Together with you, we will take a New Year's trip to different countries and find out how they celebrate the New Year's holiday.

New Year's Eve

Where and how to celebrate the New Year

The whole planet loves the cheerful holiday of the New Year. All countries and peoples are happy about it, everyone is preparing for it, everyone is celebrating it. But not everything is at the same time and not everything is the same.

Each nation has its own traditions that have developed over centuries, its own, at first glance, amazing customs.

Calendar New Year the first to be greeted are the inhabitants of the Fiji Islands. These islands are located right on the border of time - at 180° east longitude.

Japanese They place branches of pine and bamboo tied together at each door - a symbol of fidelity and longevity. Everyone becomes poets, writes poems and even poems. The guys draw fairy-tale sailboats and hide their drawings under the pillow: the sailboat should help make wishes come true.

On New Year's Eve, Japanese temple bells ring 108 times. It is believed that a person can have six vices: greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision and greed; each of them has 18 various shades. As the bell strikes, purification from vices occurs. With the last blow one must go out into the street and meet New Year e the first rays of the sun. Until recently, there was no custom in Japan to celebrate birthdays. The 108th stroke of the bell on New Year's midnight adds one to all ages at once - even babies born the day before were considered one year old. When the first rays of the sun gild the roofs of houses, people pouring into the streets begin to congratulate each other on the New Year and exchange gifts. All day long the streets are crowded with people, laughter and cheerful songs are heard, and only at dusk do people disperse. It is customary to spend the evening at home, with family.

IN Ancient China The New Year was declared the only holiday of the year for beggars, when anyone could enter the house and take what they needed, and if they refused him, the neighbors would turn away from the owners of the house with contempt. In modern China, New Year is a festival of lanterns. It is celebrated on the 15th day of the Lunar New Year. The New Year itself comes in January-February, therefore it is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring. For many centuries, the inhabitants of China, seeing off the cold and bad weather with the light of lanterns, greet the awakening of nature.

Lanterns are given different shape, decorated with bright patterns and intricate ornaments. In China, they like to put lanterns on the streets in the form of 12 “shengxiao” - animals symbolizing each year of the 12-year cycle lunar calendar. The symbol of the year, as a rule, influences the design theme of the lanterns. Lanterns in the shape of vegetables and fruits are popular. Red, green, yellow, blue, orange lights illuminate houses and streets filled with a cheerful, noisy crowd like a colorful rainbow. Traditional number holiday program- “Dragon Dance”, which is most often performed by men. They carry writhing bodies made of paper or silk on long poles. From the inside it is illuminated by the light of many lamps or candles. The dragon has a huge head, a fire-breathing mouth, sparkling eyes - in the evening hours it seems alive and formidable, a real lord of the water elements, whom the Chinese have worshiped for thousands of years.

The New Year's ceremony is not complete without deafening explosions of firecrackers and rockets. In ancient times, bamboo trunks served as firecrackers, which burst with a loud crack when burning. There was another wonderful custom in China - on the first days of the New Year, it was strictly forbidden to swear and swear.

Favorite New Year's entertainment young women in Korea- jumping on boards. A board is placed on a rolled mat. Someone jumps sharply onto one end - the participant standing on the other end flies into the air, when she descends, the first one flies up. The spectacle is spectacular - women in beautiful, festive clothes soar in the air, like birds in bright plumage. In Korea, every family always sewed new clothes for the New Year. With old clothes, troubles and illnesses became a thing of the past.

IN Mongolia are waiting for guests, and the more guests come to your table on New Year's Eve, the happier the year will be for you.

Nowhere in the world is New Year celebrated as often as on the Indonesian island Bali. The fact is that the Balinese have not 365 days in a year, like ours, but only 210. In honor of the holiday, the Balinese make tall columns from multi-colored tinted rice.

According to customs India, on the first day of the New Year you cannot be irritable, dissatisfied and grumpy. It is believed that the whole year will turn out the way it began. You need to get up early, get yourself in order, slowly think about the future, remember and comprehend the past. And during the day, archery competitions are held and kites. The performances of the famous folk theater are especially popular and attract huge crowds in the streets and squares. In general, in India there are eight dates that are celebrated as New Year. For example, there is such a day - Gudi Padwa, when you definitely need to taste the leaves of the neem-neem tree. Oh, how bitter and disgusting they are, these leaves! But, according to the old belief, they protect a person from illnesses and troubles, and provide, as they say, a sweet life.

The New Year begins with the fire festival. A huge giant Ravan is made from paper. Then one of the Indians, dressed as the hero of the national epic “Ramayana”, Rama, shoots a burning arrow at him, and the giant burns to the solemn cries of those gathered. If desired, this holiday can be seen 4 times a year, because in different parts of the country there are different New Year “schedules”. But the Tamils, the inhabitants of India, for whom the New Year comes on May 1, believe that in the period from January 1 to May 1, everything dark and evil disappears under the rays of the sun. And according to Tamil custom, the New Year begins not at midnight, but at noon. A few days before the holiday, every house is put in order, every housewife paints her house with festive drawings. Blooming yellow pumpkin flowers are solemnly placed in the middle of the patterns. Now is the time to start preparing the New Year's table. Tamils ​​consider New Year's Day as the day of life. That's why they have only vegetarian dishes on the table - after all, eating meat and fish would mean the death of some animals. Even those who calmly eat any food during the rest of the year observe the New Year old tradition. There are usually 6 different dishes on the table. One dish tastes bitter, another sour, a third spicy, a fourth salty, a fifth spicy, a sixth sweet. But together - like life, which can also be spicy, sour, and sweet. Everyone sitting at the table must try every dish so that their life is not deprived of anything, so that in the coming year there is enough happiness and sorrow in it, one must be able to both rejoice and grieve.

The day before the holiday, on the streets of Colombian cities and villages you can meet many people with large homemade dolls in their hands. These dolls symbolize old year, they say goodbye to people who thank the dolls for all the good things that happened to them.

