New Year is a truly international holiday, but in different countries it is celebrated in its own way. Italians throw old irons and chairs out of windows with all the southern passion, Panamanians try to make as much noise as possible, for which they turn on the sirens of their cars, whistle and shout. In Ecuador special meaning they put on underwear that brings love and money, in Bulgaria they turn off the lights because the first minutes of the New Year are the time for New Year's kisses. In Japan, instead of 12, the bell rings 108 times, and the best New Year's accessory is considered to be a rake - to rake in good fortune.
Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to legend, on this night he flies on a magic broom Kind fairy Befana. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts. For those who have studied poorly or been naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.
Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.
In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give to your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, but meeting a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate.
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called “cry of widows” who mourn their “bad husbands.” As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or gain great love? In order for money to “fall out of the blue” in the new year, you need to put on underwear yellow shades.
If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear should be red.
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens.
Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, and a crown with lit candles is placed on her head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey. On a festive night, the lights in the houses do not go out, the streets are brightly lit.
SOUTH AFRICA. Police close neighborhoods to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing out their windows various items- from bottles to large furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow area to vehicular traffic and have asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of their windows. New Year's Eve. According to a police representative, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.
About 100 police officers will patrol this area on New Year's Eve.
England. To be together whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.
It was in England that the custom of exchanging for the New Year arose greeting cards. First New Year card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell heralds the arrival of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.
In English houses New Year's table Turkey is served with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.
In the British Isles, the custom of “letting in the New Year” is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.
Scotland. You need to set fire to a tar barrel and roll it down the street
In Scotland, New Year's Day is called Hogmany. On the streets the holiday is celebrated with a Scottish song based on the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that whoever enters their house first in the new year determines the success or failure of the family for the whole next year. Great luck, in their opinion, is brought by a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.
For the New Year, special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast they usually serve oatcakes, pudding, a special type of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.
Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. At exactly midnight, the doors swing wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.
Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
Irish Christmas is more religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas to help Joseph and Mary if they are looking for shelter.
Irish women bake a special treat, seed cake, for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany Eve.
Colombia. The old year walks on stilts
The main character of the New Year's carnival in Colombia is the Old Year. He walks in the crowd on high stilts and tells children funny stories. Papa Pasquale is the Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.
On the eve of the New Year, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the residents of the city.
Vietnam. New Year floats on the back of a carp
New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these are the names of the most fun Vietnamese holiday. The branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children eagerly wait for midnight, when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.
In Vietnam, New Year is celebrated according to lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when it comes here early spring. There are bouquets of flowers at the festive table. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other peach tree branches with swollen buds. At dusk, Vietnamese people light bonfires in parks, gardens or on the streets, and several families gather around the bonfires. Special rice delicacies are cooked over coals.
On this night all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Year's Day this god goes to heaven to tell how each family member spent the past year.
The Vietnamese once believed that God swam on the back of a carp. Nowadays, on New Year's Day, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home on New Year's Day will bring good or bad luck for the coming year.
Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise
In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.
France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate it on the holiday and drink to the future harvest.
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long journey from Lapland, Father Frost comes to homes, leaving a large basket of gifts for the joy of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again the whole family gathers around a table bursting with a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, Finns try to find out their future and tell fortunes by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, they believe that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Day. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey.
Cuba. Water is poured from the windows
Children's New Year's celebration in Cuba it is called Kings Day. The wizard kings who bring gifts to children are named Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchor. The day before, children write letters to them in which they tell them about their cherished desires.
On New Year's Eve, Cubans fill all the dishes in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. This is how all the residents of Liberty Island wish the New Year a bright and clear journey, like water. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you all twelve months.
Panama. The loudest New Year
In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everything they can get their hands on. And all this noise is to “appease” the year that is coming.
Hungary. You need to whistle for the New Year
In Hungary, during the “fateful” first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - using not their fingers, but 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 magical powers New Year's dishes: beans and pears preserve strength of spirit and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from trouble, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.
