During one year in the world, within the framework of different religions and different peoples, the New Year is celebrated on different days.

1st of January The New Year officially begins in most countries of the world living according to the Gregorian calendar.

14 january all CIS countries celebrate the Old New Year, it is considered the beginning of the year in Greece. This is the day of St. Basil, who was once famous for his kindness and special love for children.

On the first new moon after January 21(in different years he will be met in the interval from January 21 to February 20) the New Year is coming eastern calendar followed by countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, etc.

On the first day of the holy month of Muharram in Islamic countries, the Hijri New Year begins (starting from July 16, 622 according to the Gregorian calendar, each next Hijri New Year comes 11 days earlier than the previous one). 1st muhkharama is not included in the number of holidays of Islam and, accordingly, in most Muslim countries New Year is not celebrated as a holiday in the secular sense. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the transfer of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.

24 February Indian New Years holiday Holi. (In India, New Year is celebrated several times on different days).

10th of March The people of Kashmir are beginning to celebrate the New Year in India and continue to celebrate it until the end of the New Year's celebrations in all Indian states.

On the night of March 21-22 New Year comes to the countries living according to the Persian calendar: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. March 22 there is called "Novruz" - the first day of the New Year.

On the first day of the waxing moon in the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar (late March-early April according to the Gregorian), the Indian New Year of Gudi Padwa is celebrated.

From 12 to 17 April New Year is celebrated in Burma. It falls on the hottest and hottest days there. The exact day of the celebration is announced by the Ministry of Culture by a special decree, and the celebrations last for three days.

13 april Songkran Thai New Year is celebrated. On the same day, residents of West Bengal celebrate the New Year in India.

14th of April New Year comes to the territory of Laos. This is the eve of the long-awaited rainy season. On the same day, the Hindus from Tamil Nadu celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and this day coincides with the official onset of spring.

1st and 2nd of the month of Tishri according to the Hebrew calendar(usually September Gregorian) New Year is celebrated in Israel, where it is called Rosh Hashanah.

11 September the Ethiopian New Year is coming, which marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia.

October 7th new year holidays come to Gambia and Indonesia. For local residents, this is a special date - you can put on your best outfits, dress up, ask each other for forgiveness for all offenses and enter the New Year with a clear conscience.

Night from October 31 to November 1, known in Catholic countries as "Halloween", is considered the beginning of the New Year among the Celtic peoples, and it is called "Samhain". This date is especially important in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, where the descendants of the ancient Celts still live and keep centuries-old customs.

November 18th one year is followed by another in the Hawaiian Islands, Oceania and Yemen. In these regions, the New Year is celebrated later than everyone else, when other countries are already preparing to celebrate the next year.

New Year is probably the largest and most celebrated holiday in Russia. We traditionally buy champagne, products for the "basin", and watch "With light steam".

But in many countries, the celebration takes place in a completely different way. We have collected the most unusual New Year traditions from different countries, so that on the eve of the holiday you can even more imbued with the spirit of the New Year!

Traditions of European countries

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

Latvia

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

• for skiing the biggest snowball;
• by the accuracy of throwing snowballs;
• snow battles;
• sled speed racing.

Among all this fun, you can choose products for memory self made from local artisans: straw and wooden figurines, masks, as well as delicious national first and second courses and pastries prepared by professional chefs.

Norway

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

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

Finland

The features of the holiday in Finland in general look like this:

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

Denmark

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

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

Denmark has an interesting and unusual New Year's way to preserve conifers, it would not hurt to borrow it as well. Foresters treat spruce with a special agent, which in warm conditions living space begins to smell very unpleasant and harsh. Therefore, no one chops down living trees there.

Albania

It is customary for the Albanians to burn a tree generously sprinkled with herbs in new year's eve... They bring it to every home about a week before the holiday. The smoother and prettier tree, the better according to their beliefs. The ritual is carried out with the aim of driving out negativity and calling well-being into the house.