IN Burma New Year falls in mid-April - the hottest, sultriest month of the year. During the New Year holiday, Burmese people pour water on each other. They won’t even notice that you are a guest. This is a custom that goes back to ancient times. The holiday marks the turn of the year: the end of the hot dry season and the onset of rains. During the celebrations, trucks filled with barrels of water rush along the roads. Young people from cars generously pour water on passers-by for a whole week. The New Year's water festival is underway - Tinjan. In the capital, as darkness falls, the Burmese orchestra joins the general festive chorus, above which hovers the image of the Burmese dragon - a fairy-tale monster with the trunk and tusks of an elephant, the tail of a fish and the hooves of a horse. The fence behind which the orchestra is playing, the musical instruments, and the monster are lavishly decorated with gilding, precious stones and inlaid with colored glass and pieces of mirror. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to perform mass ceremonies for the release of fish into reservoirs. Animals, especially cows, are also released into the wild.

IN Africa, in the land of the Abidji, who settled in the southern regions of Côte d'Ivoire and consider themselves Christians, the spirits of fire, water and forest rule at the New Year's festivities. Villagers gather for ritual dances, general meditation and races on all fours with an egg in the mouth. The winner is in the race, the one who reaches the finish line first and does not break the shell is considered - a symbol of the fragility and fragility of human existence. After all, the Abija egg is a symbol of life. Only a person with strong nerves can watch the ritual New Year's dances, since the dancers, to the enthusiastic cries of the public. They cut themselves with daggers. The surprising thing is that there is almost no blood and the scars heal before the eyes. However, there is an explanation for this - the secrets of miraculous ointments have been passed down from generation to generation, which made the warrior’s body immune to pain. And after general meditation, they say, real miracles happen. : patients recover, ulcers heal, and even someone may have the gift of foresight.

Residents cubes before the New Year, glasses are filled with water, and when the clock strikes midnight, they splash it out open window outside as a sign that the old year is happily over and they wish the new year to be just as prosperous.

And much further north, in Europe, Scots, and so not very verbose people, the whole family sits silently by the fireplace or stove, looking at the fire, symbolically burning away all the hardships of the past year, and when the clock hands approach 12, the head of the family silently opens the door wide - while the clock is striking it, It is believed that the Old Year is coming out and the New Year is entering. Then everyone sits down at the table and it begins fun party. If a guest appears on the doorstep, come in and help yourself! Just don’t forget to stir the fire in the hearth. According to an old belief, the one who stirs the fire comes into the house with a feeling of friendship. If you go to visit for the New Year, be sure to bring ham, whiskey, a piece of coal with you - so that in the coming year this house will be nourishing, fun and warm.

Children carefully monitor the chimney Italy: it is through her that the sorceress Befana must enter the house and put the desired gifts in their shoes. An ancient and dangerous custom for passers-by has been preserved - throwing old furniture and unnecessary things out of windows. Old pots, lamps, chairs, tables, even beds are flying from windows and balconies! And after them, confetti rains down to the sound of firecrackers. The more things you throw away, Italians believe, the more wealth the New Year will bring!

IN Ireland On New Year's Eve, the doors of all houses open wide. Anyone who wishes can enter any house and will be a welcome guest, they will be received with great joy, seated on place of honor, they will treat you to a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: “For peace in this house and in the whole world.” The next day the holiday is celebrated among friends and acquaintances.

In villages in the south France The housewife, who is the first to draw water from the spring on New Year's Day, leaves a pie or bun from the festive table next to it. The one who comes after her will take the pie and leave her own - this is how the housewives treat each other until the evening.

IN Germany the people themselves of different ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, they climb onto chairs, tables, armchairs and, with the last blow, unanimously, with joyful greetings, “jump” into the New Year.

IN Hungary On New Year's Eve, all children's whistles, pipes, and trumpets disappear from the shelves. According to popular belief, the piercing and not always pleasant sound of these simple musical instruments drives away evil spirits from the home and brings prosperity and joy into the home. Youth festive columns are held in cities and towns on New Year's Eve. Musicians are ahead. The herald loudly announces that the old year is gone, and in the coming year a good harvest and full bins await all who work.

IN Greece those invited to celebrate the New Year take with them a mossy stone, which they throw down at the threshold and say: “May the wealth of the hosts be as heavy as this stone.”

IN Bulgaria With the last stroke of the clock, the lights in all houses go out for a few minutes. It's time for New Year's kisses.

Having gathered for the holiday, girls and boys Poland they are in no hurry to sit down at the table: the most interesting thing that night is fortune telling! A piece of hay is placed under the tablecloth, and all the girls randomly pull out a stem from it. The one who gets the longest stem will get married first this year. The stem is elastic, but not brittle, elastic - the husband will be flexible and calm. Tough, brittle - the girl will have to humble her character in order to live in harmony with her husband!

Upon entering the house, everyone takes off their shoes, and one of those present quietly rearranges their boots and shoes, trying to mix up the pairs. Those who are nearby will get married next year. Whose is closest to the door will get married first...

In October the New Year comes in Indonesia. All people dress up and ask each other for forgiveness for the insults and troubles they caused in the past year.

Celebrate New Year noisily Dutch. At midnight, ships docked in ports begin to sound their horns and fire rockets. Interestingly, in Holland there is a delicacy that is served only on the New Year's table - raisin donuts.

On Northern Canada and in Greenland New Year is celebrated on December 21, the shortest daylight hours in the Northern Hemisphere, after which the night begins to subside. But in some Eskimo villages this ancient custom has been preserved - the New Year begins on the day the first snow falls.

IN Austria The chimney sweep has long been considered a symbol of happiness. It used to be that on New Year's Eve, when they saw a chimney sweep, people ran in a crowd after him to touch him and get their fingers dirty with soot. Nowadays there are fewer chimney sweeps, but the tradition still persists.

IN Sweden On New Year's Day, old dishes are broken, for which the children collect unusable cups, saucers, and plates in advance. The more shards there are at the doorstep, the happier the new year will be.

New Year's Eve Australia starts January 1st. But just at this time it is so hot there that Father Frost and Snow Maiden deliver gifts lightly - in bathing suits.

IN London On New Year's Eve you can go to Trafalgar Square and swim in the fountain. In all clothes. Custom allows it. And there are those who want it.

Brazilian Santa Claus's name is Popeye Noel. Despite the warm weather, he comes to visit the guys in felt boots, a fur coat, and a bag over his shoulders. Of course, not with an empty bag.

