Traditions of how to celebrate the New Year. Traditions of celebrating the New Year in Russia

New Year in Russia is loved and celebrated with pleasure and joy. This holiday is overgrown with traditions that have developed over many years. Over time, modern customs and practices emerged that are characteristic of our country. Traditions are important for every nation, because they are the connection of new generations with their ancestors, they reveal the essence of the nation, its character. Therefore, we advise all Russians to study New Year traditions in Russia.

Traditions of past centuries

They began to celebrate the New Year according to the new chronology in Russia under Peter I. By his decree, everyone was ordered to decorate their houses with branches of pine, spruce or juniper, have fun and set festive tables, but not to commit any outrages. The fluffy and elegant Christmas tree came to Russian homes in the 19th century. This event is still considered controversial, since according to some sources, the future wife of Nicholas I brought the tree in 1830, and according to others, Empress Catherine in 1855. In those days, people in Russia worshiped the culture of Germany and its traditions, and therefore gladly accepted such a wonderful custom. It was believed that spruce is a sacred tree in which a good spirit lives. In addition, the evergreen plant was a symbol of immortality, and the cones personified health and strength of spirit.

But Russian people learned how to decorate a Christmas tree beautifully from the French. They hung cookies, apples, bright flowers from multi-colored paper. This tradition quickly spread throughout Germany and throughout Europe.

The custom of giving each other gifts on New Year's Day has survived to this day. Only in ancient times, on these days, did young men choose a bride for themselves and try to appease her with all kinds of offerings.

Carols and fortune telling in the month of Prosinets

In the old days, January was called “Prosinets” for the clear and blue sky between the clouds. At this time, everyone monitored the weather and events to determine the future in the coming year. The girls wondered about the betrothed-mummers, for good luck. The young people had fun from the heart, caroled and collected rich gifts, congratulating the owners on the New Year and Merry Christmas. Carols are a glorious tradition of the New Year holidays. This is the Slavic spirit of joy and fun. Basically, the carols sang goodness, wealth and generosity, asked for good luck and prosperity for themselves and for those to whom the carolers came. In gratitude for the good wishes, the owners gave money and delicacies.

Everyone tried to celebrate the holiday with a pure soul and without debt. They were sure to wear new clothes, give money, make peace with relatives and neighbors, and ask each other for forgiveness.

New Year in modern Russia

Before the New Year, we are all preoccupied with preparations for the holiday - we are looking for gifts, trying to time our vacation to coincide with New Year's Day, emptying supermarket shelves, standing idle in traffic jams. And yet, with trepidation and joy, we wait for the enchanted night to meet new joy, new happiness at the festive table. Modern customs include garlands, sparkling balls, Olivier salad, surprise pies, sparklers with champagne, and making wishes during the chimes. In many houses, small garlands are hung on the windows so that they flicker welcomingly in the dark, reminiscent of the holiday. In some houses, snowflakes, Father Frost and the Snow Maiden are painted on mirrors and glass.

In cities loving parents they invite fairy-tale characters home to congratulate the children on the holiday and give them gifts. Someone goes abroad to celebrate the New Year on the golden sands of the beaches.

Whatever the old traditions or the new ones that have arisen, this holiday will always be in a special place for Russians. Maybe it's all about beautiful traditions? After all, belonging to a rich history fills any event with special meaning. New Year is no exception. We, too, will someday become part of the past for our descendants. Let them know only good things about our lives.

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For all people. Each region has its own customs and traditions associated with this celebration.

It is also noteworthy that in each state the New Year is celebrated at its own time. Many peoples, including Russians, live according to the Gregorian calendar. They celebrate the New Year on the night of December 31st to January 1st. Taking into account standard time, the first to celebrate here are the inhabitants of the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean. But in Europe, the main holiday is considered to be Christmas, which is celebrated on the night of December 24-25. In China, the holiday coincides with the winter new moon, which occurs between January 21 and February 21. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very interesting. Next we will talk about them.

New Year - a holiday from ancient times

No one can say for sure how old this holiday is. But it is known that it existed already in the 3rd millennium BC. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1 was established by the Roman ruler Julius Caesar. In those days in Ancient Rome On this day, the god Janus was especially revered - the lord of choice, doors and all beginnings. He was depicted with two faces: one was turned back ( last year), and the other is forward ( New Year). As now, different countries around the world have had their own traditions of celebrating the New Year many centuries ago. Then people firmly believed that their lives were controlled by higher powers. This is reflected in traditions and customs. So, in our country, Santa Claus had predecessors - the spirit Zimnik, the evil deity Karachun, the Slavic god of bad weather and storms Pozvizd. As a rule, they were feared. They brought with them hail, blizzards, destruction and death. The ancient Celts celebrated Samhain on the night of October 31st. This day was considered mystical. People believed that the border between the world of the living and the world of the dead was being erased at this time. A horde of evil is falling upon the earth. On Samhain it was necessary to light bonfires, sing, walk and have fun. Then the evil spirits will not dare to come out. Later, this holiday replaced the well-known Halloween.

New year in Russia

Residents of our country love this holiday. After all, he is the kindest, cheerful, bright. It is noteworthy that on January 1 in Russia it began to be celebrated in 1700. Then Tsar Peter 1 issued a corresponding decree. True, our country then lived according to the Julian calendar. Since 1919, Russia began to be celebrated in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. The most important attribute of our celebration is a decorated New Year tree. On the evening of December 31st, all relatives and friends in many families gather to see off the old year and welcome the new one. Traditional dishes on the table this holiday: Olivier salads and herring under a fur coat, cabbage rolls, dumplings, fried chicken and, of course, tangerines. On this day he comes to the children kind grandfather Freezing. He is dressed in a red, blue or silver fur coat with patterns, a hat and large mittens. A long, gray beard, shaggy eyebrows whitened by frost, rosy cheeks... Who doesn’t recognize Santa Claus? He has a staff in his hand and a large bag of gifts behind his back. Sometimes he is accompanied by his granddaughter, the beautiful Snow Maiden.

All the children wait for this event all year, sending wishes for future gifts and gifts. These are the traditions we have for celebrating the New Year. It has its own meaning for children in different countries.