Greece

Unusual traditions of this country are associated with plants:

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

Italy

Everyone knows that on New Year's Eve it is customary for Italians to throw out everything unnecessary from windows and balconies, including pieces of furniture. In reality, this is a myth to attract tourists. And here's what their celebrations really stand out for:

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

Austria

The Austrians call December 31 St. Sylvester's Day or Old Year's Day. People in the costumes of Perchten, a mythical character who looks more like a devil, walk the streets. They ring a bell, thereby announcing the departure of the current year. On the first day of January, the Austrians begin the carnival season, which continues until Lent.

Germany

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

Netherlands

The only time of the year when fireworks are allowed in Holland is from 10am on December 31st to 2am on January 1st. In addition to them, the streets are lit by bonfires, in which Christmas trees serve as firewood. So quickly the Dutch are parting not only with Christmas trees - it is customary to present gifts on the 5th of December, often to receive them it is necessary to go through a whole one.

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

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

The Sinterklass appears in an interesting and unusual way in the country - it sails by sea on a brightly decorated ship in mid-November. He is greeted by the floor of the capital, led by the mayor.

American traditions

America is a very diverse country in mentality and customs. Each nationality has its own flavor in celebrating the new year, we will tell you about the most interesting ones.

Celebration in the USA

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

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

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

Canada

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

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

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

Argentina

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

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

Brazil

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

Another curious custom, similar to Italian, is to eat 12 grapes at the last minute of the outgoing year. In Brazil, there is no chiming clock, the population, cheerfully celebrating the New Year in the company of friends, counts the last seconds out loud and in chorus.

Mexico

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

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

It is customary here to break clay pots (pinatas) in the form of stars or animals, filled with sweets. The activity is loved by children, although its meaning is grown-up - the vessel symbolizes the sins that are forgiven before the New Year, and the gifts serve as payment for faith in God.

Peru

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

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

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

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

New Year traditions of Asian countries

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

Japan

Thailand

The one who is lucky with the New Year the most is the Thais: they meet it three times:

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

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

Vietnam

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

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

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

Israel

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

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

According to Judaism, it is during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah in heaven that a person's fate is recorded for the coming year, therefore the traditional congratulation literally translates as “a good record”.

Cambodia

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

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

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

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

Philippines

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

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

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

Filipino children are jumping up and down, believing that this will help them grow up sooner.

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

New Year traditions of African countries

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

Cameroon

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

Nigeria

A feature of the traditions of Nigeria is that only men participate in the festive New Year's parades and masquerades. Theatrical performances are played out, the essence of which is necessarily the victory of good over evil.

Burning torches in the hands of local residents are evidence of the coming of the new year. Nigerians make them with their own hands.

Ivory Coast

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

New Year traditions of Australia and Micronesia

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

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

Micronesia

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

A mandatory event every year is the change of the name of every inhabitant of one of the Caroline Islands. The goal is to drive away evil spirits and evil spirits. The ritual goes like this: on the morning of January 1, family members cover their mouths with their hands and tell each other their new names. At the same time, a person responsible for protection from evil spirits is appointed, who has the power to color the tambourine so that the noise does not give them new names. Going out into the street and meeting a neighbor, the inhabitants of this island squat down and tell each other their new names in a whisper.

Our planet is amazing for its diversity and New Year's traditions in different countries — bright to proof. In addition to the listed features of the holiday, each nationality is interesting for its cuisine and outfits. What customs did you like the most?

New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world in different ways - traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And Santa Claus is sure to be in every country, only somewhere he is called Santa Claus, and somewhere - Joulupukki.

France: who is a goose and who is a flatbread

Many of us would like to meet and spend the New Year in Paris. But few people know that the Christmas holidays begin here on December 6 - on the day of St. Nicholas. It was on this date that Père Noel, the French Santa Claus, gives gifts to obedient children. He wears wooden shoes, moves on a donkey, carries presents in a basket behind his back, and leaves them, having entered the house through the chimney. According to European tradition, all gifts are placed in shoes, which children place in advance next to the fireplace.

New Years in Paris are celebrated in a special way. The table must be richly lined with smoked hams, salads, pastries, sweets and wine. Moreover, in different provinces of the French state, the main festive dish is different: the Burgundians prefer turkey with chestnuts, the population of Brittany prefer buckwheat cakes with sour cream, and the inhabitants of the northeast always serve goose as the main dish. But the French do not have a New Year tree - instead, they decorate the doors of their houses with mistletoe branches.

