How the New Year is celebrated in Greece - traditions, gifts and dishes for the festive table. How is the New Year celebrated in Greece?

After Christmas, which is celebrated in Greece on December 25, Greeks, especially children, look forward to the New Year. New Year in Greece is not only a secular celebration, but also a religious holiday. Pious Greeks celebrate on January 1 the feast day of St. Basil the Great. The Russian Orthodox Church also venerates the elder, but according to the old Julian calendar - January 14th. In Greece, the so-called New Julian style is adopted, so all church holidays coincide with the Catholic ones. Saint Basil (Agios Vasilis), for the Greeks is the likeness of Santa Claus. In fact, St. Basil the Great was a real person who lived in the 4th century AD in the city of Caesarea in Cappadocia. All his life he preached the true Christian doctrine, and gained fame as a defender of the Orthodox faith. In addition, the wonderworker Basil healed people with the power of prayer and brought notorious sinners to repentance, converted unbelievers and cared for the poor, the weak and orphans.

new year tradition

The date of January 1 for the Greeks in the old days was not considered the beginning of a new year. In each region of ancient Hellas, the new year came at different times, but most often it took place in the summer or early autumn. The tradition of celebrating the New Year on January 1 was brought to Greece by the Romans in the 1st century AD. In the future, the Christian church dated the holiday to St. Basil's Day. This was done in order to erase from the memory of people the customs of the December Roman Saturnalia, which were feasts that often turned into orgies.

On St. Basil's Day in Greece, it is customary to give gifts. Mostly children get them. On New Year's Eve, children put their shoes in a prominent place in the house (and sometimes even outside the door), where caring parents on behalf of the saint put gifts or envelopes with money.

Vasilopita

Another New Year's custom associated with the name Vasilisa is the baking of rich bread called "vasilopita". These loaves in each region of Greece are prepared in their own way. So, in the north, sesame or pumpkin filling is added to it, in Lesvos - a special mizithra cheese, and in Ipyros, the traditional vassilopita is a meat or cheese pie. Sometimes they make small sweet pies with a pattern in the form of a double-headed eagle on the surface. Despite the variety of shapes and tastes of New Year's bread, one detail remains unchanged - when kneading, they hide a gold or silver coin "for good luck" in the dough, which then goes to the luckiest family member.

Eating vasilopita is also a special ritual. On New Year's Eve, the meal begins with bread, which is cut by the head of the family. The first piece is not for food - it is given to St. Basil, the second - to the house, the third - to the elder, and then, in terms of importance and age, it is distributed to the rest of the household. It is clear that in a large family of vassilopita, huge sizes are baked. It's a pity that only one coin is pawned! By the way, such pies with money on holidays can be found in any bakery and even a supermarket, but homemade cakes are undoubtedly tastier.

Saint Basil

St. Basil is also related to the next tradition. It is believed that on January 1, the heavenly patron consecrates all fresh water, so the Greeks perform the ritual of “Revival of Water” - “old” water is poured out of all containers and jugs, replacing it with new, fresh “Water of St. Vasilis”.

In general, in Greece there are a lot of customs, one way or another connected with food. In particular, in Argostol it is customary to smash a pomegranate fruit against the wall of a house on New Year's Eve - grains scattered around the sides portend prosperity and well-being. Already everywhere, the main New Year's seasoning is basil, it is even called the herb of St. Basil. The Greeks are sure that this plant has healing properties and protects the house and its inhabitants from the evil spirits. Basil is not only added to food, but also, mixed with water, sprinkled on the corners of the dwelling.

If we are already talking about food, then we need to mention, at least in passing, traditional New Year's dishes. On almost every Greek table on a holiday, you can see pork dishes. This is not only baked or fried meat with a side dish of rice, but also delicious jelly "fir", fried sausages, as well as cabbage rolls "lahanodolmades" and salted, smoked pork - "siglino" or "apaki". Pickles, cheeses, various fresh vegetables - the range of snacks is wider than ever. Sweets such as "diples", "melamacarons" and "kourabiedes" delight not only children, but also adults.