Burma. Tug of war brings good luck
In Burma, the New Year falls between April 12 and April 17. The Ministry of Culture notifies the exact day of the celebration by a special order, and the holiday lasts three days.
According to ancient beliefs, the rain gods live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then it rains on the earth, which promises a rich harvest.
To gain the favor of the star spirits, the Burmese came up with a competition - tug of war. Men from two villages take part in them, and in the city - from two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging on the lazy rain spirits.
Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
The New Year holiday is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Generally, it is customary to eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer.
India. New Year - holiday of lights
IN different parts In India, New Year is celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer there is Lori holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, and old things from the house in advance. In the evening, large bonfires are lit around which people dance and sing.
And when autumn comes, Diwali is celebrated - the festival of lights. Thousands of lamps are placed on the roofs of houses and on window sills and lit on the festive night. The girls float small boats across the water, with lights on them too.
Japan. Best gift- a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures fairy-tale heroes Northern Japanese cities are decorated for the New Year.
108 strikes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 various shades- that’s why the Japanese bell rings for them.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with branches of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo - fidelity, and plum - love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is a sign of prosperity, carp is a sign of strength, beans are a sign of health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat called mochi - koloboks, flatbreads, and rolls made from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Favorite New Year's entertainment girls play shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite on holidays.
The most popular New Year's accessory is a rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them in order to have something to rake in happiness for the New Year. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various designs and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates in front of the house from three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine tree, a bamboo shoot and a small plum or peach tree.
Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are stored from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish Highlanders, merry songs imported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.
China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And the people themselves douse themselves with water at the moment when others say to them new year wishes happiness. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in thoroughly wet clothes.
Judging by the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country is entering the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar only in 1912. The date of Chinese New Year varies each time from January 21 to February 20.
Iran. Everybody's shooting guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gun shots thundered. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of continuous stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with new ones.
Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather for the New Year at festive table and in all houses the lights go out for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.
Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the host’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small stone with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that St. Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.
What associations do you have with the Ukrainian New Year? Festive mood, Christmas tree, snow: forgot about something? Oh yes, there are also the constant attributes - tangerines and Olivier. And you’re right, because in fact, if you take them away from the holiday table, then what will you wear to sleep after, and what will you have to snack on? But let’s not talk about sad things, but rather figure out which New Year celebrations are more interesting than our firecracker explosions, fireworks, long-lived salads and nightly songs and dances to the accordion. Believe me, in other countries there are such customs that night drinking will seem like child's play.
- How New Year is celebrated in other countries - Japan
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
Before the New Year, the Japanese buy rakes. Every home should have a rake; without them, next year will never come. But don’t think that thousands of Japanese go out to work on New Year’s Eve. They need a small bamboo rake to “rake” happiness!
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - France
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
In France, there is a strange tradition on New Year's Eve of talking to inanimate objects, or rather wine barrels. The owner of the house must clink glasses with the container and congratulate her. And no matter what the French say, we understand perfectly well that this custom did not appear after one drink.
- How New Year is celebrated in other countries - Scotland
In some villages in Scotland, a stink festival is held on New Year's Day. Who knows why they gave in and what motivates them, but on New Year’s Eve they set fire to barrels of tar and roll them through the streets of the village. So the locals see off old year and light the way for something new. Anything can happen, but with such a smell, most likely the New Year will be afraid to come, and the old one will simply die of suffocation.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Bulgaria
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
Before the New Year, Bulgarians wear strange costumes and scare evil spirits so that they do not come. This tradition is called "Kukeri". We don’t know how it is with perfumes, but it definitely doesn’t leave kids indifferent! Bulgarians also like to kiss in the dark on New Year's Eve. At exactly 12 they turn off the lights and... you can do whatever you want for a minute. Bulgarians also make suvrachki - dogwood sticks. They are decorated with red thread, heads of garlic, coins, prunes, dried fruits and nuts. With such a “toy” they go from house to house and hit the owners on the back, saying that they wish them happiness.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Panama
Panamanians are something out of the ordinary. Their New Year's Eve is not for the faint of heart, or rather, not for the “impaired of hearing.” At exactly 12 in all cities there is such a cry that no earplugs will help. Everyone is screaming, bells are ringing, cars are honking... this is a real hell for lovers of silence.