China

If in Russia the New Year holiday is associated with winter cold, snow, frost, then in other countries it has a different meaning. So, in China it is called the Spring Festival and is celebrated between January 21 and February 21, when the moon completes its full cycle and the new moon occurs. The celebrations here last 15 days and end. Both adults and children participate in the events. From the very morning, people clean their houses because they believe that cleanliness is not a place for evil spirits. At this time, the streets are dazzling with bright festive clothes, fair goods and lights. In the evening, people gather in a close family circle for dinner, where they often give each other not gifts, but red envelopes with money. It is customary to give such gifts even to children and work colleagues. When it gets dark, people go out into the streets to set off fireworks, fireworks, and burn incense. Chinese unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year are interesting. In different countries of the world, customs are usually associated with folk epic. China is no exception. Residents of this country believe in the ancient legend about the terrible monster Nian, who came on New Year's Eve to eat all the people's livestock, supplies and grain, and sometimes even children. One day people saw how Nian was afraid of a child dressed in red clothes.

Since then, they began to hang red lanterns and scrolls near their homes on New Year’s Eve to scare away the beast. Festive fireworks and incense are also considered good repellers of this monster.

Vibrant India

The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the world are original and mysterious. In India, the main holiday of the year is called Diwali, or the Festival of Lights. It is celebrated at the end of October or beginning of November. What can you see on this day on the streets of Indian cities? All houses and statues of gods and animals are decorated with bright flowers, lights, lanterns and lit candles. The holiday is dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi - the embodiment of wealth, abundance, prosperity, good luck and happiness. On this day, it is customary to give everyone interesting gifts. Gifts for children are placed on a special tray intended for this purpose, and then they are brought to it with their eyes closed. In the evening, when it gets dark, people go out into the streets to set off festive fireworks and firecrackers.

Land of the Rising Sun

Japan also has its own traditions of celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, treats are prepared for children on this day. Japan is no exception. Both children and adults adore the sweet delicacy mochi. These are round small loaves or cakes made of rice flour, decorated with orange fruit on top. Giving mochi means wishing a person prosperity and wealth in the coming year.

On this day, the Japanese also eat boiled seaweed, fish pie, sweet potato puree with chestnuts, and sweet soybeans. And, of course, the New Year celebration is not complete without songs and dances. In Japan, there is a tradition of everyone getting together and playing games: hanetsuki (shuttlecock game), board game with sugoroku chips, uta-garuta and others. The streets are crowded on holiday. The shops are full of New Year's souvenirs: hamaimi (arrows that drive away evil spirits from the house), kumade (bamboo rakes like a bear's paw), takarabune (boats with rice for good luck). As a rule, on holidays, children here, as well as in China, are given not gifts, but money placed in a special envelope called potibukuro.

In France and England

We look at what traditions exist for celebrating the New Year in different countries. I wonder how this day is celebrated in Europe? For example, in England, houses are decorated not only with Christmas trees, but also with mistletoe branches. They are hung everywhere, even on lamps and chandeliers. They decorate with a wreath of mistletoe and front door. It is believed that this plant brings happiness to the house and protects its inhabitants from diseases. In France, it is not Father Frost who comes to children, but old man Père Noel in a fur coat, a red cap and wooden shoes. He moves on a donkey. Children believe that Père Noel climbs into the chimney and puts gifts for them in shoes specially prepared for this in front of the fireplace.

On this day, adults dance in red caps, fool around, have fun, joke, and sprinkle confetti on each other. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year are similar in Europe. In different countries on English language the shortest congratulation sounds like this: “Happy New Year!”, which means: “Happy New Year!”

Italy

In this country, the celebration begins on January 6th. On the eve of the holiday, children hang stockings near the fireplace. They hope to receive many delicious and wonderful gifts. Only they are given here not by Santa Claus, as with us, but by a kind and affectionate fairy named Befana. The children believe that she flies in on her broom at night, opens all the doors in the house with a special golden key and fills their stockings with all kinds of gifts. Befana loves obedient and well-mannered children. The one who spent a whole goal just being naughty and playing pranks will receive only a black coal and a handful of ash as a reward. Adult Italians don't believe in witches. But they are convinced that the New Year is a time to pay tribute to centuries-old traditions. For example, residents of this country throw out old and unnecessary things from the house when the clock strikes, thus getting rid of the problems of the old year. They believe that new items purchased to replace those thrown away will bring them good luck and happiness. Here, as in many countries, on the eve of the holiday people give each other gifts. In the provinces you may be presented with an olive sprig in water taken from a spring. It is believed that such a symbolic gift brings happiness. Every family must have lentils, nuts and grapes on the table on this day. In order for good luck to accompany you in all matters throughout the year, you must eat them. It is also worth noting that Italians are very superstitious people. They believe in all sorts of omens. For example, it is believed that if a priest is the first to meet on the way on the morning after New Year's Eve, then the year will be unlucky. If a child gets in the way, that’s also not good. But the hunchbacked grandfather, who comes to the meeting, promises health and good luck for the whole next year.

In Ireland

We continue to travel around Europe. The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries have a lot in common. In English, congratulations on the occasion can also be heard in Ireland. Here this holiday is considered not only a family one. On the eve of it, the doors of all houses open wide. Anyone can enter any of them and join the celebration. The guest will definitely be seated in the place of honor, the best delicacies will be placed in front of him and toasts will be made to “World Peace!” It’s hard to imagine the Irish New Year without the traditional treat here, called seed cake. This is a cumin cake. Local housewives also prepare a special pudding for the festive table. After a rich feast, everyone goes for a walk outside. By half past eleven, the Irish gather in the central square of the city, on which stands big Christmas tree. The real fun begins with songs, dances, and jokes.

Bulgaria

There are traditions for celebrating the New Year here. In different countries, treats are prepared for children on this day. In Bulgaria it could be candied pumpkin, caramel apples or homemade marmalade. A traditional New Year's dish is bannitsa. This is a puff pastry. And in Bulgaria there is a tradition of placing a loaf of bread with a coin in it on the festive table. After the loaf is cut, everyone looks for a coin in their piece. After the feast, both adults and children here make dogwood sticks, decorating them with dried fruits, nuts, heads of garlic, coins and tying them with red thread. They are called suruvachki. This item must be hit on everyone in the family to bring them health and good luck. Sometimes they go to their neighbors with suruvachki to wish them all the best. And then the young people pour out into the street singing and dancing.

