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 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 big amount 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.
A red envelope in China is the best gift 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.
Festive parade on the streets of China
Lighting up holiday lanterns 
New Year's decor
Festive fireworks 
Festive table 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 good mood and a 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.
Italy at New Year's The most unusual Italian tradition –get rid of old and unnecessary things. This is done in the most 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.
Throwing old things out the window is an Italian tradition. 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.
Italian New Year's table 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 on 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!
Twelve grapes - New Year's tradition 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.
Bobbo Natale 
Celebration in Venice 
Fairy Beffana 
Celebration in Italy 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 country's streets 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 when children go to bed they will 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.
About what came to England New Year, 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.
Festive fireworks 
Festive table 
Holiday decor 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.
Home decor for the holiday: motebana 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.
Japanese goodies for the New Year 
Outfit for New Year's Eve 
New Year's Parade in Japan 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.
Decoration of the house, yard 
Celebration on the streets of New York 
Festive fireworks 
Santa Claus 
New Year's ball in NYC 
Lowering the New Year's ball 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.
Festive stollen 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.
Advent calendar 
New Year's parade in Germany 
Saint Nicholas 
Celebration in Germany 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.
Celebration in Spain New Year's fun in Spain 
New Year's table in Spain 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 drunk 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).
New Year celebrations in India 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 traditional Grandfather Frost, 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.
Joulupukki 
New Year's town in Finland 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 (in many countries Orthodox people and Catholics).
- 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.
Celebrating New Year in Africa 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 coming of the New Year. In these first seconds of the new year, every Brazilian must jump exactly seven times to be happy and healthy.
Celebration in Brazil 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 simply 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.
Celebration in France 
Celebrating New Year in France 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: New Year's carp scales in the Czech Republic 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.
Celebration in the Czech Republic 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”
Due to the fact that different peoples of the world have different religions, customs, and traditions, and the New Year is celebrated differently everywhere. However, all preparations for the holiday, the holiday itself and memories of it evoke in all people bright feelings and emotions of joy, pleasure, expectation, happiness, love, care for each other, for their loved ones and relatives; and in this all people are very similar.
Despite this, the history of New Year's celebrations in different countries different.
The main character of the holiday - Father Frost (European Santa Claus) - also came to us from the West in the second half of the 19th century. Initially, he was just a fairy-tale character, but so impeccable in his kindness and generosity that he wanted to be animated. And the Russian people “dressed” him in a smart red fur coat, a fluffy hat and down mittens, which corresponded to the Russian winter. And so that it would not be difficult for him, a Russian, to entertain children on New Year’s Eve, he had a granddaughter, Snegurochka, a sweet and cheerful girl, whom everyone immediately fell in love with for her kindness.
It should be said that the history of the New Year holiday is different in each country, but today almost everywhere it is celebrated on the night of December 31 to January 1.
AUSTRALIA
Australian Santa Claus is a shock for our residents, because in the New Year's heat he appears in public in formal swimming trunks, and instead of reindeer he has a jet ski.
Cubans call New Year's Day the Day of the Kings; on this day they fill all the dishes in the house with water and throw it out on New Year's Eve. According to beliefs, this washes away all sins.
RUSSIA
In Russia, it is customary to celebrate the New Year with family or friends. Close people get together on the evening of December 31st to celebrate Old year and meet the New one. And they gather for a reason, but at a set table, laden with all kinds of festive dishes.
To begin with, they usually remember what happened in the past year - good or, conversely, bad. They tell each other what important things happened in their lives and wish each other happiness.
ROMANIA
In Romania, on New Year's Eve they carol and perform the capra dance, i.e. goats. Usually it is danced by young men in a special costume and a goat mask, who are then happily treated to various delicacies in all homes. Even in Romania, it is customary to hide surprises in New Year's pies, for example, coins, which are a symbol of happiness in the coming year.
TIBET
Before the New Year, Tibetans bake pies and then distribute them to all passersby. And the more pies distributed, the happier and richer the person will be next year.
FINLAND
It is customary to lay out gifts in advance, but not open them until the New Year. And for this purpose they are covered with inverted plates.
FRANCE
The French Santa's name is Père Noel, he rides a donkey and leaves gifts in his shoes. At the same time, the children give straw for the donkey in return.