customs in the villages of Greece on New Year's Eve

Children on New Year's Eve continue to earn money with Christmas "kalandas". A gang of children bypasses all neighboring houses, as well as offices and shops. Previously, the custom of caroling was common only among rural residents, but now the inhabitants of cities are also adopting a cheerful tradition. The little mummers receive quite decent remuneration, it is considered extremely impolite not to thank the child or get off with a small coin. The kids do their best - they sing Christmas and New Year's songs, beat small metal triangles and beat drums.
In some regions of Greece, ancient New Year customs have been preserved. For example, on the island of Amorgos in the morning of the new year, the owner of the house first goes outside, and then immediately returns, and takes two steps deep into the house and says: “Come in, good and happiness.” This "ritual" is repeated three times. In other areas, it is customary to “treat” the log with wine and oil before burning it in the oven. This ceremony is also carried out in order to attract wealth and prosperity to the family.

In Greek villages, guests on New Year's Eve bring their hosts as a gift ... a mossy stone. He, of course, is not handed over, but thrown under the door. If a large cobblestone is brought, then they say: "Let the purse of the head of the family be as heavy as this stone." And if a small pebble is thrown, then they say another phrase: "Let the eyesore be as small as this stone." True, the first version of sayings is more common. The guests also exchange “photos”, which are sticks with fruits strung on them (figs, apples), decorated with candies and a candle on top.

There are many more Greek New Year rituals and rituals. Probably, in every village, in any small village there are their own, unique and interesting customs.

in cities

In large cities, part of the traditions, unfortunately, is irretrievably lost. Residents of megacities celebrate the New Year cheerfully, but in a standard, European way. However, both villagers and townspeople are united in one thing - the New Year is a family holiday, which is often held in the father's house. Sometimes a crowd of relatives gathers in taverns, of which there are a great many in Greece.

Some Greeks prefer to go to country houses on New Year's weekend, arranging picnics on the lawn with a barbecue or grill. Young people, of course, prefer gatherings in the central squares, where modern music sounds, attractions work, and fireworks light up the sky.

Popular artists perform in the central squares and streets. All bars, clubs, restaurants are full this evening, and there is no hope of finding a place in any of them after midnight. Closer to midnight, everyone pours into the streets, anxiously awaiting the onset of the New Year (Protochronia) and fireworks.

As in any other country, in Greece on the New Year they pin hopes for good luck, prosperity, fulfillment of desires. But in addition to this, gambling Greeks play cards, backgammon, at home, in cafes, clubs throughout the country on New Year's Eve. Winning or losing will determine your luck next year. The stakes on this day are low so as not to upset the loser too much.

New Year's traditions in different countries Very soon the most beautiful and long-awaited holiday will come - the New Year. Following the traditions - Russians, Belarusians and Ukrainians will cook kutia so that the coming year will be rich and fruitful, they will bake cookies in the form of pets ... And what are the New Year traditions in overseas countries?

In Australia there is no snow, palm trees grow instead of Christmas trees, and Santa Claus walks along the beach in a bathing suit. But the New Year is celebrated here cheerfully. They gather in large companies, arrange open-air parties, launch colorful fireworks into the sky. But... after midnight everyone goes to bed.

In Austria people gather in the square in Vienna to listen to the Peace Bell. If you are lucky enough to meet a chimney sweep there on New Year's Eve and, touching him, get dirty, then do not hesitate, you will be lucky all year.

In Argentina, on the last day of the outgoing year, it is customary to throw old calendars out of the windows.

In Afghanistan, as befits a Muslim country, everything is strict: men celebrate separately, women separately. Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited during this time.

in Burma New Year is celebrated in the summer (according to their calendar). People pour water on each other, but no one is offended, because it will bring good luck.

In Bulgaria the main attribute of the holiday is dogwood sticks. They need to lightly hit the person you congratulate, and before the clock strikes for the last time in the old year, the lights go out in all the houses, and everyone begins to kiss.

In Brazil people come to the beach, light candles and throw flower petals into the water. The English, in addition to the Christmas tree, decorate their homes with branches of mistletoe. And the guys, on Christmas Eve, are allowed to kiss the girl they like on the forehead without warning.

in Vietnam, on New Year's Eve, they forgive each other all insults and release carp into the river. It is believed that God sits on their backs, who then goes to heaven.

