Entertainment “New Year's traditions in different countries. The most unusual New Year traditions in the world (7 photos) Traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries

New Year is the main holiday in many countries. Each country has its own special traditions and customs according to which it should be met.

Celebrating New Year in China is strikingly different from how the Slavic people are used to greeting him. The first thing that is shocking is the fact that the holiday comes on a different date every year, depending on the lunar calendar. In addition, people associate their New Year with “ Spring Festival"and since ancient times they have celebrated it in an extremely strange way: locked themselves in their houses and feared a terrible monster.

People didn't leave their houses They prayed, ate and drank as if on the last day of their lives. In the morning, those who survived until morning ran out into the streets. They wanted to know the extent of the damage caused Nianom(the name of that terrible monster) and check on all your loved ones.

This continued until it became clear that the monster is very afraid of the color red, bright flashes and loud noise. People began to dress themselves in bright clothes, light fires, sing and dance loudly, knock, explode firecrackers and fireworks.

Nian is a terrible monster for the Chinese, emerging from the water into New Year's Eve

New Year is an occasion for every Chinese stock up on plenty of pyrotechnics. We can say with confidence that it was the Chinese who laid the foundation for such a vibrant tradition of celebrating the holiday, which migrated to other nations.

Except Nian it was customary to scare away all possible evil spirits flying around the city that day and looking for shelter. If a person did not make noise and did not drive them away, ghosts settled in his house and tormented the unfortunate until the next Chun Jie.

At the same time, modern Chinese people considers New Year a family holiday. On this day it was accepted set a rich table. If a person, for some serious reason, was unable to attend the feast, a place is still left for him, which no one can take.

After dinner is over, Every adult should give their child money. This gift does not have any strict restrictions on the amount, but must be given in a red envelope(color of wealth, happiness and prosperity). It was believed that donated money could change a person’s life for the better.

INTERESTING: Nowadays the Chinese can give each other paper bills, but in ancient times it was customary to give a necklace made exactly from one hundred coins. Each person did it independently. This gift was considered the most best congratulations and the wish to live a hundred years.

There is another interesting New Year's habit in modern China and it is called "First Exit". She assumes that after the celebration, a person will leave the house and take exactly six steps in the direction that the horoscope considers favorable and happy this year. After this you need to go back. This is necessary for luck and joy in the future.

How to celebrate and celebrate the New Year in Italy: traditions

Like any country, Italy is carefully preparing for the winter holidays: decorates streets and squares, hangs bows from red ribbons, tidies up flower beds. New Year people perceived with a good mood and sense of humor, for example, in Venice it is customary to put Santa Claus hats and beard on each symbol of the city - the Venetian lion.

INTERESTING: Like China, Italy believes red color symbol of the New Year and a talisman that protects a person from evil and brings him good luck. That is why every self-respecting Italian should wear something red: dress, shirt, pants, vest, tie, bow tie, socks.

The most unusual Italian tradition –get rid of old and unnecessary things. This is done most in an unexpected way – by throwing out the window. That is why tourists are advised not to walk along the beautiful night streets of Italy, or to wear a helmet on their head.

No one is immune from throwing a frying pan out of the window instead of an old, worn T-shirt. You can also walk freely along the roadway, because Vehicle traffic on New Year's Eve in Italy is limited.

INTERESTING: In addition to the fact that Italians throw out trash, money often falls from windows. This happens because, according to the good old tradition It is customary to place a small number of coins on the windowsill at random next year.

It's no secret that Italians love and respect food u. They love to eat delicious food every day and especially on New Year's Day. Gala dinner in Italy It is commonly called “St. Sylvester’s Supper.”

It needs to start no earlier than nine o'clock in the evening, and it lasts mainly until midnight. The interesting thing is that the table must have at least seven different dishes. You must have lentils, nuts, pork, red caviar and grapes in any form!

INTERESTING: It’s customary to eat pig’s feet at the New Year’s table in honor of the passing old year. Pork is a very important product for Italians. In addition to legs, they happily cook pork head, sausage and stew.