SWEDEN
Just like the Italians, who get rid of old furniture on New Year's Eve, Sweden gets rid of old dishes. It is broken into small fragments; and it is believed that the more there are, the happier the coming year will be.
ECUADOR
Writing down all your troubles on paper and burning it along with a straw effigy is a New Year's tradition in Ecuador.
Thus, the New Year is a fun, interesting, bright holiday that receives a lot of attention in all countries of the world. Each nation has its own characteristics and traditions in celebrating and celebrating the New Year, but they all boil down to one well-known saying: how you celebrate the New Year is how you will spend it!
Within one year in the world within different religions and different peoples New Year meet on different days.
1st of January The New Year officially begins in most countries around the world that follow the Gregorian calendar.
January 14 When the Old New Year is celebrated in Russia, 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.
IN first new moon after January 21(V different years he will be met between January 21 and February 20) the New Year begins on eastern calendar, which is followed by countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, etc.
IN 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 subsequent Hijri New Year begins 11 days earlier than the previous one). The 1st Mukharam is not included in the list of Islamic holidays and, accordingly, in most Muslim countries, the New Year is not celebrated as a holiday in the secular sense. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the move of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
24 February Indian New Year holiday Holi. (In India, New Year is celebrated several times on different days).
10th of March The people of Kashmir begin to celebrate the New Year in India and continue to celebrate it until the end New Year's celebrations in all Indian states.
At night With 21 to 22 March New Year comes to countries living according to the Persian calendar: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. March 22 is called “Navruz” - the first day of the New Year.
26 March New Year comes to the Indian state of Andhra Pradesh.
IN 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 Gudi Padwa is celebrated.
During 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 three days.
April 13 The Thai New Year is celebrated, Songkran. On the same day, residents of West Bengal celebrate the New Year in India.
14th of April New Year comes to Laos. This is the eve of the long-awaited rainy season. On the same day, Hindus from the state of Tamil Nadu celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and this day coincides with the official onset of spring.
July 16 New Year is celebrated by some Mayan tribes in Mexico.
1st and 2nd dates of the month of Tishri according to the Jewish calendar (usually in September according to the Gregorian) New Year is celebrated in Israel, where it is called Rosh Hashanah.
11 September(most often) comes the Ethiopian New Year, which marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia.
October 7th New Year holidays are coming to Gambia and Indonesia. For local residents, this is a special date - you can put on your best clothes, preen yourself, 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 descendants of the ancient Celts still live and preserve centuries-old customs.
November 18th one year follows 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.
Italians throw old irons out of windows, Panamanians whistle and shout, in Ecuador they attach special importance to underwear... In general, there are a lot of strange things in the world associated with the New Year!
Italy. On New Year's Day, irons and old chairs fly from the windows
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to legends, on this night the good Fairy Befana flies in on a magic broom. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings, specially hung by the fireplace, with gifts. For those who have studied poorly or been naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should begin, freed from everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve it is customary to throw old things out of windows. Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with the passion characteristic of southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish fly out the window. According to signs, new things will certainly take the vacated space.
Italians always have nuts, lentils and grapes on their New Year's table - symbols of longevity, health and prosperity.
In the Italian provinces, this custom has long existed: on January 1, early in the morning, you need to bring water from a source home. “If you have nothing to give to your friends,” the Italians say, “give water with an olive sprig.” Water is believed to bring happiness.
For Italians, it is also important who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person an Italian sees is a monk or priest, that’s bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, but meeting a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate. 
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at the stroke of midnight, dolls will be burned to the so-called "cry of widows" who mourn their " bad husbands"As a rule, "widows" are portrayed by men dressed in women's clothing, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition dictates: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.
Do you want to get very rich in the coming year or find great love? In order for money to “fall like snow” in the new year, you need to wear yellow underwear as soon as the clock strikes 12.
If you don’t need money, but happiness in your personal life, then your underwear should be red.
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water onto the street, with which everything bad will break into smithereens. 
Sweden. New Year - a holiday of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of Light, Lucia. She is dressed 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
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year by throwing various objects from their windows - from bottles to large furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow area to vehicular traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police representative, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
"We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking people not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows or shoot guns in the air," South African police spokesman Cribhne Nadu said.
On New Year's Eve, about 100 police officers will patrol this area. 