In Vietnam Since ancient times, days have been counted according to the lunar calendar. Therefore, our 1983 was their 4619th year. The New Year holiday itself, which is called “Tet”, is celebrated by the Vietnamese at different times. Om marks the approach of spring in Vietnam. The holiday takes place at night. Huge bonfires blaze in parks, gardens, and just on the streets, and the Vietnamese give each other colorful branches of the “hao dao” peach tree and small tangerine trees with golden fruits.

Sri Lankans They celebrate their New Year in April - after the harvest. For the sake of the holiday, traffic is closed for 2 days - festive columns parade through the streets. Everyone is dressed in elegant clothes, the color of which is determined by astrologers for each year. In addition, for the sake of the holiday, people rub themselves lemon juice mixed with coconut oil.

New Year's holiday date for residents Samoan Islands depends on... palolo sea worm. When he emerges from the depths of the ocean, what a celebration! All residents go out to catch palolo and tear off the last leaf of the calendar on the same day. It usually falls at the end of October - beginning of November.

IN Romania For the New Year's holiday they bake pies with surprises. Rings, coins or red pepper pods are baked in them. Rings, coins are brought, folk beliefs, prosperity in the coming year, and red peppers for fun!

The noisiest New Year is probably in Panama. The holiday begins there with the deafening ringing of a bell on a fire tower. At midnight, cars turn on their horns, sirens begin to howl, orchestra trumpets thunder, and people don’t so much sing as they shout and bang on anything. Adults become mischievous, like children. But Panamanian Popeye Noel is already dressed for summer. He couldn't stand the heat in a fur coat.

From a North American tribe Navajo Indians The custom of celebrating the New Year by dancing around a huge fire in a forest clearing has been preserved. The clearing is surrounded by fir trees and has only one exit - to the east, from where the sun should come. The dancers are dressed in white clothes. Their faces are also painted White color. In the hands of the dancers are sticks with white feather balls. Sometimes these balls burst into flames from the flying sparks of the fire, and then everyone rejoices. But here come the 16 most strong men. They carry a huge bright red ball and, to the music, pull it up with a rope onto a high pole. Everyone shouts: “New Year! A new sun has been born!” Three more passages are immediately made in the fir-tree fence: to the north, to the south, to the west. The sun will now shine everywhere!

IN Moldova On the first day of the New Year, in their home and in those houses where they go to visit, they are sure to scatter grain so that the year will be plentiful, fruitful, so that the house will be a full cup.

IN Latvia the same thing is symbolized by peas - when celebrating the New Year, you must definitely eat a pea.

IN Georgia It is not customary to visit on the first day of the New Year without an invitation: the owner himself invites those with whom he has the concept of good - such an invited guest must be the first to cross the threshold of the house on New Year's Day, and be sure to bring sweets.

IN Armenia On this day it is supposed to congratulate all older relatives.

Different peoples, different customs, but they have one thing in common - celebrating the New Year, a good, cheerful holiday.

Cultural traditions of the New Year in different countries Oh

New year in Russia

There are quite a lot of traditions for celebrating the New Year in Russia. But what's interesting is that most of them came from Western culture. This is possibly explained by two reasons: firstly, the arrival of Christianity in Slavic Rus' was completely, or almost completely, canceled pagan traditions New Year's Eve and Old Year's farewell. Secondly, the nobility and nobility imported new Western customs into Russia, which were subsequently adopted by the common people and became popular. Moreover, each era brought something new. From the times of Slavic paganism we inherited mummers, buffoons and jesters. The era of Peter the Great and subsequent reformer rulers brought christmas tree with toys, fireworks, Santa Claus and the New Year's table (delicacies like Olivier salads and vinaigrette were unknown before; they made do with porridge and pies). And the country of the Soviets gave us Father Frost and the Snow Maiden, the obligatory Champagne with tangerines on the table and the striking of the Chimes.

New Year in England

In England, a bell announces 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 o'clock the blanket is removed and the celebration is turned on at full capacity. Residents of Britain, when the clock begins to strike 12, open the back doors of the house to let out the Old Year, and with the last stroke they open the front doors to let in the New Year. This is called Letting in New Year. In addition to the Christmas tree, the house is decorated with mistletoe branches. There are even mistletoe bouquets on lamps and chandeliers, and, according to custom, you can kiss a person standing in the middle of the room under a mistletoe bouquet. In English homes, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, and fruit.

New Year in Austria

In Austria, the modern custom of gifts and congratulations for the New Year was widespread at the end of the 18th and beginning of the 19th centuries. It is now customary to give figurines or send postcards with traditional symbols of happiness; These are considered to be chimney sweep, four-leaf clover, and pig. Dinner on December 31st should be plentiful in order to live well in the New Year. The obligatory meat dish was jellied pig or pork. In Austria, it is believed that on New Year's Eve, in order to be happy, you need to eat a piece of a pig's head or a pig's snout; this was called "participating in the pig's happiness" (Saugluck teilhaftig werden). New Year's Eve Vienna is full of special charm. Huge Christmas markets are held in squares, but the largest is on the Town Hall, in the center of Vienna. At the bazaars you can buy everything from clothes self made and jewelry famous designers to straw stars and Christmas tree decorations.

New Year in Australia

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.

New Year in Belgium and the Netherlands

In Belgium and the Netherlands, there is a widespread custom, the meaning of which is that based on a person’s behavior on New Year’s Day, they predict what will happen to him in the coming year. Therefore, they tried not to do anything on this day, wear something new, etc. In order for there to be prosperity in the house all year, it was necessary to have an abundance of food on the New Year.
New Year's Day is a welcoming holiday for children too. On this day, children congratulate their parents on the New Year and read to them pre-prepared congratulatory letters written on a special, decorated bright colors and paper ribbons. Among the Flemings and Walloons, on New Year's Eve, the "Good Angel" or the "Christ Child" goes from house to house, placing sweets under the pillows of sleeping children.
There is another custom that is widespread in other countries in the Netherlands and Belgium - the election of the king of the holiday. To do this, housewives bake a pie in which the beans are baked. Whoever gets a piece of bean pie becomes king for the entire holiday. The king himself selects his queen and retinue: a court jester, a nobleman, etc.
In Brabant and West Flanders there is another way of electing the king. 16 special so-called royal postcards (Koningsbriefs) are produced, which depict the king, his courtiers and servants: adviser, steward, ambassador, singer, actor, cook, etc. In the village, such postcards are often drawn by hand. Then those present take one card at random, and thus the roles of the festive evening are distributed. The king and queen, crowned with gold paper crowns, preside over the evening. Those present must repeat all their gestures and actions. Their power continues throughout the day of January 6, which takes place on fun activities and jokes.