Unlike pork, eating chicken is not acceptable, because they consider the bird to be slow and stupid. But if you eat even a spoonful of caviar, you will bring yourself wealth and good luck. The feast should end with something delicious. cakes and wine.

INTERESTING: Drinking on New Year's Eve in Italy champagne and beer are not accepted. Moreover, it is considered bad form and bad omen for next year.

The funniest Italian New Year's tradition - eat 12 grapes when the chimes strike. It is believed that if a person manages to eat one berry with each blow, then he will be very agile and happy next year.

In addition, not everyone knows that this tradition has a continuation! Exactly at 12 o'clock at night, after the last strike of the clock The light turns off for a few seconds. This is necessary in order to people at the table kissed each other!

After 12 o'clock at night people begin to take to the streets and continue your fun. In Rome, for example, the most popular place to celebrate the New Year is main square. Accepted right away set off fireworks. The superstitiousness of the Italians makes them pay attention to every little detail on the night of the celebration: who they met, how the night went. Eg:

• Meeting an old man is good luck
• Meeting a priest means disappointment
• Meeting a small child means fun
• Meeting a hunchbacked man is a sign of money and prosperity.

In addition, if an Italian goes to visit on New Year's Eve, he should definitely Bring a bottle of clean water with you. It should be given to the owners, wishing to find new energy next year. After the festivities in Italy, it is customary to sleep until lunch and then sit down again at the festive table.

The usual Father Frost or Santa Claus in Italy is called Bobbo Natale. It arose in this country quite recently, in the 19th century, its image was borrowed from American culture. Together with Bobbo, a good fairy named Befana comes to the children's homes.

The interesting thing is that the fairy does not look attractive and her appearance is comparable to Baba Yaga. Bobbo Natale leaves gifts under the tree, and Befana puts surprises in stockings above the fireplace. If a child has behaved badly, he will find coals in his socks instead of sweets.

How to celebrate and celebrate the New Year in England: traditions

In England celebrate Christmas and New Year. As in Italy, Christmas is treated with reverence here, spending it with loved ones and family members, and New Year is celebrated with friends. Instead of Santa Claus, the main wizard here is usually called Santa Claus. All over the country, two weeks before the holidays, special performances for children and adults start.

The streets of the country are filled with festive parades, in which loved ones take part fairy tale characters: Humpty Dumpty, Punch, March Hare, Lord Mess. Anyone can purchase from street vendors colorful masks, firecrackers, whistles, sparklers and toys. On New Year's Eve it is customary to make noise, have fun, sing and dance.

INTERESTING: Congratulate each other holiday cards- a tradition that originated in England. It was here that the first card with wishes and drawings was sent in London in 1843.

An English New Year's tradition suggests that children go to bed put out a large plate. Santa Claus should put it on this plate put gifts. They believe that to their home Santa arrives on a donkey and therefore he should also be appeased. To do this, leave some hay or oats in stockings over the fireplace.

That the New Year has come in England, It is customary to notify by ringing a bell. There is a tradition that if a couple in love kisses while the New Year's bell rings, they will spend the entire New Year together.

The main dish on the English New Year's table is roasted turkey. It is customary to cook it with potatoes and chestnuts. In addition, meat pie, pudding and Brussels sprouts are served as a side dish.

How do they celebrate and welcome the New Year in Japan?

New Year's Eve the streets of the country are full of holiday fairs with gifts, clothes and goodies. Every Japanese should buy hamayimi- These are peculiar arrows that serve as a traditional amulet against evil spirits. It is also necessary to have takarabune– special boats filled with food (rice, lentils, beans). They bring their owners prosperity and good luck in the coming year.

INTERESTING: In Japan, it is also customary to decorate a festive tree - a pine tree. But, this tree is not natural, but made from bamboo, straw and fern.