England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, on New Year's Day, it is customary to stage performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a cheerful carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. Throughout New Year's Eve, street vendors sell toys, whistles, squeakers, masks, and balloons.
It was in England that the custom of exchanging for the New Year arose greeting cards. First New Year card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for the donkey.
The bell heralds the arrival of the New Year. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a “whisper” - the blanket with which he is wrapped prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at exactly twelve the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, lovers, in order not to separate next year, must kiss under a mistletoe branch, which is considered a magical tree.
In English houses New Year's table Turkey is served with chestnuts and fried potatoes with 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. 
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 entirety of the year. 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.
Special ones are prepared for the New Year traditional dishes: 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. 
Nepal. New Year is celebrated at sunrise
In Nepal, New Year is celebrated at sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, Nepalese people light huge fires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, and chests with unusual patterns, and then dance and sing songs in the streets. 
France. The main thing is to hug the barrel of wine and congratulate it on the holiday
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. The one who gets the bean baked into the New Year's pie receives the title of "bean king" and on the festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. According to tradition, a good winemaker must clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate it on the holiday and drink to the future harvest. 
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland the main winter holiday 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. 
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, they believe that Santa Claus appears on a donkey on New Year's Day. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for the gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. 
Israel. One should eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
The New Year holiday is a day of prayer. According to custom, on the eve of the holiday they eat special food: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Generally, it is customary to eat sweet foods and abstain from bitter foods. On the first day of the New Year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer. 
Japan. Best gift- a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good luck in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under their pillow a picture of a sailboat on which seven fairy-tale wizards are sailing - the seven patrons of happiness.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures fairy-tale heroes Northern Japanese cities are decorated for the New Year.
108 strikes of the bell herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing “kills” one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that’s why the Japanese bell tolls.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - this should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with branches of bamboo and pine - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine represents longevity, bamboo - fidelity, and plum - love of life.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice is a sign of prosperity, carp is a sign of strength, beans are a sign of health. Every family prepares a New Year's treat called mochi - koloboks, flatbreads, and rolls made from rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their houses into the street to greet the sunrise. At first light they congratulate each other and give gifts.
In houses they place branches decorated with mochi balls - a New Year's motibana tree.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. 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, which brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build a small gate of three in front of the house. bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy dwarf pine, bamboo shoot and small tree plum or peach. 
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, funny songs, imported from Britain two centuries ago, are sung every Christmas morning. 
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a tall lambskin hat, and with a box on his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts 
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. The children joyfully greet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny pranks and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, and candy flowers. 
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz, the Afghan New Year, falls on March 21. This is the time when agricultural work begins. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, fun fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform. 
China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And 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.
According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country is entering the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian calendar only in 1912. The date of Chinese New Year varies 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 big stone if they don’t get it, they throw a small pebble 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. 
Hello dear readers. All the kids are looking forward to the New Year's holidays, because this time is usually remembered with an abundance of a wide variety of sweets and amazing gifts. Of course, for kids this part of the holiday is the main one, but we shouldn’t forget that Grandfather Frost brings gifts not only to obedient children, but also to those who know the history of the New Year. Therefore, it is better for us to prepare for the holiday in advance and still get acquainted with the history of the New Year in our country. We will also get acquainted with the most interesting and unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year from other peoples, and, perhaps, borrow several rituals from them. We are used to celebrating the New Year on the night when the last month of the year ends, although before everything was somewhat different.
By the way, in some countries of the world, the New Year celebration falls on a different month of a completely different time of year.
So, let's find out how and when we celebrated the New Year some time ago. The story of the New Year is interesting for both children and adults. In addition, we will meet some interesting facts about New Year's celebrations in other countries.
The story of the New Year - for children and adults
The holiday was March 1st. Imagine celebrating the New Year without snow, gloomy skies and severe frost? Of course, our March most often resembles January, but still, not everyone would like the spring New Year.
It is unlikely that people previously thought about the nuances of celebration, because they had completely different concerns at that time. Well, for us, the lack of New Year's mood may seem like a real tragedy.
Why did March become the starting point for the new year? But the fact is that it was in this month that people were already actively preparing for sowing the fields, because their comfortable existence directly depended on the harvest.