Germany: waiting for Weinachtsmann!

New Year in Germany is always celebrated with noise and fun. And no one sits at home - young people walk around the city, and older people go to restaurants. The traditional dish for this holiday is baked carp, however, the Germans are very fond of modern dishes. The celebration itself is called "Sylvester" - in honor of the clergyman who died on December 31, 335. Santa Claus brings gifts to children, and the children of Berlin, Cologne, Munich receive presents from the Christmas man Weinachtsman - he is wearing an inverted fur coat, and in his hands is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Vainakhtsman's companion is the blonde Christkind, similar to the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids are corrected and read poems to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is held by analogy with most other countries.

Great Britain: real English stiffness

In the United Kingdom, as in many European states, the first and main holiday- Christmas, and only then the New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large Christmas tree, which is brought from Norway. The New Year's parade is also held here - the most massive popular procession. New Year's traditions in England involve festive decoration of houses. Gifts for children are presented by Santa Claus dressed in red clothes. It should be noted that the British are one of the few who continue to give each other New Year cards and simple souvenirs. An interesting local custom is to let the New Year into the house - this is done at twelve o'clock in the morning, when the chimes strike. It is believed that you need to open the doors and thereby move from the old frontier to the new.

Spain: Santa Claus with a flask of wine

As already mentioned, the New Year in different countries of the world has its own traditions. For the Spaniards, like the British, observance of all sorts of customs is associated with Christmas, and the New Year is an occasion to just walk outside and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes strike twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of desires. Since the country is closely related to viticulture, the New Year in Spain is also held with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promise money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the "Sacred Twelve Days". As for Santa Claus, he is in this warm country, they only call him Olentzero. He wears the national simple dress and always carries a flask of good Spanish wine with him.

Czech Republic: rich table

On January 1, this country celebrates the Day of Czech Statehood, and the night from December 31 to January 1, the Czechs, like the Germans, call "Sylvester" - in honor of the saint whom we have already mentioned. New Year's Eve in Prague is celebrated on a grand scale, but the locals do not walk until the early morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course the old ones New Year's customs here are already forgotten, but a number national traditions is still available. For example, it is customary to gather at a huge table with the whole family, while the table must be very rich. The most amazing thing is that lentils or soup with small cereals must be present on it - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It is worth coming to the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic to relax in the mountains and spend the beginning of the year as actively as possible.

Ukraine: first there was Karachun ...

In this fraternal state, the New Year is celebrated in the same way as in our country. True, back in the days Ancient Rus Ukrainians called this celebration "Karachun". One of the main traditions that has remained in some cities to this day is sowing on the first day of the new year. The ritual assumed that the children would sow for the next harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to fortune-telling. But the modern New Year in Ukraine is held in accordance with European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.

Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you

This country is interesting already because Santa Claus has his own residence here. The fabulous estate is located in Belovezhskaya Pushcha itself, and therefore now you can easily visit it. The inhabitants of the country are always greeted by Zyuzya - this is the Belarusian Father Frost, who is famous for his hospitality. The New Year in Belarus is simply not possible without this fairy-tale character who personifies the cold. He treats all his guests with delicious herbal tea from a samovar and pancakes. On this holiday, it is customary in the country to dress up in interesting costumes, put on makeup and walk the streets in this form. The New Year in Belarus is not complete without festive festivities.

Finland: home of Joulupukki

Finland is a magical country, people here believe in fairy tales and miracles. Probably, this is also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, which is why many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns love to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thus see off old year... New Year's Eve in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.

What else attracts tourists to this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. A huge number of people come to Lapland for folk festivals to see the real Finnish Santa Claus, dance with him and ride a reindeer. One more interesting event which takes place in Suomi in holidays, is a festival of snow and ice. It has been going on for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.

The New Year in Finland also presupposes a plentiful table, and the dishes on it are very simple: the obligatory dishes are potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread.

Turkey: New Year in Pajamas and Slippers

I must say right away that in this country the New Year is not the brightest and most important holiday of the year. Elderly people do not consider it a significant event at all, therefore they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating the Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place in front of the TV, as the Turks themselves say, in pajamas and slippers.