When the clock on the city tower strikes midnight, marking the beginning of the year, the entire city turns off the kissing lights for three minutes. There are even competitions to see who can kiss the most.

In Cuba

We are used to celebrating the New Year with snow and frost. I wonder how this holiday is celebrated where it is always summer? The customs of celebrating the New Year in different countries of the tropical zone, such as, for example, Cuba, are unique. Here on this day they decorate an araucaria coniferous tree or even just a palm tree. Instead of champagne, people drink rum, diluting it with orange juice, liqueur and adding ice. In Cuba, there is an interesting tradition on the eve of the celebration to fill all the buckets, jugs and basins in the house with water. At midnight this water is poured out of the windows. It is believed that in this way people protect their home from adversity and misfortune. Before the clock strikes 12, everyone must have time to eat twelve grapes and make a wish. Then you can be sure that good luck and peace and prosperity will accompany you all year long. There is also a Santa Claus here. Only he is not alone, like with us. There are three of them in Cuba: Balthasar, Gaspar and Melchior.

On the eve of the holiday, the child writes notes to them with wishes about what gifts they would like to receive from them. All night Cubans walk and have fun, sing, joke and throw water on each other. Here they believe that this brings happiness to a person and charges him with positive energy.

Sultry Brazil

The life of this country has always been closely connected with the ocean. For many centuries, the goddess of the seas, Iemanja, played a leading role in local folklore. It is with her that the local customs of celebrating the New Year are associated. In different countries of the world on this day people cast magic spells and perform ritual ceremonies. In Brazil, on the eve of the holiday, residents try to appease the goddess Iemanja so that she will show favor and patience to them throughout the next year. She is depicted as a beautiful woman in long blue robes with flowing hair the color of lunar silver paths. Many Brazilians try to dress the same way on this day. Iemanja is very fond of fun and dancing. Therefore, people go to the beach in the evening, sing, walk, congratulate each other and perform a magical ritual for good luck. It consists of sending small rafts with fruits, rice, sweets, mirrors, scallops and lit candles into the ocean. While doing this, people pray and sing ritual songs, trying to appease the formidable goddess. Women in long robes throw bright flowers into the ocean waters, making wishes. The action ends with a half-hour fireworks display. These are the unusual traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries, where there is eternal summer.

In Australia

Tired of snow and cold? Where to go We continue to look at the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries. Comic performances are usually staged everywhere. Australians celebrate this holiday among the first on the planet. The celebration here, as a rule, takes place in the open air. Beach parties, loud songs, fun dancing, fantastic fireworks, music festivals with the participation of world stars: all this can be seen in Melbourne and Sydney on New Year's Eve. Santa Claus in a red cap and pants on a surfboard on the beach... You can only see this in Australia.

At exactly midnight, city streets are filled with the sounds of car horns and the ringing of bells. This is how Australians try to ring in the New Year for their visit. As you can see, the traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are very different.

Colombia

To remember summer and enjoy its beauty in winter, let's go to Colombia. It has its own interesting customs for celebrating the New Year. In different countries of the world, the main character is Santa Claus, whose arrival marks the beginning of the new year. And in Colombia the main hero of the holiday is Old year, who walks the streets and amuses local children. Often his role is played by a scarecrow on a long stick, which is burned on the beach at midnight. It is believed that after this the old year left the country forever and gave way to the new one. There is also a Santa Claus here. His name is Papa Pasquale. He is dressed in a red fur coat and hat, just like our main character of the holiday. Only he walks on long stilts, which makes both adults and children incredibly funny.

Seeing him, the city residents begin to whistle, throw firecrackers and fire guns into the air. He doesn't bring gifts. But everyone knows that Papa Pasquale is a master at arranging fireworks. It is believed that it is he who decorates the New Year's sky with multi-colored fireworks and lights.

New Year in Africa

The traditions of celebrating the New Year in different countries are interesting. Curious, how is the celebration celebrated in African countries? After all, this continent is considered the homeland of this holiday. If we decorate a Christmas tree for the New Year, palm trees are often decorated here, not only with toys, but also with fresh fruits

In many African countries, there is a tradition of scattering green nuts along the streets. It is believed that whoever finds such a nut will definitely be happy this year. As a rule, this holiday in the countries of the “black” continent is celebrated on January 1. But there are exceptions, for example, Ethiopia. The celebration takes place here on September 1st. This time in the country is marked by the end of the rainy period and the beginning of the ripening of fruits. On the eve of the main holiday of the year, young and old try to swim in the river. People believe that in this way they leave all sins in the past and enter the New Year with a pure soul. The holiday itself takes place with songs, celebrations and dances around a set fire to a sheaf of palm branches, decorated with yellow flowers.

Different countries have their own traditions of celebrating the New Year. Photo, Interesting Facts from many corners of the planet: everything can be found in our article.

Most countries in the world celebrate the New Year on January 1, just like you and me. However, there are a number of countries in which the New Year falls on different dates and is celebrated completely differently. Let's see how they do it.

China

Chinese New Year is celebrated during the winter new moon after the completion of the full lunar cycle following the winter solstice. According to the Gregorian calendar, it falls on one of the days between January 21 and February 21. By Chinese traditions New Year's Eve is one of the most important and significant family traditions. On the first day of the New Year, the Chinese set off fireworks and burn incense sticks to scare away evil spirits and drive them out of the house.

In Ancient China, this day was declared a beggar's holiday, when any person could enter the house. If the owner refused him this, all his friends turned away from him, his neighbors looked with contempt. According to the Chinese, on New Year's Day nature awakens, the earth and the sprouts of life that it contains come to life.

In the evening, everyone celebrates the deities' return home. According to legend, deities visit the world of spirits and “give an account” of the past year, and then honor the memory of deceased ancestors. At first, the Chinese called this holiday “Xinnian” (New Year). However, today, to distinguish this day from the European New Year on the night of December 31 to January 1, the Chinese have renamed it “Chunjie,” which translates to “Spring Festival.” This happened in 1911 after the Xinhan Revolution, as a result of which a new style of chronology was introduced in China.

Mongolia

It is believed here that the more guests who come to the house on this day, the more successful and rich the year will be.