Therefore, they tried to meet the next year as best they could so that it would bring them a rich harvest. By the way, the lighting of garlands at this magical time dates back to that time. After all, among the Slavs, lighting lights meant that this year the harvest should be rich.
New Year on September 1st. But, with the adoption of Christianity, everything changed, and the New Year began to be celebrated on September 1, when most of the harvest had already been harvested.
It was during this season that people could arrange a real holiday with an abundance of delicious dishes.
New Year holiday January 1st. But already in 1700, Peter I gave a decree stating that the countdown of the new year would begin on January 1, as in other European countries.
It was at this time that the tradition arose of decorating an ordinary spruce with various decorations that help it transform into a real New Year's tree.
Since then, people began to celebrate the New Year according to all the traditions to which we have long been accustomed.
Pompous celebrations were held, accompanied by fireworks and costumed festivities.
New Year - the history of the holiday for children. Traditions of different countries
The New Year traditions of some countries may seem somewhat “wild” to us, although for their residents they are familiar.
Perhaps our customs may cause some surprise to some, but this does not mean that they should not be respected, right?
Let's take a look at how people are used to celebrating this amazing night in different countries. It is interesting that absolutely identical traditions do not exist, even in neighboring countries.
We will talk about how the New Year is celebrated in different countries, we will consider only the most interesting examples of celebrations that will definitely surprise you with their unusualness.
1. England
At exactly midnight, the British open the doors facing the backyard so that everything bad that happened in the past year leaves this house.
So, they not only say goodbye to past troubles, but also say goodbye to all the good things that happened this year. This ritual is carried out at midnight.
But before the clock shows one minute of the new year, you need to have time to open the front door. That’s right, they seem to invite the New Year not only into their home, but also into their lives.
In addition to the New Year tree, the British decorate their homes with sprigs of mistletoe, which are placed above the doorway. Quite a cunning move, because those two who find themselves under such a plant will have to kiss.
2. Hungary
It is interesting that Hungarians most often call the New Year holiday “Sylvester”, and this is due to the fact that the celebration begins on the evening of December 31st. This particular day is considered “Sylvester’s Day” among the Hungarians.
Everyone prepares for such a holiday in their own way, but in the first seconds of the new year everyone, as one, begins to blow various whistles and pipes.
Thus, people simultaneously expel evil spirits from their own homes and invite joy into the house with the help of sounds emanating from the festive horn.
3. Germany
A minute before the clock strikes “New Year”, everyone sitting at festive table, climb onto their chairs and wait for midnight to arrive.
With the first strike of the clock, everyone standing on the chairs immediately jumps off them, as if moving into the new year. Imagine how much noise there will be in a house where many children live.
4. Italy
Well, Italians even celebrate the New Year in their classic style. Everyone has heard about Italian quarrels, the consequences of which are tons of broken dishes, so they are definitely not going to change their traditions on New Year’s Eve.
People are throwing out the same broken dishes that have accumulated over the past year. But, besides this, old furniture and clothes are thrown out of the window.
But even such unnecessary things need to be seen off correctly, therefore, firecrackers and confetti fly after them.
This ritual may seem somewhat wasteful, but Italians are not at all worried about this.
They are not afraid to get rid of the old, because a new purchase always brings a lot of joy.
Well, the children, instead of the usual Santa Claus, are waiting for the sorceress Befana. According to legend, she flies on her broom only once a year, on New Year's Eve, and gives children the gifts they have dreamed of all year.
The children, together with their parents, hang small shoes on the fireplace that same evening so that the sorceress will fill them with gifts.
5. Spain
This people has its own bizarre traditions, one of which is eating grapes. Moreover, the Spaniards eat it only in a certain quantity, which is equal to the number 12. Thus, they give their honor to each of the months of the next year.
6. Scandinavia
These people have probably broken all records in the category of the most unusual New Year's traditions. After all, not everyone will grunt on New Year's Eve, right? And their custom involves grunting, and they do it under the table.
Scandinavians are sure that this is the way to easily drive away all troubles from your family. In general, not so much bad way, and most importantly - cheerful.
7. China
Have you seen Chinese lanterns at least once in your life? Yes, of course we saw them, because they are considered almost the most striking symbol of modern China. So, the New Year is considered the holiday of lanterns.