New Year in Turkey is perhaps notable only for the obligatory participation of almost every family in the Milli Piyango New Year lottery. The main prize, by the way, is a pretty impressive amount of money. Nevertheless, there is Santa Claus in the country, and his name is Noel Baba. He also brings gifts to children, but this is not so common among locals. As for the youth, they, like in many countries of the world, love to take to the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in the country's hotels that receive tourists throughout the year, festivities are arranged for vacationers.

Karelia: ride malamutes and huskies

Karelia is the northern part of Russia, therefore, the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, there are also distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times the Karelians called the holiday "Syunduma", and it lasted from Christmas until Epiphany. And the most magical was the first day of the new year: you could not take any things out of the house. It was also believed that the arrival of a man, especially a bearded man, would bring prosperity to the family, but the women feared a visit - he promised misfortune. New Year in Karelia presupposes a lot of attention to the table: it should literally burst with delicious dishes. And the obligatory attribute is yarn pies, which are stuffed with oatmeal or sugar and are used for fortune-telling.

Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid here to ecological tourism. And the beautiful landscapes, even in winter, are worth seeing. Now a new direction is actively developing - dog sledding. To do this, you can go to the largest nursery in Russia - to the village of Kudama. Here you will be invited to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan malamutes.

New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to touch the beauty and scenic beauty of nature, visit local reserves and world-famous islands, including Valaam.

India: instead of a Christmas tree - flowers and candles

This country is distinguished by rich traditions and customs, and in each region of rather big India, the New Year is celebrated in different ways. Unlike us, Indians do not put a Christmas tree in the house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, candles. Agree, it doesn't seem like Russian realities at all? The New Year itself in India is called Vishu, it is celebrated in the sign of Aries - from the end of March to April. It is noteworthy, but the celebration is more of a family and even personal, so no social action takes place. True, one cannot do without traditional dances and performances.

The first day of the year is called the festival of the cows in some regions. This day is dedicated to the veneration of these domestic animals. On the eve of the celebration, delicacies are prepared for them. The next day is the veneration of relatives and friends, and on the third day, religious practices are held. New Year in India can be celebrated in different time... For example, Gujarati celebrates it in the fall - in October, while all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy, but, unlike Europeans, the inhabitants of India not only congratulate each other on the holiday, but also thank the gods for giving them the opportunity to live one more year.

Thailand: fabulous Songkran

This is another magical country that does not fit in our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, the New Year in Thailand is still celebrated, and on April 13th. This date was not chosen by chance. There is a legend in the country about a boy who understood the language of animals and birds. And this skill of his did not give rest to the God of fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he did not answer three questions in a week, he would be beheaded, and if he answered correctly, God himself would lose his head. As a result, the boy could not find answers until the eagle helped him. The God of Fire had to lose his head - her child put it in a bag and hid it in a cave. Now, on the first day of the year, the daughters of God carry out a basket with their heads as a symbol of their father's worship.

The National New Year in Thailand is called Songkran. It is celebrated for several days - from 13 to 15 April. The essence of the Thai calendar is twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of features. Accordingly, each year will correspond to these features. During the holiday, Thais, and especially local children, go out into the street with buckets of water and water the passers-by - this is how they wish everyone a Happy New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things, it brings grace to everyone it falls on. And in Changmai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is immediately used, watering the surrounding people with water from a moat in the city center. Historically, Sonkgran is a holiday of love and respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their families. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with exquisite dishes, fruits or a new robe - this symbolizes the veneration of the clergy. Each visitor to the temple takes away a handful of sand from the territory. At home, the ritual of ablution of the Buddha is necessarily carried out - his statue is watered with water with rose petals, jasmine, and every member of the family does this.

New Year in different countries of the world is a special holiday. It is popular among Thais to tie strings on the wrist of their guests - they symbolize happiness.

Egypt: when the Nile overflows ...

In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are holidays, sometimes even being public holidays... The same cannot be said for Egypt. In ancient times, the beginning of the new year in this country did not fall for the winter and was generally calculated based on the flood of the Nile. The first season of the year came after the ascent of the sacred star for the Egyptians, Sirius. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by desert, was a real sacred period.