In Holland The main dish of the festive table is donuts with raisins. At midnight, the Greeks smash a pomegranate against the wall. If its grains scatter in different directions, then the new year will bring good luck.

Inhabitants Ireland on New Year's Eve, the doors of their dwellings are thrown wide open. Any passer-by can enter without knocking and become a welcome guest. He will be seated in the most honorable place, fed, treated with delicious wine.

On New Year's Eve Italians they try to get rid of old things, sometimes throwing them right out of the windows.

Spaniards- people who honor family values ​​and traditions, so the New Year is celebrated only with the family at a richly laid table.

New Year in China celebrated at the end of January. On New Year's Eve, people light up a lot of red lanterns to scare away evil spirits.

In Cuba fill the glasses with water, and while the clock strikes twelve times, pour it out the window. It is believed that the coming year will be as bright and clear as water.

With the chime of the clock in Mexico begin to break clay jugs filled with New Year's gifts.

In Norway they firmly believe that if on New Year's Eve, it is satisfying to feed the animals: pour millet for birds, give oats to cattle, then the year will be bread. In Peru, it is believed that if you walk around the house with a suitcase on New Year's Eve, then in the coming year, all your plans will come true.

In Romania there is an old New Year's tradition - on New Year's Eve people dress up in goat and sheep skins, go to their neighbors, dance, and in a certain rhythm beat the ground with a whip, shouting New Year's wishes. The decoration of the holiday among Romanians is not a Christmas tree, but a branch of mistletoe.

In Sudan an unripe nut is a symbol of happiness and good luck.

In Finland unmarried girls throw a shoe over their shoulder. If he fell with his nose to the door, then in the coming year, she will get married.

In France on New Year's Eve, they throw a dry log into the oven - a symbol of family happiness and prosperity. They bake gingerbread, one of which is made “happy”, they put a bean inside.

In Scotland they burn the old year - they stuff an old barrel with straw, set it on fire and roll it through the streets.

In Sweden after the last stroke of the clock, it is customary to break dishes at the neighbors' doors.

In Japan The New Year is celebrated at sunrise. With the first rays, the Japanese give each other gifts and wish everyone happiness in the coming year.

Greeks celebrate Christmas on December 25, according to the New Julian calendar. On the eve of the celebration, Ksenia Klimova, a researcher of Greek traditions and folklore, a candidate of philological sciences, told TD about Greek carols and Christmas and New Year traditions.

— Ksenia Anatolyevna, you celebrated Christmas in Athens. How do Greeks celebrate this holiday?

— Christmas in Greece is a national holiday. Everything is festively decorated, there are Christmas trees everywhere. The apogee of winter celebrations is December 25th. The New Year is celebrated much less solemnly. Those who usually go to church go to the temple for worship. But this is not all Greeks. Here at Easter, especially at the procession, everyone goes, and Christmas is mostly celebrated at home.

My friends gathered at their aunt's house. The mistress of the house traditionally bakes "Christ's bread" (Christopsomo, Χριστόψωμο) with a cross on top and decorates it with nuts: one nut in the middle and four on the edges. The bread is not sweet, unlike St. Basil's pie, which everyone bakes and eats on January 1 for the New Year.

In general, it is believed that there should be a lot of dishes on the Christmas table, because this abundance will be equal to the wealth and abundance of the whole subsequent year. The Greeks do not have any particular Christmas dish. Lately they've taken on the turkey cooking trend, but that's already a western influence. Previously, they roasted a ram or a pig, who was poorer - a bird.

Be sure to have nuts and dried fruits on the table, because these are very important elements of the subject code of any transitional rite. Walnut in general is a symbol of life, fertility and so on. It is also absolutely necessary to put sweets in which there is honey - an important ritual product for many cultures.

Of the fresh fruits, the pomegranate plays the most important role at Christmas, because the pomegranate is a symbol of the new age. It is used in every transitional rite, and especially actively on New Year's Eve.