- How New Year is celebrated in other countries - China
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
Chinese New Year is celebrated from January 17 to 19. Traditional firecrackers and firecrackers will not surprise us. But the fact that some families cover their doors and windows with paper is even more interesting. What are they doing there, completely hiding from the world?! We can only guess.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Italy
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Spain
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
Tired of living alone and want love? Then an interesting New Year celebration in Spain is just for you! In many villages of the country, on the eve of the holiday, all the boys and girls draw names from a pile of pieces of paper. Whose name you draw out is your husband or wife for the whole evening. You can even let go of your hands, because everything seems to be real. And the Spaniards eat at speed. At first glance, it may seem like swallowing 12 grapes in a minute is quite simple. But that was not the case - you need to eat them one at a time, at the same time have time to make a wish and not choke, otherwise the holiday will be ruined.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Mongolia
Mongolian Santa Claus is not distinguished by a beard made of cotton wool and the usual “Oho-ho-ho”. He is modest, because he comes to the children in an ordinary cattle breeder's costume. The main thing is not to confuse who is who.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Cuba
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
Cubans are lucky to not have frosts. IN otherwise New Year's Eve would be a night of accidents. In the evening, all household members fill the dishes with water, and after midnight they pour it out of the windows; the streets almost turn into rivers. They say they are doing this for a brighter future. For some it may not be particularly bright, but for the cities it’s definitely clean for the coming days! It is interesting that the clock here strikes not 12, but 11 times, so that there is still Extra time meet. How one second can save the Cubans is unclear.
- How New Year is celebrated in other countries - Nepal
In Nepal, on New Year's Eve, a pyrotechnician awakens in every resident. Not only do firecrackers explode at every turn, but that’s not enough for them! Having painted themselves with bright colors, city residents set up many bonfires in which they burn old things and misfortunes at the same time.
- How the New Year is celebrated in other countries - Denmark
How the New Year is celebrated in other countries © Depositphotos
In Denmark on the morning of January 1st, don’t even think about walking barefoot! There, dishes are broken in every house. And the more friends the owner of the house has, the more fragments there will be near the front door.
Let us remind you that we previously talked about the New Year 2019 in Bukovel. Read about current prices for rental accommodation, equipment and train tickets
As you know, every country and every people has its own national traditions, including those related to various holidays. Sometimes among such traditions there are very exotic, unusual and extravagant ones. Let's see how New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world.
New Year - holiday that occurs at the time of transition from last day year on the first day of the next year. Celebrated by many peoples in accordance with accepted calendar. The custom of celebrating the New Year existed already in Ancient Mesopotamia in the third millennium BC ad. Start of the year with 1 January it was foundRoman ruler Julius Caesar in 46 BC.Most countries celebrate the New Year on January 1, the first day of the year according to the Gregorian calendar. New Year's celebrations, taking into account standard time, always begin in the Pacific Ocean on the islands of Kiribati. The last to see off the old year are the residents of the Midway Islands in the Pacific Ocean.
From Wikipedia
For those who want to travel with pleasure all year round, i.e. For you and me, it is best to celebrate the New Year in Ecuadorian style. Ecuadorian tradition dictates that while the clock strikes 12 times, you should run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in your hand. (can be around the table ).