New Year in Egypt today is in many ways similar to our perception of this holiday. Accustomed to tourists from all over the world, locals even decorate their homes, shops with New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, it looks very unusual considering that it is hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put a thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend long holidays with benefit, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea.

The most unusual traditions

• In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone is in a hurry to buy cornel sticks - the Bulgarians will hit their guests and relatives with them to wish them happiness.
• In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secret - almonds or other nuts can act as such. If he gets caught by an unmarried girl, she will marry, and the rest will just be happy.
• New Year in different countries of the world is most often a bright event with its own characteristics. For example, the Chinese decorate the Trees of Light with lanterns, flowers, and garlands. And the Chinese Grandpa Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hung on the walls.

• The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of cake, a glass of wine and coal and go to friends or relatives. So, in their opinion, they will provide their friends with food, drink and warmth for the next year.
• On the eve of the celebration, the Swedes give each other homemade candles - they are playing important role, because at the height of winter in Sweden it gets dark early, and you can't do without light.
• In Greece, exactly at twelve o'clock in the morning, the head of the family must go out into the yard and break a pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its seeds scatter around the yard, the family will live happily this year.
• New Year in Ukraine, as we have already described above, is accompanied by fortune telling and dancing, and in Norway at this time children are waiting for gifts from ... a goat. And this is no coincidence: in the Scandinavian state, the goat occupies a privileged position. According to legend, King Olaf II of Norway saved the wounded animal by removing it from a cliff. The goat was cured, and she, as a token of gratitude to her savior, brought him medicinal plants.
• In Hungary, celebrating the New Year is accompanied by a whistle, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. By this action, the Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
• In Japan, 108 bells will be told about the New Year. According to legend, each blow is the expulsion of one of the human vices with eighteen shades. In the first seconds of the new year, you should definitely laugh - it brings good luck, according to local residents. And in order for happiness to enter the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, the Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san (Lord New Year). And the rake is considered the most popular accessory - the Japanese plan to use it to rake happiness every year.

Finally

New Year is a magical holiday, because it is no coincidence that many believe that it will definitely bring new happiness with it. And the traditions of various countries indicate that local residents expect more from this celebration than just a festive mood.

Celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world is associated with traditions that have survived since ancient times. Even among the ancient peoples, a belief arose - as you celebrate the new year, you will spend it. Therefore, to this day, people have resorted to various tricks to "lure" luck for the next year.

So, in Algeria , v Bahrain , v Jordan , v Lebanon , v Morocco , v Oman , v Pakistan , v Sudan , v Syria and in Tanzania they meet Muharram - the first month of the year of the Muslim lunar calendar. A few weeks before this date, Muslims put wheat or barley grains on a dish of water so that they germinate. By the beginning of the new year, sprouts appear, which symbolize the beginning of a new life.

V England according to the old custom, when the clock starts striking 12, they open the back doors of the house to let out the old year, and with the last blow they open the front doors to let in the new year.

V Austria it is believed that on New Year's Eve, to be happy, you need to eat a piece of a pork head or pork snout.

Bulgarians , having gathered for the New Year's celebration, the lights are turned off for a few minutes. These minutes are called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which is kept by the darkness.

V Brazil the celebration of the New Year is called Iemanja. The beaches are crowded with people and Iemanja is praised by religious chants. Even those who live far from the water try to come to the coast to make offerings to the sea: most often these are flowers on small ships made of wood. The participants in the ceremony dress in costumes of a certain color - depending on the saint who will "rule" during the new year.

V Hungary in the first second of the New Year they prefer to whistle to children's pipes, horns, and whistles. It is believed that it is they who drive away evil spirits from the dwelling and invoke joy and well-being. Preparing for the holiday, Hungarians do not forget about magic power New Year's dishes: beans and peas keep the strength of mind and body, apples - beauty and love, nuts are able to protect from trouble, garlic - from disease, and honey - to sweeten life.

Celebrating the New Year in Venezuela is a special occasion. All relatives get together and prepare la hallaca - one of the very hearty food with many spices that all household members eat during New Year's Eve. Everyone wishes each other happiness in the new year and forgets all past grievances.