New Year in Burma

The New Year in Burma begins in April (between April 12 and 17; the exact day of celebration is announced by the Ministry of Culture by a special decree, and the celebrations last three days), on the hottest days there. And for a whole week people pour water on each other heartily. The New Year's water festival is underway - Tinjan.

New Year in Bulgaria

In Bulgaria, it is traditional to celebrate the New Year at home. Before the holiday begins, the youngest person in the house stands near the Christmas tree and sings carols to the guests. Grateful relatives and guests give him gifts. The most interesting thing begins with the 12th strike of the clock. At this time, the lights in the houses go out for a moment for New Year's kisses. Only after this does the hostess begin to cut the pie with surprises baked in it. If you get a coin, expect wealth, a sprig of roses means personal happiness. The same surprise cake tradition is common in Romania and Australia. IN New Year's Eve After the feast they make dogwood sticks (survachki). Survachka is decorated with red thread, heads of garlic, nuts, coins, prunes and dried fruits. They go with the survachki to visit guests. They enter the house and pat the owners on the back with them. Such pats promise good luck, health and prosperity to the home.

New Year in Brazil

In Brazil, the New Year's celebration is called Iemanja. On New Year's Eve, residents of Rio de Janeiro go to the ocean to make offerings to the sea: most often these are flowers on small ships made of wood. Gifts are placed in small boats and sent out to sea as a sign of gratitude for the past year and for good luck in the coming year.

New Year in Hungary

New Year - uj ev - in Hungary does not have the same meaning as Christmas, although some Christmas customs were observed at this time. In Hungary, in the first second of the New Year, they prefer to whistle - and not using their fingers, but children’s pipes, horns, and whistles. It is believed that they are the ones who call for joy and prosperity. And when washing in the morning, instead of soap, they rub their hands with coins so that they remain in their hands all year long. In preparation for the holiday, New Year's dishes Hungarians include beans and peas, apples, nuts, garlic, and honey to sweeten life.

New Year in Venezuela

Celebrating the New Year in Venezuela is a special event. All relatives get together and prepare la hallaca - one of the types of very rich food with a lot of seasonings, which is eaten by all household members during New Year's Eve. Everyone wishes each other happiness in the new year and forgets all past grievances.

New Year in Vietnam

In Vietnam, the New Year according to the lunisolar calendar is called Tet. This family celebration, during which all quarrels are forgotten, grievances are forgiven. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. New Year and January 1 are celebrated in Vietnam.

New Year in Germany

In Germany, people of all ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, climb onto chairs, tables, armchairs and, with the last strike, “jump” into the New Year with joyful greetings.

New Year in India

The traditional New Year, which is celebrated on January 1, is not for all countries the starting point of the new calendar year. Hindus, for example, celebrate this holiday more than four times a year - this is their national peculiarity. Materials on Internet sites also say that in India on New Year’s Day you need to hit a paper “kite” with a burning arrow and then the holiday is considered to have begun. Hindus celebrate New Year in different ways depending on where they live. Residents of northern India decorate themselves with flowers in shades of pink, red, purple, or white. In south India, mothers place sweets, flowers, small gifts on a special tray. On New Year's morning, children must wait with their eyes closed until they are led to the tray. In western India, New Year is celebrated at the end of October. Small lights are lit on the roofs of houses. In central India, orange flags are hung on buildings. India is one of the countries where many cultures and subcultures intersect. Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists live there, but, nevertheless, the bulk of the population professes the Hindu religion. And their New Year, accordingly, begins according to the prescriptions of the Hindu calendar. This does not mean that Hindus skimp on the Islamic and Christian New Years - they gladly take part in the celebration of these celebrations, as well as the Nativity of Christ. For the traditional Indian year, called Gudi Padwa, the date changes every year, depending on the lunar calendar. The New Year celebration lasts more than one day and is accompanied by various carnival processions, fairs and other paraphernalia. But, since the political, economic and social spheres of the country are guided by the Christian calendar, the first of January is also not ignored. Hindus in Tamil Nadu celebrate the start of the new year on April 14, which coincides with the official arrival of spring. New to Andhra Pradesh calendar year comes only in March. Residents of Kashmir begin counting the New Year in general from March 10, and continue to celebrate until the end of the celebrations in all states, and in West Bengal the New Year comes on April 13. Don't forget about celebrating the New Year eastern calendar, as well as about the Muslim New Year. Thus, we can say with complete confidence that India is the most New Year's country in the world.

New Year in Indonesia

In Indonesia, New Year comes in October. All people dress up, wish each other happiness in the new year and forget all past grievances.

New Year in Iran

In Iran (a Muslim country that was formerly called Persia), Iranians and those who use the Iranian calendar in everyday life celebrate the New Year (Navruz - Persian نوروز‎, “new day”) on March 21 or 22 (the night from 30 esfand to 1 farvardin ), in a day spring equinox. A few weeks before the holiday, people plant grains of wheat or barley in a small dish. By the New Year, the grains sprout, which symbolizes the beginning of spring and a new year of life.

New Year in Spain

On New Year's Eve, townspeople take to the streets and squares where festivities take place. And when the city clock strikes midnight, everyone you know and strangers They begin to congratulate each other, wish them health, good luck and exchange gifts. Also in Spain, the expressive features of an erotic cult are carried by one of New Year's customs, which is still followed in many villages of the country, although in a humorous form: “estrechos” (in Asturias - “devotos”) - conclusion fictitious marriages. On New Year's Eve, girls and boys from the entire village pull out pieces of paper with the names of fellow villagers of both sexes. Guys get “brides” this way, girls get “grooms”. In some places, for example, in the district of Ourency, this procedure takes place in front of bonfires near the church porch. Married couples that have formed are considered lovers until the very end of the holiday and behave accordingly.
In Barcelona and Madrid, until recently on New Year's Eve, they sold tickets with the names of guests of both sexes and then paired them up at random: they got “grooms” and “brides” for the whole evening. The next morning, the “groom” was supposed to come to his “bride” with a visit and a gift - flowers, sweets. Sometimes young people arranged things in such a way as to get their favorite girl as a “bride,” and it turned out to be a real marriage. It is possible that here are traces of a very serious marriage custom, when marriages took place under strict community control.
Also in Spain there is a tradition of eating grapes on New Year's Eve. When the clock strikes, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes, one for each of the twelve coming months.