Japan

In the land of sakura, the bells ring 108 times on New Year's Eve. Each strike of the bell means one of six vices: stupidity, frivolity, anger, greed, indecisiveness and envy. However, according to the Japanese, each vice has 18 different shades, resulting in 108 rings of the bell. There is also a New Year's tradition here of giving cards with the image of the animal whose year is coming.

The decoration of a Japanese home on New Year's Day is kadomatsu, which translates as “pine tree at the entrance.” Kadomatsu is made from pine, bamboo and woven rice straws, and then decorated with tangerine and fern branches. According to tradition, children receive their New Year's gifts on this day.

Myanmar

A very interesting New Year tradition exists in Myanmar. Here on this day, passers-by pour cold water on each other. This is due to the fact that New Year in Myanmar falls during the hottest time of the year. In the local language, this day is called the “water festival”.

Italy

Everyone is well aware of the Italian custom: getting rid of all unnecessary things on New Year's Day. On the first day of Christmas in Italy, the Christmas log is burned - a large wooden log that is brought into the house in advance. According to legend, it is believed that a burning log should slowly smolder until the New Year in order to get rid of everything bad, to burn away all the troubles that happened in the house in the past year.

Spain

When going to visit Spain on New Year's Eve, be sure to take with you a bottle of champagne and a piece of nougat. They are usually placed in the New Year's basket, which is found in every home.

Israel

Jews also celebrate their New Year. The holiday of Rosh Hashanah (which translates as “head of the year”) is celebrated between September 5 and October 5 (163 days after Passover). Jews believe that on the day of Rosh Hashanah a person's fate for the entire next year is decided. How a person behaved on this day is how he will spend the entire next year. On the night of Rosh Hashanah in Israel, everyone they meet is greeted with the following words: “May you be inscribed and signed for a good year in the Book of Life!” Then 10 days of self-knowledge and self-repentance begin, which are called “days of return to God.” Believers these days dress only in light clothes and eat apples, dipping them in honey.

Afghanistan

Here the New Year takes place on the day of the Great Equinox. The head of the village goes out to the field and makes the first furrow. Following him are the most respected fellow villagers. Drinking alcoholic beverages is prohibited by law. Wine is replaced with sweets. Traditionally, women gather separately from men. They usually place a girl sentry in front of their gathering place.

Bulgaria

Here, as in many other countries, New Year is traditionally celebrated at home. At the beginning of the holiday, the youngest member of the family stands under the tree and sings New Year's carols, for which he receives gifts from all family members. When the clock strikes 12 times, the lights in the houses go out for a moment. This is the traditional time for New Year's kisses. Then the mistress of the house cuts the New Year's cake, which is stuffed with surprises. Anyone who finds a coin in their piece of pie will spend the next year in wealth. The same tradition of serving pie “with surprises” is widespread in Australia and Romania.

England

Here, on New Year's Day, the entire house is decorated with mistletoe branches, which serves as an excellent addition to the New Year tree. Bouquets of mistletoe are everywhere, even on chandeliers and lamps. The British have a very interesting tradition of kissing the person who is standing next to you under a bunch of mistletoe.

Germany

In this country they also prefer to celebrate the New Year in a homely family atmosphere: the whole family gathers at the festive table and the so-called besherung takes place - the traditional exchange of New Year's gifts.

Austria

On New Year's Day, Austrians traditionally give porcelain or glass pigs to a friend, often in the form of a piggy bank. According to local customs, such pigs must certainly bring wealth to the one to whom they are presented.

By the way, it is considered an unwritten commandment in Austria to hear the solemn sound of the “peace bell” installed on St. Stephen’s Cathedral on the night of December 31 to January 1 in Vienna on New Year’s Day; thousands of people gather on Cathedral Square! In the old days, in this country it was considered a good omen to meet a chimney sweep, touch him and get dirty. It brings great happiness and good luck.

Sweden

New Year's Eve is a time to give each other homemade candles, as light symbolizes joy and cheer in this country. Swedish dads go out to take out the trash and return as the local Father Christmas, who in Sweden is called Jul Tomten.

Iceland

Santa Claus can visit Icelandic children any day from December 1st to December 24th. This is why many try to behave well, because they know that they can find an ordinary raw potato in their holiday stocking instead of a gift.

Argentina

According to a long-standing tradition, Argentine employees of institutions throw old calendars, unnecessary statements and forms out of the windows on the last day of the outgoing working year. In the business part of the country - Buenos Aires - by noon the sidewalks and roadways are thickly covered with a plump layer of paper. Nobody knows how and when this custom arose. Not without incidents! One day, overly enraged employees of one of the newspapers threw the entire archive out the window.

Brazil

A bizarre mixture of rituals of Indian and African beliefs with European flavor turned the Brazilian New Year into a ritual of unbridled carnival and traditional worship of ancient gods. While on Copacabana Beach spectators watch the magical transformations of lights flying into the sky from rafts specially installed in the sea, in the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon, the tallest floating tree in the world, 82 m high, is illuminated with fireworks lights against the backdrop of the statue of Christ the Redeemer .

Post-Soviet countries

There are many wonderful traditions of celebrating the New Year among the former Soviet states. For example, in Moldova, on the first day of the new year, grain is certainly scattered in all houses, which symbolizes an abundant and fruitful year. In Latvia, the same thing is symbolized by peas. When celebrating the New Year, you need to eat at least one pea.

In Georgia, on the first day of the New Year, it is not customary to visit each other without an invitation. The owner himself invites those who, in his opinion, are associated with good. Such a guest must certainly bring sweets to the house. In Armenia, on this day it is mandatory to congratulate all relatives.

New Year is rightfully considered the most beloved and most long-awaited holiday. After all, we all remember very well the trepidation with which every New Year's gift was opened in childhood, the impatience with which every child waits for Santa Claus and the anticipation of what he will bring us. But that was in childhood! Having matured, people begin to dream not about gifts, but about the fulfillment of their most cherished, most secret desires, and for this, one way or another, ancient Russian New Year traditions, customs, and signs come in handy.

We celebrate the New Year on January 1 because three centuries ago Tsar Peter I issued a decree ordering us to celebrate this holiday on December 31. It was this decree that became the reason for the emergence of many Russian traditions, customs, and signs. The spruce, for example, became the main symbol of the New Year holiday, as was customary in all European countries.