In Vietnam The new year according to the lunisolar calendar is called Tet. This family holiday, during which all quarrels are forgotten, insults are forgiven. The Vietnamese decorate their homes with miniature tangerine trees with tiny fruits. Every Vietnamese home has an altar of ancestors, and paying tribute to their memory is an important part of the New Year's celebration. Celebrate New Year in Vietnam and January 1, it is called "the holiday of the young." With the onset of dusk, the Vietnamese make fires on which they cook special rice treats. On New Year's Eve, it is customary to release live carp into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who on New Year's Day goes to heaven to tell there how people live on Earth.

V Germany the people of different ages, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, they climb onto chairs, tables, armchairs and with the last blow together, with joyful greetings, "jump" into the New Year. And in the villages, the medieval tradition of the bleiglessen ceremony has been preserved: there is a lead bullet that "contains the secrets of the future." The bullet melts to a boil and is poured into a glass drop by drop. The lead solidifies again. The resulting figure will tell you what awaits in the coming year.

V Greece New Year is the day of St. Basil, who became famous for his extraordinary kindness. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace, hoping that the saint will fill them with gifts. Residents of Greece going on a visit to celebrate New Year, take with them a stone that is thrown at the doorstep of a hospitable home. If the stone is heavy, they say: "Let the wealth of the owner be heavy like this stone." And if the stone is small, then they want: "Let the eyesore of the owner be as small as this stone."

Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah - is not so much a memory of any historical event, from which the countdown of years begins, how many days of the Supreme Court. It is believed that on this day the Almighty judges people, and on the basis of their actions, he decides what fate awaits them next year. Therefore, the main thing at such a time is the repentance of each person. This day is filled with prayers and restrained joy. On the table are festive candles, a round challah with apples, which are dipped in honey to keep the year sweet.

V India as many as eight dates, which are celebrated as New Years, as many cultures intersect in the country. On one of these days - Gudi Padwa - it is necessary to eat the leaves of the nim-nim tree, which taste very bitter and unpleasant. But according to the old belief, they protect a person from diseases and troubles and provide, oddly enough, a sweet life. The people of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with multi-colored, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on the rooftops. On the eve of the holiday, mothers lay out gifts, sweets, flowers for their children on large trays. On the first morning of the New Year, children are led with closed eyes to a tray, from which they choose a gift for themselves.

V Spain there is a tradition to eat grapes on New Year's Eve. Before the clock strikes, you need to have time to eat 12 grapes, one for each of the twelve coming months.

V Of Italy it is customary to throw out broken dishes from apartments at the very last minute of the old year, old clothes and even furniture. Crackers, confetti, sparklers fly after them. It is believed that if you throw away on New Year's Eve old thing, then in the coming year you will buy a new one. And all the children are waiting for the sorceress Befana, who arrives at night on a broom and enters the house through the chimney. She fills children's shoes specially hung from the fireplace with gifts.

In Ancient China The New Year was a holiday for the poor, when anyone could enter the house and take what they need, and if you refuse, the neighbors will turn away with contempt. In modern China, New Year is a lantern festival. It is celebrated on the fifteenth day of the New Year by lunar calendar... On New Year's Eve, countless small lanterns are lit on the streets and squares, believing that the sparks from them will drive away evil spirits. The New Year itself begins in January-February, so 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, meet the awakening of nature. Lanterns are given different shape, decorate with bright drawings, intricate ornaments. The Chinese are especially fond of putting on street lights in the form of 12 animals, symbolizing each year from the 12-year cycle of the lunar calendar.

V Colombia "Old Year" walks in the crowd on high stilts. "Papa Pasquale" - Colombian Santa Claus puts on fireworks. At this time, parades are held on the streets of Bogota: dozens of doll clowns, witches and others fairytale characters cars, attached to the roofs, drive through the streets of Candelaria, the most ancient district of the Colombian capital, saying goodbye to the inhabitants of the city.

On the Cuba on New Year's Eve, they fill all the dishes that are in the house with water, and at midnight they start pouring liquid from the windows. Thus, all the inhabitants of Svoboda Island wish the New Year a bright and clean, like water, path. And in the New Year itself, the clock strikes only 11 times. Since the 12th strike falls just on New Year's, the clock is allowed to rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone.