New Year is a truly international holiday, but different countries celebrate it in their own way. Italians throw old irons and chairs out of windows with all the southern passion, Panamanians try to make as much noise as possible, for which they turn on the sirens of their cars, whistle and shout. In Ecuador, special significance is attached to underwear, which brings love and money; in Bulgaria, the lights are turned off because the first minutes of the New Year are the time for New Year's kisses. In Japan, instead of 12, the bell rings 108 times, and the best New Year's accessory is considered to be a rake - to rake in good fortune.
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
Let's start with Germany, from where the tradition of decorating a Christmas tree to celebrate the New Year spread throughout the world. By the way, this tradition appeared there back in the distant Middle Ages. The Germans believe that Santa Claus rides on a donkey, so children put hay in their shoes to treat him. And in Berlin, at the Brandenburg Gate, the most interesting thing is happening: hundreds of thousands of people toast to the reunification of East and West Germany - the holiday is celebrated there very emotionally.
Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they perform it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.
Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.
In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, but meeting a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate.
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called “cry of widows” who mourn their “bad husbands.” As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow” in the new year, you need to wear yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.
If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear should be red.
Good for women - they can choose the top part of their underwear yellow color, and the lower one is red, or vice versaBut what should men do if they want both?
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens.
Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
But Sweden gave the world the first glass Christmas decorations(in the 19th century). There, on New Year's Day, it is customary to keep the lights on in houses and brightly illuminate the streets - this is a real holiday Sveta.
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, and a crown with lit candles is placed on her head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey. On a festive night, the lights in the houses do not go out, the streets are brightly lit.
SOUTH AFRICA. Police close neighborhoods to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows
You should not walk under the windows in South Africa during the New Year celebrations
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing various objects from their windows - from bottles to large furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow area to vehicular traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police representative, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.
About 100 police officers will patrol this area on New Year's Eve.
England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.
It was in England that the custom of exchanging greeting cards for the New Year arose. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell heralds the arrival of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.
In English homes, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with gravy, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.
In the British Isles, the custom of “letting in the New Year” is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year.
USA
For Americans New Year occurs when the huge luminous clock in Times Square shows 00:00. At this moment, thousands of people gathered in the square begin to kiss and press the car horn with all their might. And the rest of the country understands that this is the New Year. You can start with the traditional dish of black peas. It is believed that it brings good luck.
In the USA, where in 1895 the world’s first glowing electric garland was hung near the White House, and from where the tradition of writing one’s “New Year’s tasks” with promises and plans for the coming year spread throughout the world, it is not customary to organize ceremonial feasts, nor to give gifts, they do all this only for Christmas , and they always replant the Christmas trees in the ground, and do not throw them away, like ours.
Scotland. You need to set fire to a tar barrel and roll it down the street
In Scotland, New Year's Day is called Hogmany. On the streets the holiday is celebrated with a Scottish song based on the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that whoever enters their house first in the new year determines the success or failure of the family for the entire next year. Great luck, in their opinion, is brought by a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.
For the New Year, special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast they usually serve oatcakes, pudding, a special type of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.
Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. At exactly midnight, the doors swing wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year.
Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas to help Joseph and Mary if they are looking for shelter.
Irish women bake a special treat, seed cake, for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany Eve.
Colombia. The old year walks on stilts
The main character of the New Year's carnival in Colombia is the Old Year. He walks around in the crowd on high stilts and tells funny stories to children. Papa Pasquale is the Colombian Santa Claus. No one knows how to make fireworks better than him.
On the eve of the New Year, a parade of dolls takes place on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll clowns, witches and other fairy-tale characters attached to the roofs of cars drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the residents of the city.
AustraliaI
New Year in Australia begins on the first of January. But just at this time it is so hot there that Father Frost and Snow Maiden deliver gifts in swimsuits.
The sky over Sydney sparkles with numerous fireworks and fireworks, which are visible from a distance of 16-20 kilometers from the city.
Vietnam. New Year floats on the back of a carp
New Year, Spring Festival, Tet - all these are the names of the most fun Vietnamese holiday. The branches of a blossoming peach - a symbol of the New Year - should be in every home.