Ancient Japanese tradition– decorate the house with motebana. These are bamboo branches, painted bright colors. You need to hang the motebana in a visible place to appease the Gods. In addition, it is imperative that at 12 o'clock at night ring a buddhist bell exactly 108 times. This will attract the God of Happiness.

New Year is customary in Japan celebrate at home at family dinner. It is not customary to make noise and have fun; on the contrary, you need to sit quietly and remember the events of the past year. After the feast, everyone begins to read the given cards and review the gifts.

How do they celebrate and welcome the New Year in America?

Christmas in America has more meaning than New Year. On Christmas Day all family members gather at a rich table, to have dinner. At night he comes to the children Santa Claus and leaves gifts under the tree and in stockings on the mantelpiece. The kids, in turn, leaving a glass of milk and cookies for Santa so he could have a snack after a long journey.

Nevertheless, The New Year in the USA is also celebrated on a grand scale.. It is customary to meet him with friends and relatives. Some love celebrate the New Year in public institutions. In any case, the streets of the country are “noisy”, people are having fun, shouting and setting off fireworks.

One of the most striking traditions of celebrating the New Year in New York is lowering the ball. This has been done since 1097. On the night of December 31, at exactly 11:59 p.m., a huge ball falls from a 23-meter height of the attraction, and people count the last ten seconds together and loudly on their own. At exactly 00:00 the ball reaches its lowest point.

INTERESTING: One of the most popular traditions for Americans is kiss the person you're standing next to, exactly at the last chime. In addition, if two people by luck happen to be under a mistletoe bush, hung as a decorative decoration, they are supposed to kiss.

How to celebrate and celebrate the New Year in Germany: traditions

The Germans are used to celebrating the New Year only in a circle of close people. Celebrate the holiday being alone is a bad omen. If you don't have company, just go out into the street and start congratulating everyone passing by.

In addition, your The home should definitely be prepared for the New Year. Every German is sure to decorate their door with a Christmas wreath at the beginning of December and thereby begin the countdown to the holidays.

In German traditions, preparing for the New Year is of great importance festive table and a beautiful decorated Christmas tree. The tree must be large and lush, richly decorated with garlands, toys, and tinsel. The main New Year's dish is stollen. This is a baked goose, washed down with mulled wine.

At the beginning of December, every child in Germany receives advent calendar is a special calendar for December, counting down the days until the holidays. Instead of Santa Claus, Saint Nicholas comes to the house, leaving gifts all over the house: under the tree, in stockings, under pillows.

How do they celebrate and welcome the New Year in Spain?

It is customary to celebrate the New Year in Spain noisy and loud and definitely - not at home. This is why most Spaniards having fun in clubs, restaurants, cafes. The streets are decorated with festive processions and lush carnival festivities, large figures with the symbols of Christmas and New Year appear, scattering candies, coins, and tinsel.

Celebrate New Year in Spain until the morning. Every self-respecting Spaniard, on New Year's Eve will definitely treat loved ones and strangers with sweets and gifts: nuts, honey, wine. On New Year's Eve you should definitely have red in your wardrobe, which will bring good luck and wealth in the coming year. Decorate your house with flowers poinsettias.

INTERESTING: There is no Santa Claus in Spain, but there is Papa Noel. He is dressed in a bright embroidered suit. He walks around the city and throws gifts on balconies. The interesting thing is that in his hands he is not holding a staff, but a bottle of wine. The New Year's table must be decorated with paella, turkey, jamon, melon, and wine.

How do they celebrate and welcome the New Year in India?

New Year in India- this is big family celebration, which gathers everyone at a rich table. The place of the Christmas tree here is occupied by an elegant one, decorated with tinsel and toys. mango tree. It's interesting that instead of Santa Claus, people expect the arrival of Christmas women with gifts. It is customary to decorate your home with banana leaves and bright lamps.

The attitude towards alcohol in India is strict, but especially during the New Year holidays Drinking strong drinks and being tipsy is officially allowed absolutely everyone: men, women, police officers. It is not customary for women to celebrate the New Year alone; they should be close to their husbands or parents (unmarried).

