In almost all countries of the world they like to celebrate the wonderful night of the transition from the last day of December to January 1. This is a magical period. The night is loved by both children and adults.
What kind of holiday is New Year: history, traditions
One of the first (about III millennium BC) decided to celebrate the New Year in the most ancient civilization - Mesopotamia. The great Julius Caesar did this a little later. In the forties of our era, he decided to start the New Year on January 1. The inhabitants of the Roman Empire on this day started large important affairs (this was a good omen) and made sacrifices to the great Janus. Also, gifts and praise of officials were confined to this holiday. They were presented with fruits in gilding, copper coins and other expensive things. Special gifts were received by the patricians. This custom for a long time "settled" in Rome.
The ancient Romans dedicated this day to the god Janus. This is a two-faced god of doors, entrances and all beginnings. And the first month is named after him.
The New Year begins on the island of Kiribati in the Pacific Ocean, and ends in the Pacific Ocean, on the island of Midway. But there are countries that celebrate this night on different days and even months. For example, in China, this is due to lunar cycles.
Israeli traditions
In Israel, what is the history of the New Year? Traditions have been honored since antiquity. In this country, the holiday of Rosh Hashanah (means "the head of the year") is celebrated during the month from September 5 to October 5. Usually after Passover, after 163 days. From this day on, the Jews begin the time of self-deepening and spiritual repentance. It lasts ten days. The next ten days are called the “days of teshuva” (or remorse and awe). And they end with the so-called Yom Kippur. The Israelis believe that these days, the fate of man is foreseen for a year in advance. Therefore, they meet each other with parting words: "May you be signed and written in the Book of Life for a good year!" At the festive table, an apple or challah dipped in honey (a symbol of happiness and prosperity).
Chinese traditions
How is the New Year celebrated in China? History and traditions conceal a lot of unknown. The celebration features are deeply rooted. In the People's Republic of China, it is customary to celebrate the New Year at the end of the full moon cycle, the first after the winter solstice. Therefore, from December 22, a countdown is being made, and after the second new moon, a festive night comes. Residents of this country call the shift of the year "Spring Festival". Since time immemorial, it has been considered the most important triumph.
On New Year's Eve in the northern part of China, they like to decorate the house with flowering peach branches or fruits of
tangerine trees. Apricot, almond trees bloom in the streets. In the south of the country, to attract good luck in the new year, the altar is decorated with watermelons. On the eve of the holiday on the streets of cities and towns there are massive magnificent processions - dragon dancing. This action is especially spectacular at night.
In Russia
What is the New Year in Russia? For a long time (until the 15th century) New Year's festivities came on the night of the first of March. And already from the 15th century, Russians have been celebrating the New Year on September 1. Around the same time, the first references to the nascent celebration traditions appeared.
John Vasilievich III (Grand Duke) in 1492 made a firm decision and decided to begin the church and civil year in September, the first day, that is, on the day of collection of quitrents, tributes and duties.
To give him solemnity, the tsar himself appeared in the Kremlin. Then ordinary people or noble boyars had the opportunity to seek his mercy, truth and justice. The Byzantine celebration of church new years became the prototype of the festival of the new church year in Russia.
Dictionaries of the 16th century interpreted the name of this celebration of those years: "The first day of the year." Starting from 1700, by decree of the great emperor Peter I, in Russia the New Year is celebrated, as in European countries, that is, according to the Julian calendar. And when is it? Of course, January 1.
What is the New Year in the XX century? Continuous metamorphoses: from January 1, 1897 this day is declared a day off. In the period 1930-1947. he again becomes just a worker. And in 1948 they again made it a weekend and a holiday!
Features
What is the New Year? The traditions and features of the meeting of the New Year holidays in many houses of the world are important, sometimes fateful. In addition to numerous festivities and feasts, conifers dress up, houses and city streets are decorated. Everything glows, shimmers and glitters. And almost every nation has its own New Year’s grandfather. In the Christian world, grandfather's name is Santa Claus. This name came from the name of St. Nicholas, thanks to a distorted Dutch transcription. He gives children gifts for Christmas. Santa Claus is rather a Christmas grandfather. Although he is also celebrated on New Year's Eve.
And what does this holiday mean to us? What is the New Year? A holiday that brings close people together. And of course, our dear Santa Claus comes to us! This fabulous character emerged from distant Slavic myths. It personifies winter frosts and blacksmiths chained water. The image of Frost, of course, is collective. The main motive of the Grandfather is St. Nicholas, diluted with the magic of the deities of the ancient Slavs: Zimnik, Pozvizd and Korochun. Our dear grandfather comes in felt boots, a blue, less often red coat, embroidered with silver, with a magic staff. And always with a bag of gifts on his shoulder. He usually moves on three horses.
old New Year
In modern Russia there is a special - the old New Year. He appeared after the abolition of Julian time. And is celebrated at night from January 13 to 14.
New Year traditions
Before the New Year's Eve, according to the Cuban ancient tradition, all kinds of pots, jugs, bowls, etc. are filled with water in the houses. And at midnight this liquid pours from all the windows, as if seeing off the year, wishing it a light and bright road.
On the Japanese islands, New Year is accompanied by the ringing of bells. 108 strokes symbolize all shades of human vices.
To use all kinds of fireworks , fireworks, firecrackers began in China. A noisy, loud and vibrant tradition made it possible to drive away many evil spirits. Now this is the custom of all countries of the world, without exception. In the New Year's fun, Bengal candles, fireworks, Roman candles, crackers large and small, etc. are used.
In recent years, the capitals of some countries have been invited to attend New Year's pyrotechnic shows. The largest shows are held in London, Sydney and various cities of China.
In Sweden, for example, before the New Year, beautiful Lucia is chosen. Kids do it. Having chosen the queen of light, dress her in a white outfit, and a crown with burning candles is erected on her head. Queen Lucia gives gifts to children, and pet treats - goodies.
Conclusion
Now you know what the New Year is, what are the features of this holiday. We hope you find this article useful.