man and the baby. The first symbolizes the outgoing year, and the second - a new one. Also, Americans write themselves "New Year's tasks" - what they should do in the new year, for example, quit smoking, lose weight or spend less money on entertainment.

In Germany

New Year in Germany is called Sylvester and celebrate it, as a rule, outside the home. With the first strikes of the chimes, announcing the onset of the new year, the Germans take to the streets with champagne, fireworks and congratulate each other on the holiday. Also in Germany there is an interesting custom: a few seconds before the clock strikes, people climb onto chairs to “jump” into the new year.

It is also a very long-awaited event for the little ones. Children believe in Santa Nikolaus, who will bring them gifts on a donkey and leave them on the windowsill.

In Denmark

New Year traditions in Denmark are very interesting and unusual. Food plays a very important role. On the evening of December 31, the housewives prepare a large bowl of porridge, on the bottom of which they put almonds or nuts. If he comes across an unmarried girl, then in the near future she will have a wedding, for the rest it means a happy and favorable year. Other popular dishes are potatoes and fish.

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This holiday is especially long-awaited for children. They are looking forward to Yulenissa - the younger Santa Claus. By the way, it is worth noting that there are two of them in Denmark - the second is called Ulemanden. But it is Yulenesse who makes toys for children in her forest house for a whole year, and on New Year's Eve brings them home. And Yulemanden is an old, old grandfather, he is helped by elves.

Parents also do nice things for their children. The children receive as a gift a Christmas tree made of wood or in the form of a soft plush toy, from under which the troll's paws look out - it is believed that this is the soul of the tree.

In China

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The Chinese celebrate the beginning of the new year between January 17 and February 19, during the new moon. In China, as in Japan, the New Year is a traditional family holiday. But the preparation starts early.

People cover doors and windows with paper in order not to let the evil spirits that envelop the new year into their homes. Petards and fireworks on New Year's Eve have the same meaning. The hostesses prepare a gala dinner and set the table in the living room. Before proceeding to a meal in a narrow family circle, food is first "offered" to deceased relatives.

Also on this day, all grievances are forgiven. After dinner, no one goes to bed, so as not to miss their "new" happiness.

In Estonia

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Although the New Year is not a traditional Estonian holiday, this day is officially recognized as a day off. Due to the fact that many Russians live in Estonia, the New Year is celebrated here four times: according to Russian time, according to Estonian, according to the old style and according to the Eastern calendar. As in most Eastern European countries, in Estonia the New Year is celebrated very cheerfully and noisily: champagne flows like water, a richly laid table allows you to enjoy the taste of traditional New Year's dishes, alcoholic drinks amaze with their variety.

Estonians decorate the streets of cities in a European way with garland lights, shiny hanging toys; candles are flickering in the houses and fluffy Christmas trees are burning. There is a wide range of entertainment for young people: many nightclubs and hotels offer New Year's programs.

In Switzerland

It is customary for the Swiss to celebrate the New Year twice: from December 31st to January 1st and according to the old Julian calendar. As in many other European countries, here this holiday is celebrated noisily and cheerfully. People bawl, blow up firecrackers and firecrackers, trying in this way to drive away evil forces. On the night of January 13-14, you can see very unusually dressed people - on their heads they wear either a dollhouse or a small botanical garden. These are residents who are highly respected by the townspeople. They are the main "fighters" with evil spirits.

In Switzerland, there is a very interesting belief for the New Year: if a drop of cream falls on the floor, then the year for the owners of the house will be successful and happy.

In Australia

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The Australian New Year is not at all like the European one, as there is no traditional Christmas tree, toys, gifts from Santa and snow-white snow. But Australia has its own special holiday. Instead of traditional spruce, Australians dress up pine or cedar.

Also, the world's largest New Year's fireworks are launched here, and after that they hold a parade of boats. For lovers of marine technology, this is a real event, as here you can see boats, ships and boats of all shapes and sizes. Well, if you are not a big fan of such technical innovations, then take a walk along the beach - here you will meet a snow maiden in a bikini, who will give you a nice souvenir as a keepsake.