New Year in Italy

On New Year's Day, at exactly midnight, Italians throw open their windows and throw out old and unnecessary things. This tradition is connected with the fact that one must enter the New Year wearing everything new - new clothes, new furniture. And old unnecessary worries and things must be safely thrown away after the passing year. The more things you throw away, they believe, the more wealth the New Year will bring.
In the provinces of Italy, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring “new water” from a source to your house. If you don’t have anything to give to your friends, the Italians say, you can give “new water” with an olive branch.” It is believed that “new” water, brought before sunrise, brings happiness. For an Italian it is also important , what if on January 1 an Italian meets a nice old man - that’s good. And even better - a hunchback. Then the New Year will definitely be prosperous!

New Year in China

Chinese New Year occurs in January-February, so it is associated with the end of winter and the beginning of spring. Street processions are the most exciting part of the holiday. In modern China, New Year is a festival of lanterns. On New Year's Eve, countless small lanterns are lit on the streets and squares, complementing the New Year's holiday with beautiful firecrackers and firecrackers. Residents of China, seeing off the cold and bad weather with the light of lanterns, welcome the awakening of nature. Lanterns are given different shapes, decorated with bright designs and intricate ornaments. On the first days of New Year's, swearing is not allowed at all. New Year in China is a strictly family holiday, and every Chinese strives to spend it with their family. On the evening of the last day of the year, each family gathers in its entirety in the living room for a festive dinner. During this dinner, family members forgive each other old grievances. After finishing the meal, no one went to bed, so as not to miss their future happiness. Night vigils for the New Year were called “protecting the year.”

New Year in Colombia

In Colombia main character New Year's carnival - Old Year - walks on high stilts and tells the children funny stories. Papa Pascual - Colombian Santa Claus - arranges fireworks.

New Year in Cuba

Before the New Year, Cubans fill all the dishes in the house with water, and after midnight they pour the water out of the windows. In this form, all residents of Liberty Island wish the New Year a bright and clear path, like water. While the clock strikes twelve, one must eat twelve grapes, and then happiness, goodness, harmony, prosperity and peace will accompany a person all year.

New Year in Mexico

In Mexico, the New Year is celebrated with festive fireworks, firecrackers, and the ringing of special New Year's bells. And children are given delicious gingerbread dolls at midnight.

New Year in Mongolia

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

New Year in Myanmar

In Myanmar, the New Year comes during the hottest time of the year, so its arrival is celebrated with the so-called “water festival”, when people pour water on each other when they meet. The tradition of pouring water is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.

New Year in Nepal

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 comes the turn of the Festival of Colors, and then the whole country turns into a huge rainbow. People paint their faces, arms and chests with bizarre patterns, and then crowds of painted merry people walk through the streets singing and dancing.

New Year in Panama

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. All this noise is necessary in order to “appease” the coming year. The peoples of the North are the most interesting, unexpected, and festive. New Year's Eve here turns into the personification of a feeling of immense joy and friendliness of the holiday. This is a sales fair, this is a sports competition, this is folklore with the presence of a Christmas tree and Santa Claus, who is the keeper of secrets and surprises on New Year's Eve.

New Year in Portugal

Neighboring Portugal also has a tradition, like Spain, similar to drawing lots. But they choose not the bride and groom, but the king of the evening. A coin is baked into a Christmas cake. The one who gets it is declared the king of the evening, and all other guests must behave accordingly with him.

The same tradition of baking coins exists in other countries, for example, in Bulgaria, Romania and Austria. But usually this serves the function of fortune-telling - the one who gets the coin will definitely be rich.

New Year in Scandinavia

In Scandinavia, in the first seconds of the New Year, it is customary to grunt under the table to drive away troubles from the family and create the beginning of only the best in the new year.

New Year in Sudan

In Sudan, you need to celebrate the New Year on the banks of the Nile, then all your wishes will come true.

New Year in Turkey

Muslims are not prohibited from celebrating the New Year, but it is not recommended to decorate the Christmas tree and invite Santa Claus. This is stated in the New Year's statement by the head of Turkish Muslims. The tradition of celebrating the New Year is recognized throughout the world and is part of world culture, but Christmas is religious holiday and has nothing to do with the New Year, Muslims should not confuse these two holidays. The tradition of celebrating the New Year with a Christmas tree is common in Turkey. However, in a number of Muslim countries, New Year celebrations are not encouraged. In particular, in Saudi Arabia this is prohibited.

New Year in Finland

According to Finnish beliefs, the central winter month was a fox month. January and February were called the big and small or the first and second months of tammikuu. The celebration of the New Year on January 1 was adopted by the Finns in the 16th century. Before this, the year began after Michaelmas, gradually moved towards the end of October and at one time was apparently celebrated on November 1st. Since the New Year began to be celebrated on January 1, the features characteristic of such a date have passed to its eve and to the first day.

New Year in France

Despite the fact that the French are known as a loving nation, on New Year's Eve they prefer not to kiss, but to eat and get drunk. 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. And since only lazy people don’t make wine in France, you can imagine the fun they have there. In France, Father Christmas - 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. Wooden or clay figurines - santons - are placed near the Christmas tree.

New Year in Switzerland

In Switzerland (and in Austria too) people dress up to celebrate St. Sylvester's Day. This holiday is based on the legend that Pope Sylvester (314) caught a terrible sea monster. It was believed that in the year 1000 this monster would break free and destroy the world. To everyone's joy, this did not happen. Since then, in Austria and Switzerland this story has been remembered on New Year's Day. People dress up in fancy dress and call themselves Sylvesterklaus.

New Year in Sweden

Swedes desperately miss the sun in winter. Therefore, at the beginning of a series of New Year and Christmas holidays, they organize processions with torches and candles, and on New Year’s Day they give each other homemade candles. They also buzz during the holiday. In the truest sense of the word - when the clock strikes 12, the Swedes blow their horns with all their might.

