New Year is the most fabulous and beloved holiday for everyone , is n't it? After all, it was at this time that an elusive, fantastic atmosphere literally hovered everywhere. This is the only day of the year when even the most incredible and wildest dreams can come true. So how is the New Year celebrated in different countries? After all, every nation has its own traditions.
New Year in different countries of the world: how did the ancient inhabitants celebrate it?
We decided to celebrate the New Year in winter. But in ancient times, such celebrations were held in the spring, as a rule, immediately after the equinox. This tradition, which is not well understood by modern people, has its own reasons. After all, with the onset of spring, nature woke up, new work began in the fields, a new period of life began.
Ancient Babylon . It was here that the tradition was born that on the New Year's Eve it is necessary to forgive all insults, forget sorrows and enter a new day with a pure heart. On the eve of the holiday, everyone necessarily put up with even the worst enemies. The houses were decorated with branches of apple and pomegranate. Then the table was set with many national dishes and drinks. It is interesting that all the jugs in the house should have been filled with water, milk and grain - this portended a rich harvest.
Ancient Rome Other modern traditions arose in this state. For example, it was Julius Caesar who created the calendar, which began on January 1. On this day, it was customary to celebrate the New Year. An important tradition was the sacrifice (meaning food, gold, jewelry) to the god Janus, who at that time was the deity of successful new beginnings. Another wonderful tradition is New Year's gifts. First, the Romans gave each other a laurel branch - a symbol of good luck and happiness. Over time, gifts became more diverse.
How to celebrate New Year in different countries of the modern world?
Of course, today we do not perform sacrifices and do not fill the jugs with grain. But each state has its own traditions of such a celebration and all of them are original and interesting in their own way.
How to celebrate the New Year in different countries of the East? Of course, the eastern New Year is always a fairy tale.
For example, it’s no secret that the New Year holidays in China are accompanied by colorful processions to the accompaniment of firecrackers, crackers and fireworks. And this is also part of the tradition. After all, the Chinese believe that on this night a passage for evil spirits opens into the world, and loud sounds scare them away. Even the doors and windows of the house are sometimes sealed with colored paper, so that evil could not seep inside. New Year in China is a family holiday, which must be celebrated exclusively among relatives.
Another interesting tradition in Japan. To begin with, all the inhabitants of the country go to temples, where the bell must strike exactly 108 times. It is believed that with every ringing, all the bad goes away. And on New Year 's Eve itself, the Japanese begin to laugh, as laughter should bring good luck in the future.
It is also interesting how the New Year is celebrated in India? For example, Indians celebrate this holiday about four times a year - each region has its own traditions in this regard. And if we take into account the culture of national minorities, we can say with accuracy that India is the most “New Year's” state in the world.
How to celebrate New Year in different countries of Europe? Of course, the traditions of Europeans are less exotic, although there are also very original ones.
For example, in Germany, as soon as the clock begins to strike the last seconds of the outgoing year, people climb onto tables, chairs and nightstands and “jump off to the New Year” with the final clock. And in Austria, on New Year's Eve, it is necessary to sit on a part of a pig’s snout or head - this will bring good luck.
Greek children leave their shoes overnight near the fireplace, which St. Basil must fill with gifts (a bit like the American Santa Claus).
Scotland is another interesting country with original customs. On New Year's Eve, some barrels are filled with tar. Then they are set on fire and rolled along the streets. People believe that this is the way to burn the whole pile of misfortunes and troubles of the past year.
And in France you can see for yourself the "bean king." At a gala dinner, a pie with baked bean must be present. To those who got the “honorable” piece, all those present implicitly obey throughout the night.
Very interesting to see off the old year in Mexico. On the eve of all bowls, buckets, barrels and jugs in the house are filled with water. And exactly at midnight this water is poured out of the windows.
Now you know how to celebrate New Year in different countries. As you can see, each tradition is unique. But the only thing in common is the belief in a brighter future, the belief that the door to a new life opens from the first second of the coming year. This is truly one of the most important and significant days of the year. After all, they say that, as you meet a year, you will spend it. And you should never neglect the ancient customs.