V Mongolia with the arrival of the first day of the New Year, a truly nationwide 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". Seeing off the old year they call "bituun". At this moment, you cannot quarrel, argue, swear and deceive, this is considered a great sin.

V Nepal New Year is celebrated with sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, the Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the Festival of Colors begins, and then the whole country turns into a huge rainbow. People paint their faces, arms, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets.

V Panama at midnight, when the New Year is just beginning, all the bells ring, sirens howl, cars hum. The Panamanians themselves - both children and adults - at this time loudly shout and knock on everything that falls under their hands. All this noise is necessary in order to "appease" the coming year.

V Romania unmarried women usually go to the well, light a candle and look down. The image of the flame will paint the face of her future husband in the dark depths of the water. Those who do not dare to wander the streets at night, take a branch of the basilica and place it under the pillow: a dream will show the betrothed. And in Romania, it is customary to bake small surprises on New Year's pies - coins, porcelain figurines, rings, hot pepper pods. The ring found in the cake means that the New Year will bring a lot of happiness. A pod of pepper will amuse everyone around you.

V Scandinavia in the first seconds of the New Year, it is customary to grunt under the table to ward off evil spirits, illness and failure from the family.

New year in USA - this is, of course, New York, Times Square. A huge crowd roars, accompanying the traditional ceremonial descent of the famous Ball, sparkling with thousands of neon lights. You definitely need to participate in this!

In France on New Year's Eve baked in a gingerbread bean. Since the 12th century in France, there has been a tradition on Christmas Eve to make the whole family in the courtyard of a house from fresh wood (usually cherry wood) a Christmas log - Bouches de Noel. With certain ceremonies, he was solemnly brought into the house. The head of the family poured oil and warmed wine over him, and the whole family offered prayers. Little girls set fire to the log with the chips left over from the log of the previous year (according to legend, ash and chips left over from burning Christmas logs kept the house from lightning and the tricks of the devil for a year; therefore, they were carefully collected and stored). It was considered important that everyone involved in the process of setting fire to the new log should have clean hands. Gradually, the tradition of burning Bush de Noel died out, although today it is adhered to in houses with fireplaces. But most French people decorate their table with a small layout of Bouches de Noel, and arrange some dishes in the form of a Christmas log.

V Sweden on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors.

V Scotland 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. The well-being of the owners depends on who is the first to enter the house on the morning of the new year. It is believed that a dark-haired man who comes with a gift will bring happiness.

New year in Of Japan is one of the most popular holidays in the country. Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes, believing that this will bring good luck and health. On New Year's Eve, children put a drawing with a picture of their dreams under the pillow, then the desire must come true. V flower arrangements the pine tree dominates, symbolizing longevity and endurance. And in the morning, when the New Year is already coming into its own, the Japanese go out to meet the sunrise, with the first rays of light they congratulate each other and give gifts. Heaps of straw are hung on the facades of houses to protect the house from evil spirits. And the most important thing for the Japanese is to laugh in the first second of the New Year - then happiness will accompany them all year. Main new year accessory- a rake (kumade), with the help of which the Japanese will be able to rake in happiness in the new year. They are made in size from 10 cm to 1.5 m and decorated with rich paintings. To appease the Deity of the Year, bringing good luck to the family, the Japanese erect kadomatsu in front of the house - a small gate made of three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Also in Japan, exactly at midnight, a bell starts ringing, which beats 108 times. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing "kills" one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only 6 of them - greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy, but each has 18 shades.

How New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world with pictures for children

Conversation for senior children before school age"Celebrating the New Year in different parts of the planet Earth"

Lyapicheva Elena Petrovna, educator, Municipal State Preschool Educational institution Kindergarten No. 1 "Zvezdochka", Kalach-on-Don, Volgograd region.
Description: This conversation can be used by kindergarten teachers, parents, children of primary school age, and can also be used as a visual material for a folder-moving.
Target: Introducing children to the New Year traditions of different nations.
Tasks: To expand the knowledge of children about the traditions of the festive culture, the customs of celebrating the New Year in other countries.

New Year traditions of different nations

The New Year is celebrated in every country, but it is celebrated in different ways. Each nation has its own traditions and features of celebrating the New Year. Let's start our journey from European countries.