In the Dominican Republic

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Rest in the Dominican Republic is the dream of the most fastidious tourist. And probably every person on the planet dreams of celebrating the New Year among exotic trees, flowers, hot beaches and passionate Latin American rhythms. The symbol of the New Year in the Dominican Republic is, like ours, spruce. However, not everyone can afford a living tree, so people buy artificial coniferous beauties and decorate them with corals, interesting shells and luxurious natural flowers.

The New Year is celebrated here noisily and cheerfully with dancing until the morning. You should definitely buy new clothes - this promises good luck and prosperity in the new year. And if you want to travel a lot, then take your favorite suitcase, pack it as for a vacation and run around your house with it several times. Do not forget about the decor of the house - Dominicans decorate their homes with balloons and colorful ribbons.

In Scotland

The traditions of celebrating the New Year in Scotland are very interesting and have ancient roots. One of the oldest customs is associated with a barrel of tar. It must be set on fire and rolled down the street. In this way the Scots burn the old year and light the way for the new.

Scottish New Year is called Hogmany and it is celebrated for four whole days. These days the doors of houses are open to everyone. The most welcome guest is a black-haired man, preferably a chimney sweep. According to ancient belief, if he enters the house with a piece of coal and throws it into a blazing fire in the fireplace, then this will bring happiness and good luck to the family. Four major Scottish festivals start on New Year's Eve - a torch parade, a street performance and party, and a musical event.

In France

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New Year traditions in France are very interesting and unusual. So winemakers have a custom to be the first to congratulate ... their wine barrel on the New Year. The owner pours a glass of wine, clinks glasses with a barrel, and then hugs her. The hostesses, meanwhile, bake a traditional pie and put one bean in it. The one who gets it at the festive table is declared the "bean king", and that evening everyone will fulfill his wishes.

The French also have their own Santa Claus, his name is Pierre Noel. By the way, he has an assistant named Pierre Fuetard. He strictly monitors Noel and makes sure that he gives only obedient, hardworking and kind kids, and bad children receive a rod instead of a gift.

in Peru

Peruvians, like almost all Latin Americans, are very emotional, so they celebrate the New Year just as violently. In particular, there is a custom to throw away bad emotions and thoughts, just as Italians get rid of unnecessary and old things. And they do it with fights! Yes exactly. Everyone joins the general process, including women and teenagers. In this way, they do not allow fate to punish themselves for some misdeeds in the outgoing year - it is unlikely that she will want to cause damage to the already battered Peruvians.

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And for those who are planning or really want to make a long-awaited trip, there is another tradition - you need to take your favorite suitcase and run around your quarter with it, moreover, you need to have time to do this before the new year.

And those who want to attract good luck in the coming year must eat 13 grapes before the clock strikes twelve. Particular attention is paid to the last, thirteenth grape, since it is she who brings success. And immediately after the onset of the new year, Peruvians take to the streets and burn an effigy stuffed with firecrackers. In this way, fireworks are launched at the same time.

In Cuba

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Cuba also has a New Year's tradition associated with grapes. But, unlike Peruvians, Cubans eat 12 grapes - you can make one wish every month. Some traditions are very similar to Russian ones, for example, the New Year tree. However, the Cubans have their own symbol of the New Year - this is an araucaria (coniferous tree) or an ordinary palm tree. And instead of champagne they have Cuban rum. For the New Year, a traditional cocktail is made here, consisting of rum, orange juice, liqueur and ice.

As for Santa Claus, it is worth noting that the Cubans have three of them: Gaspar, Valtasar and Melchior. They are the masters of magic and fulfill all the wishes of the children, which they inform the kings in their letters.

Once in Cuba on New Year's Eve and going out into the street, few people remain dry. And it's understandable, because Cubans have a custom to pour water out of windows and doors - in this way they see off the old year, and with it all the bad things. And the traditional Cuban "wet wish" promises success and happiness in the new year.

In Greece

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As in most other countries, in Greece the New Year is celebrated on the night of December 31st to January 1st. In addition, on this day, the Greeks celebrate the name day of Vasily. People with this name are congratulated and given gifts, and temples and churches named after St. Basil offer special celebration programs, which often include various foods and drinks. On New Year's Eve it is customary to play cards, as this is a happy day for the players.

One of the main symbols of the Greek New Year is basil - it is added to various dishes, people decorate their homes with it. There is another interesting belief: any container filled with fresh water is cleansed on this day.