How to celebrate and celebrate the New Year in Finland: traditions

In Finland the celebration traditionally falls on the night of December 31 to January 1. The traditions and customs of this celebration are very similar to Slavic ones. Finnish holiday is very similar to a fairy tale: lights, decorations on houses, decorated Christmas trees, elves and, of course, Santa Claus.

Fun, songs, masquerades and festive processions in Finland continues until January 1. The scope of the holiday is simply impressive. One of the unusual traditions of the Finns celebrating the New Year is this is setting fire to butterflies smeared with tar. Watching such a butterfly burn, people say goodbye to all the failures and problems that happened to them last year.

Another ancient tradition - honor dead ancestors. This must be done a few days before the New Year. You just need to come to the cemetery and light the funeral candles. Such lights can be found throughout the country during the New Year. Besides, Finns try to decorate everything they can with illumination: house, facade, roof, doors, windows, yard, trees.

Instead of the traditional Santa Claus, here Joulupukki distributes gifts to children. Two days before the New Year, numerous attractions for locals and tourists: skiing, skating, sledding, snowboarding. The main festive event at this time for Finns is “ Snow and Ice Festival" Craftsmen carve beautiful realistic figures of fairy-tale characters and people from pieces of ice.

How to celebrate and celebrate the New Year in Africa: traditions

In Africa, people perceive the New Year as the beginning of a new stage of life. On this continent, the celebration began to be celebrated for the first time in Egypt, where the world's first calendar was created. Surprisingly, the arrival of the New Year in those days was at the end of September.

In small tribes in Africa, the New Year, naturally, was not counted or celebrated. Changes occurred when Africa became a European colony: European traditions migrated along with the Europeans. Now the New Year is celebrated here traditionally on January 1 and, despite other beliefs, the New Year has little in common with Catholic traditions.

It is worth noting that most of the African population is poor. That's why It is not customary here to celebrate the New Year on a grand scale. However, this holiday brings families together, forcing men to return from their earnings to their wives and children. The house is decorated with palm leaves and other plants. For dinner, housewives try cook meat dishes, and it is customary to drink homemade beer made from hops.

Other customs for celebrating the New Year in Africa:

• Kenya and Tanzania They celebrate the New Year in the usual way for everyone: a magnificent table, congratulations and gifts. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to church (there are many Orthodox people and Catholics in the countries).
• In South Africa On New Year's Eve it is customary to engage in charity and make offerings to the poor. This is done by wealthy local residents and the government.
• In West Africa There are a lot of unusual traditions for celebrating the New Year. For example, racing competitions, ritual dances around the fire and self-inflicted wounds with knives.

How do they celebrate and welcome the New Year in Brazil?

New Year in Brazil- This is a cheerful, lush holiday. If Brazilians celebrate Christmas modestly with their family, then on New Year they strive leave home and spend time with friends. The streets of all cities are literally “whitening” and not because of the snow, but because everyone is trying throw the paper out the window. This tradition symbolizes the end of the working year.

It's hot on New Year's Day in Brazil. Summer streets, houses and apartment windows hung with festive lights and garlands. The decorations are not removed until the February carnival. People don't sit in stuffy houses, but celebrate the holiday on the street, in the square and even on the beach. Dress On this day, only white clothes are accepted.

In Brazil many intertwined customs with different cultures : European, African, Indian. It’s interesting, but the traditional name of the holiday “New Year” is not used here, but sounds like "brotherhood" or "fraternization". This happened because local residents believe that the holiday brings people together so much that everyone can call each other “brother.”

INTERESTING: At the stroke of midnight, the black sky of Brazil is filled with the bright colors of fireworks, as a sign of the New Year. In these first seconds of the new year, every Brazilian must jump exactly seven times to be happy and healthy.

How do they celebrate and celebrate the New Year in France?