The next royal decree read: "... Along large thoroughfares, noble people in front of the gates should make decorations from juniper and pine branches... and poor people should place at least one tree or spruce branch on the gate for each...". For the first time on this New Year's holiday, all Muscovites decorated their houses with branches of juniper, spruce and pine according to the patterns that were decorated in the royal guest courtyard.

This custom was borrowed by the Russians from the Germans, who considered the spruce to be a sacred tree, in the branches of which lives the good “forest spirit” - the defender of justice, goodness and truth. The ever-green spruce symbolized longevity, eternal youth, courage, dignity and fidelity. Fir cones were a symbol of the fire of life, as well as the restoration of health.

The evening before the New Year was considered “generous.” The abundant festive table was decorated with everything that one wanted to have in abundance. For the New Year, they cooked various compotes, infusions, and beer, served a lot of meat, cereal and flour dishes, and baked pies with a wide variety of fillings.

In the center of the table, it was customary to place the meat of a two or three week old pig, roasted on a spit, which was perceived as a symbol of beauty. Surely, more than once you have heard such a concept as “kolyada”. This word refers to all pork products that were prepared for Christmas or New Year. Each owner tried to stock up on pork, since this product fed the whole family until Lent.

The New Year's table should not include dishes made from poultry, game birds or hare, because there was a belief that happiness could fly away or run away from home. Ukrainians, Belarusians, Russians and Moldovans considered pancakes and kutia to be a traditional New Year's dish. Guests were treated to nuts, sweets or figurines baked from dough in the shape of domestic animals: cows, bulls, horses.

It was customary to celebrate the New Year in a new dress and shoes (it was believed that then you would wear new clothes all year). Before the New Year, we tried to forgive all insults and pay off all debts. On the eve of the holiday, windows and mirrors were washed in houses and broken dishes were disposed of.

In Rus', it was customary to prepare a very intricate dish for the New Year's table. It was not only expensive, but also required a very high level of skill from the cook. This was the recipe in general outline: a piece of anchovies was placed instead of stones in fleshy olives, which served as a filling for a gutted lark, which was placed in a fat partridge, and that in a pheasant. The last “wrapper” of the olives was suckling pig. This work of culinary art was invented by the French court chef and dedicated to the beautiful Catherine II. Soon, a rich nobleman found out the secret of this extravagant New Year's treat and quickly spread it among the nobility. Inviting guests to the Empress roast has become very prestigious.

But now let’s move on from traditions to the rituals of the New Year holiday...

At midnight, when the chimes strike 12 times, we all make our most cherished wishes, which must come true in the coming year. Many people also observe a more complex ritual. When the clock strikes 12, a wish is written on paper, then the paper is burned and the ashes are stirred into a glass of champagne. Champagne must be drunk before the clock strikes the last stroke.

There are many other quite interesting signs associated with the New Year celebration. On New Year's Eve, in severe frost, water was frozen in a spoon. Good health and longevity are indicated by ice in the bubbles, and illness or even death is indicated by a hole in the center.

There is another no less interesting custom: on the night of New Year, the girl put part of the festive dinner under her pillow. Before going to bed, she invited her betrothed to come and taste the prepared dish. The lover was supposed to appear to her in a dream.

People have had New Year's signs for a long time. I think it won’t hurt you to know some of them:

1. On New Year's Eve you cannot lend money, otherwise You will be in dire need of them throughout the next year.

2. If you want good luck to accompany you everywhere in the New Year, wear something new.

3. In order for there to be prosperity in the house, the New Year's table must be bursting with food and drinks.

4. If on January 1 the first guest in the house is a man, the year will be happy, and if a woman is the opposite.

5. Remember, how you celebrate the New Year is how you will live it. Try not to swear, quarrel, cry or go to bed early on New Year's Eve.

6. To avoid causing trouble for yourself and any family members, do not do laundry on New Year's Eve.

7. If you throw trash out of your house before the New Year, expect troubles in the coming year and forget about well-being.

The most pleasant moment in celebrating the New Year is, of course, receiving gifts. If you want your gift to bring joy and pleasure to your family and friends, please note useful tips according to their choice.

Women do not like to be given: cheap perfume, lipstick, jewelry, sets of cheap soap, blouses, tights, frying pans, kitchen utensils and anything that reminds them of housekeeping. The exception is pre-agreed situations.

It is not advisable for men to give gifts: flowers, cufflinks, a tie, strong-smelling aftershave lotion or cologne, underwear, handkerchiefs, socks.

The child will be upset if you give him: clothes (without a toy), a smart book (“Schoolchild’s Encyclopedia”), school supplies, a souvenir that cannot be played with, but can only be placed on a shelf.

He will tell you about the interesting traditions of countries where preparations for the main holidays of the year are already in full swing.

These are the brightest, long-awaited and brightest days winter season in any country. However, each nation celebrates these holidays in its own way, with special traditions, legends and customs. Sputnik will tell you what the New Year is like in different countries.

Latvia

In Latvia, the celebration of Christmas and New Year (Ziemassvetki) is a synthesis of pagan, Soviet and traditions borrowed from the West in the post-Soviet period. But traditionally, Christmas in Latvia is celebrated more widely than the New Year.

The main dish of Latvian Christmas is boiled gray peas with fried speck - lard. All cooked peas must be eaten on this day so that this year’s tears do not remain for the next year. In addition, a popular dish on the Latvian Christmas table is boiled pork head with boiled gray peas and fish - for example, carp with sweet meat and large scales, which are usually put in wallets and pockets so that you always have money in the new year. And also on Christmas Eve, Latvians remember the once popular blood sausage.

The most popular type of holiday cookie is piparkukas, which is similarly popular in Estonia and Finland. Before baking, a special type of aromatic pepper and other spices are added to the dough, which creates a recognizable pleasant smell. In addition, Latvian confectioners use piparkukas dough to make real gingerbread houses, which often become gifts for Christmas.

The main decoration for Christmas in Latvia is the Advent wreath, which is made from scrap materials: twigs, hay, straw, plant stems.

Celebrating the New Year in Latvia is distinguished by an abundance of festive dishes on the table. On the rich New Year's tables of Latvians, in addition to the crown pig's head and fish, there are always pies, pies with speck, homemade mulled wine, oven-baked potatoes, stewed cabbage with honey and cumin, roast, pickle salad and beer. The traditional drink for Latvians is champagne.