Children eagerly wait for midnight, when they can start firing small homemade firecrackers.
In Vietnam, New Year is celebrated according to the lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when spring begins here. There are bouquets of flowers at the festive table. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to give each other peach tree branches with swollen buds. At dusk, Vietnamese people light bonfires in parks, gardens or on the streets, and several families gather around the bonfires. Special rice delicacies are cooked over coals.
On this night all quarrels are forgotten, all insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese believe that a god lives in every home, and on New Year's Day this god goes to heaven to tell how each family member spent the past year.
The Vietnamese once believed that God swam on the back of a carp. Nowadays, on New Year's Day, the Vietnamese sometimes buy live carp and then release it into a river or pond. They also believe that the first person to enter their home on New Year's Day will bring good or bad luck for the coming year.
Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise
In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.
France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate it on the holiday and drink to the future harvest.
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
Finns don't like to celebrate New Year at home
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long journey from Lapland, Father Frost comes to homes, leaving a large basket of gifts for the joy of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again the whole family gathers around a table bursting with a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, Finns try to find out their future and tell fortunes by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water.
Cuba. Water is poured from the windows
Children's New Year's holiday in Cuba is called Kings Day. The wizard kings who bring gifts to children are named Balthazar, Gaspar and Melchor. The day before, children write letters to them in which they tell them about their cherished desires.
On New Year's Eve, Cubans fill all the dishes in the house with water, and at midnight they begin to pour it out of the windows. This is how all the residents of Liberty Island wish the New Year a bright and clear journey, like water. In the meantime, while the clock strikes 12 strokes, you need to eat 12 grapes, and then goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany you all twelve months.
Panama. The loudest New Year
In Panama, at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars honk. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time shout loudly and knock on everything they can get their hands on. And all this noise is to “appease” the year that is coming.
Hungary. You need to whistle for the New Year
In Hungary, during the “fateful” first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - using not their fingers, but 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 pears preserve the strength of spirit and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts can protect from harm, garlic - from diseases, and honey - sweeten life.
Burma. Tug of war brings good luck
The New Year in Burma begins on the first of April, on the hottest days. For a whole week, people pour water on each other with all their hearts. The New Year's water festival is underway - Tinjan.
According to ancient beliefs, the rain gods live on the stars. Sometimes they gather at the edge of the sky to play with each other. And then it rains on the earth, which promises a rich harvest.
To gain the favor of the star spirits, the Burmese came up with a competition - tug of war. Men from two villages take part in them, and in the city - from two streets. And women and children applaud and shout, urging on the lazy rain spirits.
Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
The New Year holiday is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Generally, it is customary to eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer.
India. New Year - holiday of lights
In different parts of India, New Year is celebrated at different times of the year. At the beginning of summer there is Lori holiday. Children collect dry branches, straw, and old things from the house in advance. In the evening, large bonfires are lit around which people dance and sing.
And when autumn comes, Diwali is celebrated - the festival of lights. Thousands of lamps are placed on the roofs of houses and on window sills and lit on the festive night. The girls float small boats across the water, with lights on them too.
Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 strikes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that’s why the Japanese bell tolls.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with branches of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo - fidelity, and plum - love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is a sign of prosperity, carp is a sign of strength, beans are a sign of health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat called mochi - koloboks, flatbreads, and rolls made from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.
The most popular New Year's accessory is a rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them in order to have something to rake in happiness for the New Year. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various designs and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates in front of the house from three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine tree, a bamboo shoot and a small plum or peach tree.
Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are stored from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish Highlanders, merry songs imported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning.
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, and candy flowers.
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform.
China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves douse themselves with water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes for happiness at them. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in thoroughly wet clothes.
According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country is entering the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar only in 1912. The date of Chinese New Year varies each time from January 21 to February 20.
Iran. Everybody's shooting guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gun shots thundered. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of continuous stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with new ones.
Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather around the festive table for the New Year and the lights go out in all houses for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness.
Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the host’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small stone with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that St. Basil will fill the shoes with gifts.
South Korea. New Year
Koreans treat every holiday with special trepidation and try to spend it beautifully, brightly and cheerfully. South Korea- this is a country where holidays are valued and they know how to spend them beautifully. It is not surprising that in the process of globalization, Western winter celebrations have been added to the Eastern New Year, which is traditional for the Country of morning freshness.
New Year's Eve South Korea It is celebrated twice - first according to the solar calendar (i.e. on the night from December 31 to January 1), and then according to the lunar calendar (usually in February). But if the “Western” New Year in the Land of Morning Freshness does not carry any special symbolic meaning, then the traditional New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea has a special meaning.
New Year in Korea begin with Catholic Christmas. Just like in Europe, Koreans decorate the Christmas tree and also prepare many cards and gifts for family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. It is worth noting that Christmas celebrations in South Korea are even brighter than the calendar New Year, which is celebrated very formally. These days in the Land of Morning Freshness are perceived more like rare weekends than holidays. Therefore, everyone wants to get out to their hometown, visit their parents, or simply relax outside the city, for example, in the mountains. By the way, there is even an interesting mountain route that allows you to celebrate the first day of the new year on the top of the mountain.
We also celebrated the New Year at the top, or rather on the roof of our house!
The real one New Year in South Korea comes according to the lunar calendar and is also called the “Chinese New Year”, since it spread across Asia from the Middle Kingdom. This holiday is the most beloved and important for residents of the Land of Morning Freshness. Lunar New Year is also the longest holiday in South Korea. Festivals and celebrations continue for 15 days.
home Korean New Year Tradition- a festive dinner, which is usually held with the family. According to legends, on a festive night the spirits of ancestors are present at the table, who are considered full participants in the celebration, so there should be as many dishes of national Korean cuisine on the table as possible. There is also a feast on Seollal Day - the first day of the new year. All relatives gather at a richly laid table to congratulate each other, discuss current affairs and plans for the future.
All subsequent days after the New Year according to the lunar calendar in South Korea It is customary to visit relatives and friends, congratulate and present gifts. Moreover, according to Korean traditions, on the first day of the new year it is necessary to perform the “sebe” ritual - a solemn worship of parents and everyone. Throughout the first day of the New Year, young people visit their elders and bow three times in a row, falling to their knees and placing their foreheads on the hands folded in front of them in a certain way. In return, the elders give the children traditional Korean sweets and money.
However, the Lunar New Year is South Korea- This is not only a family, but also a national holiday. For 15 days, the country hosts street processions, traditional mass celebrations with costumed dances and masquerades. Such a vivid spectacle leaves neither the Koreans themselves nor the numerous tourists indifferent.
Malaysia
In Malaysia, European New Year is celebrated on the night of the thirty-first of December to the first of January. This holiday is celebrated in all Malaysian states, except those where the Muslim population predominates (for example, in the states of Perlis, Kelantan, Terengganu and some others). Some Muslims still take part in New Year's celebrations, although alcohol is prohibited for them.
We are not Muslims, so we celebrated the New Year according to Russian customs, although instead of a Christmas tree we had a palm tree
On New Year's Eve, Malaysian television does not recommend drivers to get behind the wheel, since all kinds of accidents involving cars driven by drunk drivers have long become an integral attribute of the holiday. For Malaysia, New Year is not official holiday, but thanks to the significant strengthening of the state’s foreign policy position and the expansion of its political and economic ties with Europe, most Malaysians are willing to adopt European traditions of celebrating the New Year. In the capital of Malaysia - Kuala Lumpur, as well as in other large Malaysian cities, a magical atmosphere of the New Year's holiday reigns on New Year's Eve.