France, after celebrating Christmas on December 25, is preparing for the celebration New Year. They do this on December 31st in restaurants or cafes, they can just go for a visit. The French love celebrate the holiday with delicious food: turkey, chicken, pig. In addition, passers-by can sprinkle candy on each other.

INTERESTING: A decorated Christmas tree in France is of great importance; it must be beautiful and lush. Colorful Christmas trees not only stand in houses, but also decorate the yard. The cathedrals host performances and concerts.

French Santa Claus is called Per Noel. According to custom, he arrives on a donkey and climbs into the house through the chimney. To appease the wizard children put gifts in his shoes for him and they invariably believe that he will leave them large gifts for good behavior.

Original French New Year's tradition - set fire to a log, made back in Christmas. This is done on the street, watching the flame, you should make a wish. Each family member should collect the remaining coals and keep it for luck until next year.

INTERESTING: Another original tradition is related to wine. Those who are engaged in winemaking, or simply appreciate this drink, should wish Happy New Year to the best barrel (bottle) of their wine.

How do they celebrate and celebrate the New Year in the Czech Republic?

Celebrations in the Czech Republic begin with "St. Nicholas Day" December 6. The main holiday is still Catholic Christmas. The main dish on the festive table is carp. It is customary to store fish scales under plates. A coin is also placed there, which should bring happiness to the guest.

INTERESTING: In the Czech Republic, New Year's carp scales are considered a money talisman and therefore are often carried in a wallet.

One of the names of Christmas Eve is “Generous Evening.” On the table on this day there should be at least twelve meatless dishes, and you need to try each one. According to tradition, it is necessary to put an extra plate on the festive table, as they say, "for the occasional guest."

INTERESTING: In addition to the fact that carp is the main New Year's dish, on the streets of the Czech Republic you can find sellers offering small carp fish. Such a fish must be bought and immediately released into the water to attract good luck.

New Year's Eve in the Czech Republic is often called "Sylvester". On this holiday the table should also have lots of tasty treats. Main dish - small grain porridge, which will allow “money to be in your pockets.” On New Year's Day they also set off fireworks and give each other cards and gifts.

Which countries are the first to celebrate the New Year in the world?

Whether the New Year arrives earlier or later in countries depends on the time range. If you look at an expanded map of the world, then visually the New Year “moves” from right to left. That is, New Zealand and Australia are the first to meet it, the Hawaiian Islands and Samoa are the last.

Video: “How the New Year is celebrated in 10 different countries of the world”

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 the New Year is celebrated in different countries ah peace.

New Year - a holiday that occurs at the moment of transition from the last day of the year to 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 by turning on their car sirens, whistling and shouting. In Ecuador, they attach special importance to underwear, which 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.

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 gain 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 the houses and brightly illuminate the streets - this is a real holiday of light.

In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed up in White dress, a crown with lit candles is put on the 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 spokesman, due to 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 Eve, it is customary to stage performances for children based on ancient stories. 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 They serve 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 in 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 the new year begins 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 to oneself " New Year's tasks"with promises and plans for the coming year, it is not customary to organize festive 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 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 New Year's Eve, 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 lunar calendar, between January 21 and February 19, when early spring begins here. Behind festive table- bouquets of flowers. 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 Christmas is considered to be 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 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 path, 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 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 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 front door, 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- 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. Opens on the same day fun fairs 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 from January 21 to February 20 each time.

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 begins 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. Because everyone is trying to get out hometown, visit parents or just 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 throughout Asia from the Celestial Empire. 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 beliefs, 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 much as possible on the table more dishes national Korean cuisine. 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 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

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 right 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 pope in Catalonia, or if you still use the most funny word then 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 when celebrating the New Year to stand on a chair and jump 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 are 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 must 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 live the whole next year 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

New Year is one of the most favorite holidays not only in Russia, but also in other countries of the world. And if for us the main New Year's traditions are a Christmas tree, the smell of tangerines, Olivier salad, champagne and making wishes during the chiming clock, then residents of other countries perform certain actions before and during the New Year that promise various benefits. So what do people in different countries do to attract health, luck, happiness, love and material values? We bring to your attention a rating of the most unusual New Year traditions in the world.