New Year in Scotland

In Scotland, or more precisely, in some villages of this country, the New Year is celebrated with a kind of torchlight procession: barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled through the streets. Thus, the Scots “burn” the old year and light the way for the new one. The morning of the New Year is even more important for them than New Year's Eve itself: after all, the well-being of the owners depends on who is the first to enter the house on this day. It is believed that the best happiness is brought by a dark-haired man who comes with a gift.

New Year in Yugoslavia

In Yugoslavia, there was a lot of fortune-telling on New Year's Day: by salting 12 onions, they determined the weather in a particular month (Croats, Slovenes). In some areas of Slovenia, ten different objects were laid out on the table: among them were a pine branch (happiness), a ring (wedding), a doll (family growth), money (wealth), etc., which were covered fur hat. Each fortuneteller had to pull out an object three times, and if he always came across the same one, this meant that within a year an event would occur in his life related to the symbolism of this object.

New Year in Japan

In Japan, New Year is celebrated on January 1st. The custom of seeing off the Old Year is obligatory, including organizing receptions and visiting restaurants. As the New Year begins, the Japanese begin to laugh. They believe that laughter will bring them good luck in life. coming year. On the first New Year's Eve it is customary to visit the temple. The temples ring a bell 108 times. With each blow, as the Japanese believe, everything bad goes away, which should not happen again in the New Year. According to Japanese belief, each ringing neutralizes one of the worst human traits. According to the Japanese, there are only 6 of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy), but each has 18 different shades - and the Japanese bell tolls 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. In houses, rice cakes are placed in a prominent place, on top of which tangerines are placed, symbolizing happiness, health and longevity. In Japan, the European Christmas tree is decorated with exotic plants growing on the islands.
New Year in Japan is one of the most popular holidays in the country. Japanese children celebrate the New Year wearing new clothes, believing it will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a drawing of their dream under their pillow, then their wish should come true. IN flower arrangements Pine dominates, symbolizing longevity and endurance. And 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 Japan, lucky amulets - rakes - are extremely popular among New Year's accessories. Every Japanese considers it necessary to purchase them so that they 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 rich paintings.
To appease the upcoming New Year and for good luck, the Japanese build a kadomatsu in front of the house - a small gate made of three bamboo sticks to which pine branches are tied. Those who are richer build kadomatsu from dwarf pine, bamboo shoots and a small blossoming plum or peach tree.

What interesting New Year traditions do you know?

New Year is not only a time of fun, but also of funny traditions associated with various superstitions that are supposed to ensure good luck in the coming year. Celebrating the New Year only in red underwear, eating grapes while the chimes are striking, or walking around the house with a suitcase - these are just a few of the bizarre New Year's traditions in different countries, which you will learn about in our educational article.

9 PHOTOS

1. Spain.

Spaniards celebrate New Year with family and friends. According to tradition, at midnight, they all go out to the main square of the city together to eat exactly 12 grapes as the chimes strike. With each stroke of the clock, you need to have time to eat one grape, while standing on your left foot, so that your right one can... enter the coming year. This custom dates back to 1909, in which there was a bountiful grape harvest, and cunning farmers thus figured out how they could sell such a huge amount of fruit. According to this tradition, grapes eaten during the New Year should bring prosperity in the coming year. Eating grapes when the clock strikes is not so easy, so shortly before the New Year, stores in Spain sell special jars with 12 grapes, peeled and seedless. Traditionally, grapes must be washed down with champagne.

What’s interesting is that in Salamanca the New Year is celebrated... on December 15th. Salamanca is a university town full of students who usually return to their home for the Christmas holidays. Therefore, they all celebrate the New Year together on December 15th. Especially for them, on this day the bells ring at the Plaza Mayor, announcing the coming of the New Year.

And that's not all New Year's Spanish superstitions. To make the coming year a financial one, the Spaniards throw gold rings into glasses of champagne, which they raise during New Year's toast. If you throw lentil grains into champagne, you will be guaranteed an abundance of food next year. A green banknote in your hands during the chiming clock can also provide you with wealth and prosperity. Well, at the very end, if after the clock strikes you put a clove of garlic in your wallet, then the money will not be transferred next year. (Photo: Shutterstock).

Many Brazilians wear white clothes on New Year's Eve, which are believed to bring them happiness and peace in the coming year.

Brazilians have another beautiful New Year's tradition: shortly before the New Year, they make sacrifices to the goddess of the sea - Yemanji. On all the beaches in Brazil, the day before the New Year, residents launch boats into the sea with gifts for Yemanji and throw bouquets of white flowers into the waves. In this way, residents want to attract good luck, prosperity and abundance in the coming year. In Brazil, not a single holiday can do without dancing - residents perform candomble dances, putting them in a trance.

About two million people annually celebrate the New Year on the famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro - drinking and dancing to the rhythms of hot Brazilian music. And at midnight they enjoy a spectacular fireworks show over the beach. (Photo: Antonello!/flickr.com).

Italians always celebrate the New Year in red underwear, which, according to popular belief, should bring them happiness in the coming year and help unmarried ladies meet their soulmate.

Very important For Italians, it also matters who they will meet first in the new year. A man must meet a woman, and a woman must meet a man, then they are guaranteed good luck.

Another Italian tradition that is supposed to bring prosperity and well-being is eating a portion of soup or other dish with lentils shortly before midnight. Shellfish and seafood can bring success to the people of Italy New Year's table. Also symbolic of prosperity, pork is served on New Year's Eve as cotechino, a large, raw and seasoned sausage, or stuffed leg of pork. (Photo: Shutterstock).

In Ecuador, there is a tradition of sewing dolls called Años Viejos, which represent real people, most often inglorious politicians, or events of the past year. These dolls fill all the streets of Ecuadorian cities on New Year's Eve. Dolls are made from paper old clothes and straw, some of them filled with firecrackers. At midnight, the Ecuadorians set them on fire. Burning dolls are a symbol of saying goodbye to the old year and welcoming the new year. (Photo: Shutterstock).

5. Greece.

New Year in Greece coincides with the day of St. Basil (Greek Santa Claus). It's time for gifts. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that St. Basil will bring them gifts. According to tradition, it is prepared new year cake- vassilopita, in which a lucky coin is hidden. The one who gets the piece with the coin will be especially happy in the coming year.