Oceania
And the last people on the planet to celebrate the New Year are the residents of Bora Bora in Oceania. The holiday here takes place, like Brazil, on the sea coast, and at exactly midnight candles are lit, colorful fireworks are launched and foamy New Year's champagne is poured into glasses. There is a belief: if you make a wish a minute before the rising sun appears from under the mountain, it will definitely come true.
It doesn’t matter where the New Year’s Eve takes place, the main thing is that it is memorable!
And one more very important note: so that your journey - celebrating the New Year - always remains travel with pleasure
Italians throw old irons out of windows, Panamanians whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear... In general, there are a lot of strange things in the world associated with the New Year!
Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to legends, on this night the good Fairy Befana flies in on a magic broom. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts. For those who have studied poorly or been naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.
Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.
In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give to your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, but meeting a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate. 
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called “cry of widows” who mourn their “bad husbands.” As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow” in the new year, you need to wear yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.
If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear should be red.
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens. 
Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, and a crown with lit candles is placed on her head. Lucia brings gifts for children and treats for pets: cream for the cat, a sugar bone for the dog, and carrots for the donkey. On a festive night, the lights in the houses do not go out, the streets are brightly lit. 
SOUTH AFRICA. Police close neighborhoods to traffic - refrigerators fly from windows
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing various objects from their windows - from bottles to large furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow area to vehicular traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police representative, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.
About 100 police officers will patrol this area on New Year's Eve. 
England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.
It was in England that the custom of exchanging greeting cards for the New Year arose. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell heralds the arrival of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.
In English homes, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with gravy, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.
In the British Isles, the custom of “letting in the New Year” is widespread - a symbolic milestone of the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year. 
Scotland. You need to set fire to a tar barrel and roll it down the street
In Scotland, New Year's Day is called Hogmany. On the streets the holiday is celebrated with a Scottish song based on the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that whoever enters their house first in the new year determines the success or failure of the family for the entire next year. Great luck, in their opinion, is brought by a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first footing.
For the New Year, special traditional dishes are prepared: for breakfast they usually serve oatcakes, pudding, a special type of cheese - kebben, for lunch - boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough.
Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. At exactly midnight, the doors swing wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year. 
Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas to help Joseph and Mary if they are looking for shelter.
Irish women bake a special treat, seed cake, for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, another for New Year's and a third for Epiphany Eve. 
Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise
In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets. 
France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate it on the holiday and drink to the future harvest. 
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome a long journey from Lapland, Father Frost comes to homes, leaving a large basket of gifts for the joy of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again the whole family gathers around a table bursting with a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, Finns try to find out their future and tell fortunes by melting wax and then pouring it into cold water. 
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, they believe that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Day. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. 
Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
The New Year holiday is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Generally, it is customary to eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer. 
Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairy-tale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 strikes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that’s why the Japanese bell tolls.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with branches of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo - fidelity, and plum - love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is a sign of prosperity, carp is a sign of strength, beans are a sign of health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat called mochi - koloboks, flatbreads, and rolls made from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.
The most popular New Year's accessory is a rake. Every Japanese believes that it is necessary to have them in order to have something to rake in happiness for the New Year. Bamboo rakes - kumade - are made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and are decorated with various designs and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build small gates in front of the house from three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine tree, a bamboo shoot and a small plum or peach tree. 
Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are stored from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lighted candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by Scottish Highlanders, merry songs imported from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning. 
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts 
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, and candy flowers. 
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform. 
China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves douse themselves with water at the moment when others pronounce New Year's wishes for happiness at them. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in thoroughly wet clothes.
According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country is entering the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar only in 1912. The date of Chinese New Year varies each time from January 21 to February 20. 
Iran. Everybody's shooting guns
In Iran, the New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment gun shots thundered. All adults hold silver coins in their hands as a sign of continuous stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old pottery in the house and replace it with new ones. 
Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather around the festive table for the New Year and the lights go out in all houses for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark is called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness. 
Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which they throw at the threshold, saying the words: “Let the host’s wealth be as heavy as this stone.” And if they don’t get a big stone, they throw a small stone with the words: “Let the thorn in the owner’s eye be as small as this stone.”
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that St. Basil will fill the shoes with gifts. 
Traditional New Year in countries former USSR can’t do without sparkling champagne with sweet tangerines, a bucket of your favorite salad, a huge decorated Christmas tree with gifts and a wish list that you need to make before the chimes strike. Everything else is a matter of imagination and mood! Well, how do they celebrate the New Year in other countries and continents, how do people who are far from Slavic culture attract happiness and good luck? Here are the top 10 unusual New Year traditions from around the world.
Burning an effigy.
Yes, you heard right, this is how they celebrate the New Year in Panama. Each family makes a scary scarecrow, which is set on fire at midnight as a symbol of victory over the difficulties of the passing year. Burning away the problems of the past, the people of Panama are preparing to start the new year with a clean slate. And so that he brings joy, he is greeted with shouts, car alarms and the ringing of all available bells.
Keep a chimney sweep.
Residents of Estonia believe that chimney sweeps wearing... top hats bring happiness to the house. It is for this reason that the most popular New Year's gift Estonians are served by a figurine of a chimney sweep, even better - stained with real soot!
Throw a plate at your neighbor.
It is in this strange way that the Danes attract good luck in the new year. So, if you want to wish someone happiness and health, break a plate or glass on his threshold: the more broken dishes the owners find in the morning, the more successful their affairs will be in the future. The abundance of porcelain shards clearly demonstrates the number of well-wishers of the family.
Pack your suitcase for the trip.
Residents of Peru believe that you don’t have to work hard to travel in the New Year! All you need to do is pack your suitcase and walk around your block with it on the night of January 1st, imagining the desired trip in detail. By the way, not so long ago in Peru there was a tradition of going on New Year’s Eve in search of one’s betrothed, wielding a willow twig.
Paper boom
According to Argentinean traditions, on New Year's Eve you need to get rid of the accumulated old papers, letters, newspapers or dusty receipts that have caused trouble throughout the previous year. Therefore, do not be surprised if on January 1st you find the city in paper rubble - this is the beginning of a new life!
Fiery send-off
But among the Scots it is customary to see off the old year by setting fire to barrels of tar and driving them through the city streets at night. Of course, not all townspeople participate in this action, family people Most often, when the chimes strike, people sit by warm fireplaces with the front door open. This ancient ritual implies “openness” to new things, as the Scots invite good luck to enter the house to share the holiday.
Red is required
Long gone are the days when Italians threw all unnecessary rubbish out of their windows, preparing to enter the year with a clean slate. But there is only one tradition left that cannot be eradicated - every resident of Italy is obliged to celebrate the New Year in something red, from ridiculous red knee socks or a sweater given by grandmother, to defiantly daring erotic lingerie.
twelve grapes
This custom has perhaps spread even beyond its homeland, Spain. On the eve of the coming year, it is necessary to eat 12 grapes during the striking of the holiday chimes, as a symbol of good luck in each new month of the next year. The tradition has been impeccably observed by dreamers and guardians of historical canons for almost a hundred years.
Kadomatsu weaving
This ancient Japanese island tradition is to hang a whimsical piece of pine, fern, bamboo and tangerine on the front door to welcome the spirit of the New Year and bring good luck to the home. In addition to kadomatsu, on New Year's Day in Japan it is important to ring the bell 108 times to clear your “karma.”
Fortune telling with pomegranate seeds
To this unusual tradition The Greeks come running. So the owner of each family is obliged to break a ripe pomegranate on New Year's Eve. The more red grains scattered on the floor, the happier and richer the life of the household will be in the coming year.
Each country has its own interesting traditions and ways to celebrate the New Year. One thing remains unchanged - we all wish that the coming year will bring happiness, love and harmony to our home, fulfilling our deepest desires. Let it be so!
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