It is interesting that this holiday is celebrated differently each time, or rather, its date changes. That is, absolutely any date can be the starting point of the new year.
But don't think that the numbers are chosen randomly, that's not true at all. When it comes to holidays, the Chinese always follow the calendar.
Let's move on to the celebration. It consists of lighting the very orange lanterns that we associate with this country.
But their main purpose is not aesthetic at all. People believe that only such lanterns can drive away all evil spirits.
8. Japan
On New Year's Eve, Japanese children dress up in new clothes, which should bring prosperity to the family. In addition, there is a special task for children.
We are used to writing a letter to Santa Claus, in which the secret of a child’s greatest desire will be revealed.
But the kids of this people depict their dream on a blank sheet of paper using paints or pencils. It is believed that this is how it can be achieved.
9. India
Surprisingly, in India, New Year is celebrated as many as eight times. Imagine, we don’t always survive even one night, but then we have to responsibly celebrate the same year all eight nights of the year.
By the way, on one of these celebrations, they have to eat neem-neem tree leaves, which are not very tasty, to put it mildly.
It tastes quite bitter, but people have to do it, because their faith is much stronger. They believe that the foliage of this tree will help maintain health and also help cope with any troubles.
10. Bulgaria
But in this country, people are used to celebrating the coming year at home, in general, just like here. This holiday is considered a family holiday, so only the closest people are present at the festive table.
The youngest child is solemnly placed on a stool near the Christmas tree, and the baby happily sings New Year's carols. He wishes everyone present well-being, for which they give the baby gifts.
11. Cuba
Cubans have one interesting custom, which is to fill all vessels with water. And at exactly midnight, all the water pours out of the windows. This is how people see off the passing year.
12. France
The kids find their gifts that Père-Noël left not under the tree, as we are used to, but in little shoes. They are hung directly on the fireplace or left near it.
A bean is hidden in the holiday cake that is baked every year. Whoever finds it will be called the "bean king", which means that all the king's wishes will have to be fulfilled right away. But such small piece power goes to the winner only for one night.
13. Sweden
Every year, children choose in advance their Queen Lucia, who will be dressed in a white robe (she is the Queen of Light, after all).
Her main task is to distribute all the gifts intended only for obedient children. In addition, she does not ignore pets.
What is Santa Claus called in other countries?
We are accustomed to calling such a character “Frost,” probably only during our severe winters.
Our grandfather is dressed in a warm red fur coat, which will not let him freeze in the January frosts. He has a long gray beard, and on his head is a red hat that matches his fur coat.
Every child knows Santa Claus and looks forward to him every year. But he usually comes not alone, but with his assistant, Snegurochka, who helps him distribute gifts to all the obedient kids.
Here, for example, in Western European countries , and also in America, such a festive character is usually called Santa Claus.
For the most part, he looks like our Santa Claus, as he also wears a red suit with white fur.
Only Santa Claus has a cap on his head instead of a hat. In addition, he has a thicker build.
And here in Sweden There are two such New Year's symbols. The first grandfather was nicknamed Yultomten, and the second was named Yulnissaar. Both characters take part in the giving process New Year's gifts, which they leave on the windowsills in children's rooms.
Finland she was most remembered for her “Father Frost”, who received the name Joulupukki. He also wears a red suit, which is complemented by a cone-shaped red hat. His assistants can be called gnomes, who are dressed in colorful costumes.
France I also couldn’t settle on one symbol, so they also have two Santa Clauses. One gives children gifts that they have long dreamed of, and he brings them in a wicker basket. The other plays the role of a negative character who, every now and then, punishes naughty children.
In Italy The role of Santa Claus is played by the fairy Befana, who flies into the house on a broom through the chimney. She leaves gifts only for obedient children, but for those who did not behave very well this year, she leaves only ashes.
It doesn’t matter how exactly you celebrate the New Year, but the main thing is that all your loved ones are nearby, and your wishes come true with a snap of your fingers.
And, of course, gifts must correspond to the wishes of every child who has been waiting all year for this magical night. And it doesn’t matter who brings the gift - Santa Claus or the fairy, because in any case, it will be delivered to the child.
I hope the New Year's story for children will be interesting and educational. Remember, the most important thing is to believe in a fairy tale, regardless of age. And don't forget to believe in miracles, because only your faith fuels them.