Even in Ancient Greece, there was a tradition of fortune telling with wine - oinomancja. Before drinking a glass to celebrate the New Year, you had to take a closer look at the bubbles. If there are a lot of bubbles and they are seething, it means that in the coming year there will be many changes, romances and even accidents. If there are few bubbles and they rise in even chains, this means health and a joyful family life. If the chains of bubbles intersect, you need to be careful in the coming year, as this is a harbinger of health and financial problems. (Photo: Robert Wallace/flickr.com).

In these countries, residents pick up suitcases... and carry them around the house so that they can travel a lot in the coming year. And to attract prosperity and abundance, Mexicans decorate their homes in red, yellow, green and white. (Photo: Shutterstock).

New Year's Day in Japan is called O-Shōgatsu, which means the first month of the year. Before the start of the new year, the Japanese try to finish all unfinished business, unresolved disputes, pay off debts and clean the apartment. To put all the worries of the old year into oblivion, the Japanese organize bonen-kai - a festive dinner with the family, the main dish of which is toshikoshi-soba - buckwheat noodles - a symbol of longevity.

At midnight in Japan, the bells of Buddhist temples ring out, namely 108 strikes, which should free the inhabitants from evil forces. 108 is the number of temptations that, according to Buddhism, every person has. New Year's Eve in Japan lasts three days. For the Japanese, the first visit to the temple is very important in the coming year. The Japanese decorate entrances and gates with kodomatsu - ornaments made of pine, plum or bamboo - for durability and prosperity. New Year in Japan is also a long-awaited time for children, who receive as a gift - toshidama - money in small, beautifully decorated envelopes. (Photo: Shutterstock).

An interesting Bulgarian New Year tradition is surwakari. After midnight, young Bulgarians go from house to house, wishing their owners health and happiness in the new year. At the same time, they hit them on the back with small dogwood branches decorated with candies, popcorn or dried fruits, which are called “survachki”. The owner of the house, who was “beaten” with a twig, must thank his “tormentors” with sweets, coins or other gifts.

Back in Bulgaria, if someone sneezes on New Year's Eve, it is considered a good omen. And the first animal born in the new year will be named after the person who sneezed on New Year's Eve. (Photo: Shutterstock).

Most Filipinos spend New Year's Eve with family and close friends over a festive dinner. On this night, the whole family must gather together so that no one dies in the coming year. On festive table Filipinos must have 12 round fruits, symbolizing all the months of the year. Round objects, according to local beliefs, bring prosperity and money, so the patterns on the New Year's outfits of the people of the Philippines, as you may have guessed, are a variety of circles.

Before the New Year, Filipinos also fill their wallets to capacity with money and coins so that it will be full of money in the coming year. And on New Year's Eve, children traditionally jump high in order to... grow even bigger. In the Philippines, the New Year is celebrated very loudly, because it is believed that noise drives away evil spirits. Some residents, hoping to secure wealth for themselves in the coming year, walk around the house shaking a pot filled with coins. In the Philippines, as in Spain, there is a tradition according to which you need to eat 12 grapes at midnight. (Photo: Shutterstock).

About customs, traditions and rituals of celebrating the New Year in different countries

America

Americans celebrate the New Year with gala celebrations and parties. A flow of fine wine and an abundance of delicacies symbolize hope for prosperity and abundance in the coming year.

Australia

New Year's Day is a huge event in Australia that occurs on January 1st every year and continues until January 6th. New Year in Australia means fireworks, loud music, parties and others fun activities. Sydney is worth visiting during New Year's holidays. There you can see performances by singers and musicians during the celebration. Also very popular beach parties, bonfires, camping and picnics that form the essence of New Year's celebrations in Australia.

Canada

In Canada, New Year's Eve is the last date of the Canadian tax year and is also the day when everyone forgets their troubles, grievances and suffering and hopes that the new year will be prosperous in all aspects of life. Many organize private parties, while others prefer public celebrations in clubs, restaurants, discos or just on the street. When midnight comes, they open bottles of champagne and wine, raise toasts with Best wishes. Fireworks shows are organized in large cities in Canada. There are also special shows in which performers of different genres take part, such as magicians, musicians, dancers, and acrobats. Toronto hosts laser shows, theater performances, and special film screenings. Traditionally, the people of this country exchange gifts and kiss each other on New Year's Eve.

Bahamas

The Bahamas is a beautiful country made up of islands and shoals. Many tourists come here who want to spend the New Year holidays unforgettably. Celebrating the New Year, like other holidays, is celebrated with a certain carelessness unique to the Bahamas. This makes for a wild New Year's Eve party. On the afternoon of December 31st, people have fun on the beach. The real extravaganza begins with the arrival of evening, when all the nightclubs, discos, bars and hotels are packed with crowds of people. The celebration continues until the morning.

Austria

Austria has always been known for its extravagance and culture. This is a country with rich history and centuries-old traditions. If you want to immerse yourself in art, music and culture, then choose Austria for your New Year's celebrations. The center of this cultural event is without a doubt Vienna. On New Year's Eve, the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra presents new program. For a true music connoisseur, this will be an unforgettable experience. Another grand event is the Imperial Ball, which will make everyone feel royal. Very large-scale celebrations also take place in Salzburg. Street festivals are popular here. In addition, boat excursions on the Danube River on New Year's Eve are very famous. Well, one of the main attributes of the New Year celebrations are fireworks in almost every country. Austria is no exception.

Chile

Chile has pleasant climatic conditions for celebrating the New Year holidays. People from all over the world come to Chile. The capital Valparaiso receives the largest number of tourists. When the clock strikes twelve, a spectacular fireworks show begins. Everyone makes noise, blows trumpets, thus welcoming the beginning of the new year. Everyone is praying and hoping for a peaceful and prosperous year ahead. There is a tradition of running with a suitcase in hand. People believe that this will bring them a lot of travel and experiences in the new year.

Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a country located in the very center of America. In Costa Rica, people love to celebrate the New Year with their family and closest relatives. Even clubs, discos and bars close an hour before midnight. During the day on New Year's Eve, residents prefer to visit beautiful places, such as mountains, beaches, forests. Costa Rica has its own New Year's traditions. Women carefully clean their homes before the New Year. It is believed that sweeping dust symbolizes getting rid of all evil spirits, evil and failures. On New Year's Eve you need to wear clothes yellow color to attract good luck. And if you want to attract love, then you need to wear red underwear. The tradition of eating twelve grapes on New Year's Eve is widely followed. Each grape represents one of the months of the coming year.