Signs: On the first day of the New Year in Latvia, it is customary to scatter peas in all houses, symbolizing a bountiful and fruitful year. When celebrating the New Year, you need to eat at least one pea.

Estonia

Estonia is a country with several religious denominations, so Orthodox, Catholic and Lutheran Christmas is respected here. Estonia has borrowed many traditions from the Scandinavian countries. So it’s not surprising that Christmas is also called Jülund, after the Swedish deity. Winter Solstice. And the Estonian Santa Claus is called Jõuluvana.

There is an interesting New Year's sign in Estonia. It is considered fortunate to meet a chimney sweep on the street with the tools of the trade - a tall cylinder and a weight on a rope with a brush. A figurine of such a chimney sweep stained with soot is very popular as a New Year's gift in Estonia.

The beginning of Advent is especially important for young children, who are waiting for the visit of little gnomes, called “päkapikud” in Estonian, who live in Estonia’s neighbor, Lapland. It is believed that at night during the month of December, magical gnomes walk from house to house and give children gifts and treats.

A characteristic feature of New Year's Eve celebrations in Estonia is also a hearty table. The Christmas table must include pork, traditional Estonian sausages, roasts, stewed cabbage, jellied meat, as well as homemade bread and beer.

On Christmas Eve, Estonians always read the Christmas prayer, in which they ask for strength not to offend people or animals, to be attentive, to be able to forgive, to care not only for loved ones, but also for strangers - especially the elderly.

Signs: On Christmas Eve, Estonians cannot do without going to the bathhouse. Swimming on Christmas and New Year's Eve, according to ancient Estonian beliefs, helps get rid of all diseases, and also ignites an internal fire that will warm a person from the inside for the next year.

Armenia

New Year in the Armenian tradition is a symbol of renewal and rethinking of the past. Celebrating the New Year among Armenians has an ancient tradition. According to data that reached contemporaries, the Armenians had three New Year holidays: Amanor (March 21), Navasard (August 11) and New Year on January 1.

Armenians have one ancient saying: “Without wine the new year will come, but without ngatsakhik it will be late.” In ancient times, ngatsahik was the most famous seasoning. This appetizing flower grew on the slopes of Ararat. It was collected and dried, and then distributed throughout Armenia. And no matter what region an Armenian lived in, on New Year’s Day he always used dried ngatsakhik in New Year’s dishes. This tradition was a symbol of the national unity of the Armenians.

Another tradition, “Kahuk” or “Gotekaha,” was widespread in many regions of Armenia. Its essence was that on the eve of New Year's Eve, young people lowered the baskets they had taken with them through the chimney, accompanying this with songs and wishes congratulating their households. And the mistress of this house had to fill the lowered baskets with fruits and sweets.

Some New Year traditions are directly related to the cults of fire, trees, and water. In some regions of Armenia, on New Year’s Eve it was customary to “kahand”. They took a log that had to be burned in the New Year, it was called the “Log of the beginning of the year.” After burning, the sparkling firebrands were buried in the fields so that the new year would be fruitful and there would be no losses in the new year.

Centuries have passed and, of course, a lot has changed. But the New Year still remains the most fun and favorite holiday among Armenians.

Usually the New Year in Armenia is celebrated in the family circle and around a table full of food. It is noteworthy that on January 1, according to ancient tradition, the list of New Year's dishes includes products whose names begin with the letter N: Ngatzahik, Nur (pomegranate), Nush (almond), etc.

Traditional Armenian New Year's dishes are also “anush apur” (soup with dried fruits) and “khapama” (pumpkin stuffed with rice, honey, nuts, dried fruits). Baking festive New Year's bread - "tareats" - is still widespread in some regions of Armenia. And of course, Armenian wine and cognac.

At children's holidays, the New Year in Armenia is traditionally celebrated with Father Frost - Kahand Pap and the Snow Maiden - Dzyunanushik, and the melodies of modern and folk Armenian songs are heard. It is interesting that in Armenia gifts are given by the head of the family, and they are also hung on the Christmas tree.

For Christmas in Armenia they prepare sweet “lenten” rice pilaf with dried fruits, nuts and pistachios, they always boil, fry or bake fish (traditionally trout), and bake Easter cakes. A coin is put into a “lucky” Easter cake: whoever gets such a Easter cake will have a happy year.

Signs: In order not to experience grief next year, you should eat a little honey before trying other dishes. According to ancient belief, sometimes invited guests and neighbors, when they come to the house, scatter nuts around the house.

Uzbekistan

New Year in Uzbekistan is celebrated twice a year: the first time in European style - on January 1, and the second - on March 21. Both of these days are days off.

New Year on January 1 in Uzbekistan is more of a secular holiday, celebrated since Soviet times with the presence of everyone traditional holiday attributes. Like all over the world, Uzbekistan has its own Santa Claus - they call him Korbobo and its own Snow Maiden - she is called Korkiz. Instead of deer - Donkey. True, you can rarely see Corbobo on the streets of Uzbekistan on a donkey.

Folk festivities are held on the main square of Tashkent: practical jokes, dancing different nations, masks, Christmas trees and gifts are sold.
It is customary to serve a large amount of fruit at the New Year's table in Uzbekistan. In addition to traditional national dishes, there must certainly be watermelon. If it is ripe and sweet, then the New Year will be happy.

This great international holiday comes to every family and, of course, is widely and cheerfully celebrated throughout the country. In the capital, on the main square, sparkling with the lights of garlands and decorated with balloons, the favorite of all children - live Christmas tree- symbol of the New Year. Young people gather here to hear the chimes of the Tashkent chimes at the magical midnight. And in the following days, the square becomes the epicenter of mass celebrations. Children especially frolic, because Father Frost and Snow Maiden are waiting for them here.

Signs: Many people in Uzbekistan, while the clock is counting down for the new year, are trying to eat 12 grapes. Whoever performs this ritual believes that the wish will definitely come true. According to another lucky sign, you should break all old, cracked ceramic plates before the New Year, then nothing bad from the old year will happen again in the coming year.

Tajikistan

Celebrating the New Year in Tajikistan began only with the advent of Soviet power. Before this, Tajiks celebrated the beginning of winter, the celebration took place on the night from December 21 to 22 - the longest of the year. Now residents of Tajikistan are celebrating and ancient holiday, and the traditional New Year - with Christmas trees, tinsel and Santa Claus.