1. New Year traditions Italy

It is well known that on New Year's Day in Italy it is customary to throw away everything unnecessary from the house - be it clothes, furniture or even plumbing fixtures. However, this is just a beautiful legend to attract tourists. But New Year's traditions in the country are completely different. Since the inhabitants of this beautiful country adore not only Santa Bobbo Natale himself, but also the styles of his vestments, that on New Year's Eve the entire population of Italy, women, men, and children, wear something red, even if it is underwear. Therefore, when celebrating the New Year somewhere on the streets of Milan, Florence or Rome, you should not be surprised if you see a policeman in red socks; on the contrary, this meeting portends good luck. Another Italian tradition is to eat raisins that have dried directly on the bunches. Since grapes resemble coins, it is believed that those who eat more of them will earn more money in the coming year.

2. New Year's traditions in Argentina

The dream of every office employee, as well as a lover of waste paper collection, is to celebrate the New Year in Argentina. Already in the middle of the day, 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. Plus, it's a great way to relieve stress. Residents of Argentina celebrate the New Year itself like most of us - with their families, and close friends are often present at the festive table. And they also open champagne at 12 o’clock at night. After the New Year, young people usually continue their fun in various clubs. But Argentines exchange gifts only on Christmas; they do not have a tradition of giving gifts on New Year’s Eve.

3. New Year traditions in Estonia

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. However, not everyone, of course, adheres to this tradition, since then there would not be crowds of cheerful residents on the streets of the country and they would not go to visit each other on New Year’s Eve. However, it is customary to repeat such an event on the day of the summer solstice. Estonians believe that happiness will be brought to them by a chimney sweep wearing a tall top hat and holding the instrument of his work in his hands. For this very reason, children are often given toy chimney sweeps smeared with soot.

4. New Year's traditions in Scotland

When on the streets of Scotland on New Year's Eve, you need to be very careful, since this is the only night of the year when decorated New Year's streets Countries roll out lit barrels of tar, symbolizing the passing year. And in the Scottish village of Stonehaven, it is customary to walk along the street waving huge fireballs above your head, symbolizing the sun that purifies the coming year. But there is another interesting New Year’s tradition in Scotland. 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.

5. New Year's traditions in Spain

On New Year's Eve at midnight, in Spain there is a tradition of quickly eating 12 grapes, with each grape being consumed with each new chime. At the same time, each of the grapes should bring good luck in every month of the coming year. Residents of the country gather in the squares of Barcelona and Madrid to eat grapes and drink cava. 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.

6. New Year's traditions of Panama

There is a very unusual New Year's tradition in Panama. It is customary here to burn effigies of politicians, athletes and other 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 Fidel Castro himself. All these stuffed animals are called in one word - muñeco, and symbolize all the troubles of the passing 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 the coming year.

7. Danish New Year traditions

There is a tradition in Denmark when celebrating the New Year to stand on a chair and jump 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 are the most broken plates, cups and glasses will be the most successful in the coming year. This also means that the family has the most friends.

8. New Year traditions of Peru

For Peruvian young people, New Year's Eve is a rather 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. New Year traditions in Greece

Residents of Greece spend New Year's Eve almost the same way as we do - they go to 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.

10. Japanese New Year traditions

When celebrating the New Year in Japan, keep in mind that the bells ring 108 times at night. The sound of the bell signifies one of the six human vices: frivolity, stupidity, greed, anger, envy and indecisiveness. But why are there 108 strikes and not 6? And the thing is that the Japanese believe that every human vice has 18 shades, so there are 108 strokes. According to another Japanese New Year tradition, it is customary to give cards to relatives and friends with images of an animal - a symbol of the coming year. Residents of the Land of the Rising Sun also have a specific approach to decorating their homes - for this they use 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. Well, children traditionally receive New Year's gifts.