Residents of every country look forward to the New Year holidays, because... This is the time when you especially believe in the magic of New Year's Eve, which will certainly fulfill all your most cherished desires. Each part of the world has its own traditions, observing which you can attract happiness, love and wealth.

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The most fun New Year's traditions TOP-12. The website loves to talk about the strangest traditions of different countries, read

But, in different countries, not only such a celebration as a wedding or the birth of a child is celebrated differently, they also celebrate the New Year 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.

The most unusual, interesting and original New Year's traditions from different countries.

1. Japan - go to bed before dawn!

On New Year's Eve in Japan, bells ring at night, exactly 108 times. The sound of the bell signifies one of the six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy and indecisiveness. The Japanese believe that every human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strikes. Instead of a New Year tree, the Japanese have a kadomatsu, which means “pine tree at the entrance.” This product is made from bamboo, pine, and rice straws are woven into it. Kadomatsu is decorated with fern and tangerine branches.

But the most interesting thing is that the Japanese do not celebrate the New Year in our understanding. On New Year's Eve they go to bed peacefully, but wake up early in the morning and all go together to celebrate the dawn of the New Year. Of course, some of us also celebrate the New Year’s dawn, but in a completely different state! Read,

2. Italy - red panties!

It is often said that in Italy, before the New Year, it is customary to throw out everything old and unnecessary from the house (most often directly from the window): clothes, furniture or even plumbing fixtures. But now this tradition is practically dying out in Italy. But what is incredibly popular in Italy before Christmas and New Year is the color red! The fact is that Italians love not only Santa Claus, but also the local Italian Santa Claus, Bobbo Natale. And, Bobbo Natale, like a real Italian, is a terrible fashionista and loves the color red. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, the entire population of Italy - women, men, and children - wear something red, even if it's just panties or socks. Therefore, when celebrating the New Year somewhere on the streets of Rome or Milan, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks; on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another New Year's tradition in Italy is eating raisins that have dried directly on the bunches. To Italians, dried grapes resemble coins, and it is believed that those who eat more of them will earn more money in the coming year.

3. Argentina - everything is on paper!

But in Argentina, the Italian tradition of throwing away everything has taken root, although... mainly among office workers. On New Year's Eve, the centers of Argentine cities are covered with an even layer of unnecessary paper, sometimes even whole piles of papers. According to local tradition, you need to throw unnecessary magazines, newspapers and other papers out of windows, but most of all Argentines like to throw away bills for the past year.

4. Spain - grapes and a naked butt!

In Spain, there is a tradition of quickly eating 12 grapes at midnight, each grape being eaten with each new chime. 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 to have time to eat grapes. The tradition of eating grapes has been around for over a hundred years; the first time was the population’s reaction to a grape harvest.

When talking about New Year and Christmas in Spain, of course, one cannot help but talk about the funniest Christmas tradition. About the Christmas butt in Catalonia, or, if you still use the funniest word, it’s about the Ass.

“Butt, butt, hazelnuts and cottage cheese. If you don't have a good shit, I'll hit you with a stick. Popa,” children sing in Barcelona, ​​Catalonia, at Christmas. And at this time they beat the previously prepared wooden butt with sticks. Yes, such a curious, strange and funny Christmas tradition.

5. Scotland - celebrating the New Year in silence!

Before the onset of the New Year, members of the entire family sit near a lit fireplace, and with the first chime of the chimes, the head of the family must open the front door, and silently. This ritual is designed to celebrate the old year and let the New Year into your home. The Scots believe that whether good luck or bad luck enters a house depends on who crosses their threshold first in the new year.

6.Estonia - New Year in the bathhouse!

One of the “hottest” celebrations is the New Year in Estonia, since it is customary to spend this holiday in a sauna. To enter the New Year clean and healthy, you must even listen to the chimes in this establishment. But, in fact, now this tradition is more for tourists than for Estonians themselves.

7. Panama - burning problems!

There is a very unusual New Year's tradition in Panama. It is customary here to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and others. famous people. However, the residents of Panama do not wish harm on anyone; for example, they can burn an effigy of the Olympic champion of the country's running team or the President of Panama. All these stuffed animals are called in 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 must burn the effigy. Apparently, another Panamanian tradition is connected with this. At midnight, the bells of all fire towers begin to ring on the streets of Panamanian cities. In addition, car horns are honking and everyone is screaming. Such noise is intended 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 quite dangerous time. It's all about the unusual New Year's tradition of this country. At night, girls in Peru take willow twigs in their hands and go for a walk through the neighborhoods of their city. And her groom should be the young man who will be invited to take up the twig. That's why sometimes you can meet strange couples on the streets - a girl with a twig and a guy with a suitcase. Because according to another Peruvian tradition, the one who walks around his entire neighborhood with a suitcase on New Year's Eve will go on his desired trip in the coming year.

9 . Denmark - jump into the New Year!

There is a tradition in Denmark to celebrate the New Year by standing on a chair and jumping from it. It is believed that with this action, residents jump into January of the coming year, driving away evil spirits. Moreover, it will bring good luck. At the same time, the Danes follow another New Year's tradition - throwing broken dishes at the doors of friends and neighbors. Moreover, this does not annoy anyone, but on the contrary, it makes us very happy. After all, the family on whose doorstep there will be the most broken plates, cups and glasses will be the most successful in the coming year. It also means that the family has the most friends.

10 . Greece is a stone “in the bosom” for friends!

On New Year's Eve, residents of Greece, like residents of many other countries, visit each other with gifts. However, there is some peculiarity - in addition to gifts, they bring stones to their owners, and the more, the better. This may seem strange to us, but in Greece it is believed that the heavier the stone, the heavier the recipient’s wallet will be in the coming year. According to another Greek tradition, the eldest member of the family should break a pomegranate fruit in the courtyard of his house. If pomegranate seeds are scattered throughout the yard, then a happy life awaits his family in the coming year.

11. Micronesia - changing the name!

And the inhabitants of the islands of Micronesia change their name every time on holiday - to confuse evil spirits and all next year live easily and comfortably. Everyone is free to choose their own name, which is why sometimes most of the population bears the same name all year round.

12. Bulgaria - lights out!

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

The most interesting New Year traditions TOP-12