Santa Claus in Tajik is Boboi Barfi, which means Snow Grandfather. With their granddaughter Barfak - Snezhinka - they are welcome guests of every Tajik child.

Celebrating the arrival of winter is a long-standing Tajik tradition that came to Tajikistan from pre-Islamic times. The longest night of the year is celebrated from December 21 to 22. Celebrated by reading poetry and preparing food. It is on this day that a ripe watermelon or pomegranate is cut. This tradition came to the country from Zoroastrianism.

Tajiks celebrate the calendar New Year with great pleasure. City streets are decorated with garlands, lanterns and other tinsel. City shops and bazaars are busy trade is underway New Year's paraphernalia. The silhouettes of Christmas trees can be seen outside the windows of houses, and delicious aromas can be heard from the courtyards. Christmas trees were installed in central squares in cities and regions and organized New Year's performances for children.

Festive events are taking place in Dushanbe parks. And on the capital's Dusti Square, where the country's largest Christmas tree flaunts, there is a grandiose fair during the day, and in the evening there is a festive concert with the participation of Tajik pop stars, which ends with a magnificent fireworks display.

Kazakhstan

In Kazakhstan, the New Year ("Zhana zhyl") is celebrated twice: on January 1 - in accordance with European tradition, and on March 21-23 - after the spring equinox ("Nauryz meiramy"). Both holidays are celebrated at the state level.

Celebrating the New Year on the night of December 31 to January 1 is rooted in Kazakhstan's Soviet past, so it is not much different from celebrating the New Year in Russia. Now this is one of the most popular and beloved holidays in the country.

City streets are decorated as much as possible New Year's symbols. However, unlike Europe, you can rarely see Father Frost (Ayaz ata) and the Snow Maiden (Akshakar) on the streets - they are usually guests of corporate events.

The New Year holiday began to be celebrated on the territory of Kazakhstan in the middle of the 19th century, when Russian settlers settled here. When celebrating the New Year, close friends and relatives gather around the table to celebrate the New Year. First, everyone “sees off” the Old Year and remembers what was good about it, and at 00:00, the chimes begin to strike, counting down the last seconds of the Old Year.

With the arrival of January 1, everyone congratulates each other and drinks champagne, which is considered a traditional drink for the New Year. Kazakhs love holidays very much, so their feasts can last until the morning.

Moldova

New Year in Moldova is celebrated on January 1. The date of the New Year celebration, as well as the traditions associated with it, have undergone significant changes over the past centuries. In addition, over the past half century, the New Year has become the most widespread and popular holiday in the country: it is traditionally celebrated in the family circle, although folk festivities occur both before and after its onset.

Moldovans have their own New Year's characters, who came from Moldavian folklore - these are Mosh Krechun (Father Frost) and Fata de Zepade (Snow Maiden), who became favorite guests of children's matinees. As a rule, the evil Baba Yaga (Baba Khyrka) tries to prevent the holiday from happening, but her plans are defeated.

Placinda pies are New Year's delicacies with predictions. A piece of paper with a written prediction and wish for the New Year is placed inside each placemat. Everyone reads these predictions together and laughs for a long time if the old woman happens to meet and fall in love with a handsome guy.

Residents of the Republic of Moldova still continue to celebrate the arrival of the New Year twice - the first time at 22:00 Moscow time, and the second time at 24:00 local time. Folk festivities take place in the squares of large cities, where Christmas trees are erected and the streets are decorated. In Chisinau, the most elegant avenue is Stefan the Great Avenue.

According to old traditions, the Moldavian New Year's table should have 12 dishes corresponding to the number of months in the year, so that each month of the new year brings prosperity. In the center, in the most beautiful plate, kutia and New Year's kalach are placed.

In rural areas, the custom of accepting congratulations from mummers who go from house to house on New Year's Eve is also preserved. The march of the mummers is led by a man dressed in a goat costume, personifying evil spirits, the approach of which is announced by satellites ringing bells.

Sputnik / MIROSLAV ROTARI

One of the most interesting New Year's traditions in Moldova is the celebration of St. Andrew's Day, when unmarried girls tell fortunes about their betrothed. Also on this night, young men steal the girls' gates. To do this, the young men come to an agreement, get together and remove the gate from its hinges, and in order to return this gate later, the girls must treat them to freshly baked dumplings with garlic.

Well-known carols also belong to Moldavian Christmas customs. As a rule, only boys and girls carol in Moldova. But sometimes even adults go to congratulate their neighbors, relatives, friends, and sometimes even strangers Merry Christmas. Carolers sing beautiful songs and in return receive sweets, gifts and even money.

Signs: in Moldova they “sow” happiness - when guests come to someone’s house, they scatter grains of wheat, corn and other grains around the house. It is believed that thanks to this the coming year will be prosperous and fruitful.

Belarus

Belarusian New Year traditions are a mixture of old and new trends. The traditional Belarusian Father Frost is St. Nicholas (Svyaty Mikola). In Belarusian mythology there is a character who greatly influenced the Belarusian idea of what Father Frost looks like. This is the ancient deity Zyuzya, who is the personification of the winter cold. Since Soviet times, his constant companion and assistant in distributing gifts has been the Snow Maiden.

Belarusians traditionally celebrate the New Year with their families; young people go to restaurants, discos, and celebrate it in the squares of large cities. The older generation loves to watch concerts with pop stars.

On the eve of the most important religious holiday - the Nativity of Christ - the Belarusian people, faithful to traditions, sit down to a festive table - generous, but Lenten. January 6th is the Holy Supper, which is prepared after putting the houses in order. They cleanse themselves spiritually - they confess.

There must be 12 dishes on the table - in honor of the 12 Apostles of Christ. Traditional dishes have always been fish, mushrooms, porridge, beans (beans), potatoes, cabbage rolls, cookies, kutia. Under no circumstances should you swear or argue on this day; all family members should be at home. Children should help with preparations.