On New Year's Eve, Big Ben begins to ring in the capital of England, but at first the bells are wrapped in a blanket and the ringing is heard only at the tower itself. But as soon as the clock strikes 12, the blanket is removed and the ringing of bells spreads throughout the district. With the first chiming chime, the British open the back doors of their houses to allow the old year to go out, and open the front doors so that the new year can enter. Therefore, New Year's Eve in England is an open day.

New Year's Eve in France is a night of fun. The French prefer to eat and have fun that night. There is a tradition according to which French housewives go to local springs and collect water. The one who comes first must leave the flour treat near him, the next one must take this treat and leave hers. This is how the housewives exchange bread so that the new year is generous. In France, the name of the New Year's grandfather is Père Noel. He is dressed all in white and for some reason is very afraid of the cold. This is probably why he leaves gifts for children near fireplaces and stoves.

The Spanish New Year is all about fun and festivities. The Spaniards do not like to sit at home on this holiday and everyone comes out to the squares of their cities. After the chimes, everyone congratulates each other. There is an interesting New Year's tradition in Spain. Young girls and boys write their names on pieces of paper and draw them out in pairs. This is how couples are formed who have to portray lovers all New Year's Eve.

With the last striking of the clock at midnight, Italians open their windows and throw out old and unnecessary things right on the street. It is believed that the more you throw away the old, the more new you will have.

Housewives on New Year's Eve serve rice porridge in a huge bowl. A small nut is hidden in the porridge. If a girl finds him, then it is believed that she will definitely get married next year.

And now we will continue our journey through the countries of Asia.

On the morning of January 1, all residents of cities and villages in Japan go out to greet the sunrise. With the first rays of the sun, the Japanese congratulate each other on the coming year and exchange gifts. On New Years in Japan, they eat long noodles to keep life long.

Mongolia

The New Year in this country coincides with the holiday of cattle breeding, therefore, it is characterized by sports, tests of dexterity and courage. Just like the peoples of Europe, the Mongols celebrate the New Year at the Christmas tree, Santa Claus also comes to them, but he is dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a fox hat and is very similar to a shepherd.

Here, the hottest time of the year comes on New Years, so its arrival is celebrated with a "water festival". On the streets of cities and villages, when they meet, people pour water on each other from various dishes. No one is offended, since at the same time they wish happiness and health in the new year.

Next, we will visit the New Year holidays in the countries of North and South America

In Canada, it is customary to celebrate the New Year on the street in the company of acquaintances and strangers. A lot of people gather in all squares of the country, pop stars perform. Canadians really enjoy skating on a skating rink on New Year's Day.

In Mexico, on New Year's Eve, a clay pot is filled with sweets, which is hung in the room, and then the assembled guests are alternately blindfolded and given a stick in their hands. The one who broke the pot will certainly be lucky in the new year.

Argentina

On New Year's Eve, old papers, newspapers, receipts, bills are thrown out of homes and offices. All this is done in order to get rid of the old and meet the New Year without the burden of the past.

Brazil

Brazil has always been famous for its colorful carnivals and festivals. Celebrating the New Year is no exception. At this time of year, the streets of Brazilian cities are filled with colorful parades and processions of locals and visitors. Such events are always noisy and fun.

Now let's take a look at how the New Year holidays go on the African continent. Residents of Sudan usually celebrate the New Year near the Nile River or other bodies of water. They believe that it will bring happiness and prosperity to their home. It is a great happiness for a Sudanese to find a green nut on New Year's Eve. This promises great joy... And so that no one was offended, they began to scatter green nuts in advance.

In Tunisia, before the New Year, they organize a grandiose festival, the highlight of the program of which is camel racing. Such competitions are always spectacular and arouse great interest among local residents.

We will end our journey with a strange one, which is located alone on the mainland, namely Australia.

Australia

Australians don't like to celebrate the New Year at home. All the festivities take place in restaurants and on the beach, as they have summer and it is very hot at this time of the year. Interestingly, Santa Claus appears in Australia. After all, in a hot country it is not like wearing a fur coat, so he sails on the surf in the same swimming trunks. But the beard remains the same attribute.