New Year's dishes also play a big role. The hostesses prepare a special cake called Vassilopita, in which they put one small coin. Whoever gets it will be especially lucky in the coming year.

In different countries, not only such a celebration as a wedding or the birth of a child is celebrated in different ways, the New Year is also celebrated in completely different ways. And given that the New Year is one of the most popular holidays in the world, there are traditions of celebrating the New Year in almost every country.

3. Argentina - all in paper!


But in Argentina, the Italian tradition of throwing everything away does not need to take root, however .. mainly among office workers. On New Year's Eve, the centers of Argentinean cities are covered with an even layer of waste paper, sometimes even whole piles of papers. According to local tradition, you need to throw unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers out of the windows, but most of all, Argentines like to throw out last year's bills.

4. Spain - grapes and naked ass!


In Spain, there is a tradition - to quickly eat 12 grapes at midnight, and each grape will be eaten with each new strike of the chimes. Each of the grapes should bring good luck in each month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid in order to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes for more than a hundred years, the first time it was a reaction of the population to an overharvest of grapes.
Talking about the New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot help but talk about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas Pope in Catalonia.
“Butt, butt, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don't have g@avna well, I'll hit you with a stick. Popa, children sing in Barcelona at Christmas. And at this time they beat the wooden ass prepared in advance with sticks. Yes, such a curious, strange and cheerful Christmas tradition.

5. Scotland - we celebrate the New Year in silence!
Before the onset of the New Year, members of the whole family sit down near the lit fireplace, and with the first chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. Such a ritual is designed to spend the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether luck or bad luck enters the house depends on who is the first to cross their threshold in the new year.

6. Estonia - New Year in the bathhouse!


One of the "hottest" is the New Year's Eve in Estonia, as it is customary to spend this holiday in the sauna. In order to enter the New Year clean and healthy, you even need to listen to the chimes in this institution. But, in fact, now this tradition is more for tourists than for the Estonians themselves.

7. Panama - burning problems!


There is a very unusual New Year tradition in Panama. Here it is customary to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other famous people. However, the inhabitants of Panama do not wish evil to anyone, for example, they can burn the effigy of the Olympic champion of the country's national team in running or the President of Panama. All these scarecrows are called by one word - muneco, and symbolize all the troubles of the outgoing year. And since if there is no scarecrow, then there are no problems in the coming year. Moreover, every family should burn the scarecrow. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, on the streets of Panamanian cities, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring. In addition, car horns are honking, everyone is screaming. Such noise is meant to threaten trouble in the coming year.

8. Peru - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase!
For Peruvian guys, New Year's Eve is a pretty dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru pick up willow twigs and go for a walk around the neighborhoods of their city. And her fiancé should be the young man who will be asked to take up the twig. Therefore, sometimes on the streets you can meet strange couples - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Since, according to another Peruvian tradition, the one who walks around his entire quarter with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on the desired journey in the coming year.

9 . Denmark - jump into the New Year!

ten . Greece - a stone "in the bosom" for friends!
On New Year's Eve, the inhabitants of Greece, like the inhabitants of many other countries, go to visit each other with gifts. However, there is a peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they carry a stone to the owners, and the more the better. It will seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the purse of the recipients in the coming year will be. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest member of the family must break a pomegranate fruit in the courtyard of his house. If pomegranate seeds scattered around the yard, then his family will have a happy life in the coming year.

11. Micronesia - changing the name!
And the inhabitants of the islands of Micronesia change their name every time for a holiday - in order to confuse evil spirits and live easily and comfortably the whole next year. Everyone is free to choose a name for himself, so sometimes most of the population bears the same name all year round.

12. Bulgaria - turn off the light!
In Bulgaria, the lights go out for a few minutes at midnight. When all the guests remain in the dark, you can kiss even with an unfamiliar guest - the holiday will keep the secret of the New Year's kiss.

And for us in Russia, the New Year is a real family holiday, which we simply must celebrate cheerfully and beautifully. Family and friends will provide you with fun this New Year, but fun such as crackers, sky balls, salutes, fireworks, rockets, Roman candles and much more can be purchased, even without leaving your home in the online store