The ancestors of Belarusians had an interesting New Year’s ritual. 15 minutes before the end of the old year, the family placed a clay vessel half filled with water in the middle of the table. In turn, all family members held out left hand and held her over this vessel for exactly a minute. At the same time, each of those present in his thoughts gave the water illnesses, losses, envy, crop failure - that is, everything that did not suit him in the first place in the past year. And then they poured the water with all the troubles out the window. As soon as midnight came, the same dishes were again filled with water to the very edge and placed on the table. And the family again took turns holding out over her right hand and silently uttered wishes for good, health, success, good luck, family well-being. After a minute, the ritual cup was passed around and everyone drank their “share of wishes.”

Traditionally, before the New Year holidays, Belarusians try to repay all their debts, as they were sure that if this was not done, they would have to pay off the whole year.

Signs: Many Belarusians believe that if on New Year’s Day, as soon as the clock begins to strike midnight, you write down your most cherished wish on a piece of paper and manage to burn the paper at the last, twelfth stroke, then your wish will definitely come true.

Russia

In Russia, New Year is the main holiday, which is usually celebrated at the table with family or friends. Traditional for Russian New Year's table dishes - salads "Olivier" and "Herring under a fur coat". And the most “New Year’s” fruit is tangerines, the drink is champagne.

Salad "Olivier"

It is impossible to imagine the Russian New Year without a Christmas tree - this is one of the most important symbols of the holiday, under which children find gifts in the morning.

In many families, it is customary to bake special pies with wishes for the New Year's table: a piece of paper in foil with the written word on it is wrapped in the pies: nice wishes. Instead of a wish, there is a surprise. For example, a coin is placed in one pie from a large batch, one is baked very salty, and another is baked very sweet. The one who pulls out a pie with a coin during the chiming clock will become rich this year. The salty pie symbolizes difficulties and trials, the sweet one - the “sweet” life.

IN Russian families To make the atmosphere in the house even more festive for the New Year, cut out snowflakes from paper and glue them to the windows. The main character of the New Year is Father Frost, a kind, magical old man with a white beard wearing a red, white or blue fur coat and felt boots. Father Frost rides on three horses, and his granddaughter Snegurochka helps him.

And, of course, before every New Year in Russia, “New Year’s films” are shown on TV - “The Irony of Fate, or Enjoy Your Bath!”, “Ivan Vasilyevich Changes Profession,” “Carnival Night,” “Gentlemen of Fortune” and “Operation Y "And other adventures of Shurik."

And one more feature that is unique only to Russia and the CIS countries is the equally large-scale celebration of the Old New Year on the night of January 13-14 and Christmas. Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas on January 7th. On Christmas night, Russian girls usually make fortunes: the pagan tradition has survived to this day. It is believed that on this special night you can find out exactly your destiny and find out when and who you will marry.

Signs: On New Year's Eve in Russia it is customary to dress in new and better clothes, because if you enter the New Year with new clothes, you will wear new clothes for the whole year. It is also believed that you should not give money on New Year's Eve, otherwise you will have to give it back the whole year. Before the New Year, it is also recommended to throw out all broken dishes from the house and wash windows and mirrors. You can’t sleep on New Year’s Eve either, otherwise the whole year will pass sluggishly and uninterestingly.

Georgia

On New Year's Day (in Georgian "Akhali Goli") in Georgia it is customary for the table to literally be bursting with food. Fried pig, cheese, delicious eggplant rolls with filling, meat, poultry and fish dishes, mountains of greens and spicy vegetable marinades, the most delicate khachapuri and lobiani that melt in your mouth, as well as the sweet churchkhela beloved by children and adults.

The most favorite dish and an integral attribute of the New Year's Georgian table is satsivi. The spicy, unique and multifaceted taste of this Georgian dish cannot be described in words. The traditional New Year's delicacy of Georgians is gozinaki (fried walnuts in honey). Since Soviet times, the tradition of preparing "Olivier" has remained. festive table, of course, along with a bottle of champagne, there is Georgian chacha and wine. Wine is drunk from a variety of horns and clay vessels. This is how Georgians drink “ganskhvavebuli” - this is the custom of drinking “special toasts” from glasses of non-standard size.

When the New Year comes, “Mravaljamier” is heard everywhere in the country - this is a traditional Georgian drinking song, performed in national Georgian polyphony.

Among the main New Year legends of Georgia is the mysterious Mekvle. Mekvle is the person who is destined to be the first to cross the threshold of your home on New Year's Eve. It is his leg, according to ancient legend, that brings happiness or misfortune.

Georgian Father Frost or “Tovlis Babua” is a gray-haired old man with a long beard, wearing a black or white chokha with a white burqa. Sometimes the grandfather carries a dagger. It is noteworthy that the Georgian Father Frost does not have a granddaughter. But there is a character “Pipkia” - a snowflake or snow fairy who accompanies Tovlis Babua. Georgians also have their own New Year tree - chichilaki. This small snow-white tree, handmade from hazel branches, is decorated with sweets and berries.

There's one for Christmas in Georgia beautiful tradition"Alilo" comes from the word "Hallelujah", that is, praise to God. This is an ancient tradition and a beautiful procession in honor of the birth of the baby Jesus. The festive procession is led by “Makharobeli” (“Messengers of Joy” - Georgian), symbolizing angels and wearing wreaths on their heads. They are followed by young people with shepherd's crooks in their hands, wearing Svan fluffy hats and clothes made of sheep's wool.

They personify the shepherds who came to the born Savior. Other participants in "Alilo" - in white shrouds with red crosses - carry icons, a banner - a religious banner with the image of Christ and lamps. Everyone participating in the procession sings a special chant - “Alilo”, which is performed exclusively on this holiday. And ahead of the procession is a cart on oxen, and in it there are large baskets in which donations are collected for those in need. There is a crowd of people all around in dresses and carol costumes - everyone is singing, dancing, playing musical instruments.

Procession "Alilo"

On Christmas Eve, according to the tradition introduced by Catholicos-Patriarch of All Georgia Ilia II, in every Georgian house a candle brought from the church is lit on the window - in memory of distant biblical events, when Joseph and Mary, wandering, sought shelter for the birth of their son.

Signs: January 2 has long been celebrated in Georgia as the Day of Fate or Bedoba. There is a belief that how you meet and spend this day is how you will spend the year. Therefore, residents of Georgia try to spend this day safely and carefree, and most importantly, together with their loved ones and loved ones.

Happy New Year and Merry Christmas, dear readers!

The material was prepared on the basis of open sources.

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