We have evidence that in Byzantium, when the New Year was celebrated on September 1, the pomegranate was also perceived as a symbol of the onset of the new time: there are a lot of bones in it, and to give a pomegranate meant to wish a person a lot of money, livestock and other benefits. In traditional culture, pomegranates were smashed on the threshold of a house at Christmas or on New Year's Day on St. Basil's Day, so that as pomegranate seeds poured into the house, wealth filled the whole house. In traditional culture, they also scattered wheat, coins, some grains around the house. They made such a symbolic sowing of wealth. Now they don’t “sow”, they don’t scatter coins and grains. But grenades are periodically broken, including in the city.

The pomegranate was decorated: they stuck coins, and expensive ones. Now they are made especially for the holiday. Any Greek store is now full of garnets in all possible forms: plastic, wooden, beaded, gold, silver, bronze, gilded. They are already just given as a Christmas souvenir to each other at Christmas.

Garnets are also decorated with blue eyes from the evil eye, as in Turkey. This is a well-known Greek tradition: earlier, blue stones were taken from the sea and carried with them as a talisman from the evil eye.

Let's go back to Christmas: how do modern Greeks prepare for the holiday?

- For Christmas, they decorate the city, decorate the Christmas trees. In general, in Greece, decorating a Christmas tree is a late custom. At Christmas, they could decorate a Christmas tree: an ordinary stick, on which ribbons and bells were tied. The result was the image of the world tree, known in any traditional culture.

Initially, in the coastal regions, wooden ships specially carved for the holiday were decorated - they hung them with ribbons, flowers, bells. There were several such ships in the village, but they were not in every house: only a wealthy person could allocate time and money to make a ship. Then the children went around the village with these ships and sang carols.

In some villages, children still carol. In Athens, by the way, they also start caroling a few days before Christmas. True, ships specially decorated for the holiday are now bought in the store.

Caroling children also carried with them all sorts of pieces of iron - pots, pans - always iron, which they knocked on. Knocking on iron was considered a talisman that drove away all sorts of bad characters. And in general, iron is a symbol of happiness, health and well-being: horseshoes that are hung and so on. Now children walk with musical triangles.

- Children go at will or someone specially organizes them?

Most often they are collected by schools. Specially learn carols - and walk around the city, reproducing the folk ritual. Of course, children think they are caroling to collect treats. But in general cultural terms, carols are by no means a way to get sweets or pies, but a traditional general folklore detour ritual that takes place on the eve of a big holiday. At Christmas they sing carols and go around all the houses in the village, on Maslenitsa they also go into every house and wish there was a good harvest.

This ancient tradition was preserved in Byzantium, when, for example, on September 1 (when the beginning of the new year was celebrated), during a roundabout ceremony, they announced the onset of the new year and wished all kinds of blessings.

Historically, it turned out that Christmas coincided with the transitional time (the end of the autumn - the beginning of the winter cycle). The rites of the transitional period existed even before the adoption of Christianity. The tradition of the bypass rite remained, new texts of carols appeared, which inform about which holiday is being celebrated.

Where did the texts of carols come from? Are there pagan elements left in them?

It is difficult to say who exactly wrote these texts. An interesting story happened to the most famous carol:

Καλήν εσπέραν άρχοντες, αν είναι ορισμός σας,

Χριστού την ιείαν γέννησιν να πω στ"αρχοντικό σας.

Χριστός γεννάται σήμερον εν Βηθλεέμ τη πόλει,

Οι ουρανοί αγάλλονται, χαίρει η κτίσις όλη...

Good evening to you, sir, I beg your pardon

Jesus son of God to announce to you the birth

Christ was born on this day in the city of Bethlehem,

The heavens rejoice, all Creation rejoices...

(poetic translation by A. Grishin)

It is not written in a colloquial language, which is very difficult to understand for an ordinary bearer of traditional Greek culture. It was recorded in the 19th century, although it is probably based on an earlier text. In Greece, almost everyone knows it, they sing it with pleasure at Christmas, but no one knows the name of the author.

This carol is common Greek, more of an urban type, but for me, as a researcher, local variants of carols are of particular interest. For example, in Zakynthos, the most revered saint is Dionysius. One of the carols mentions "Agios" ("Ό Άγιος"), which means "Saint" in translation. But with the definite article. Usually the central place in the carol is occupied by Christ himself, and, as a rule, it is He who is meant by "Ό Άγιος". In Zakynthos, St. Dionysius, therefore, here "Ό Άγιος", despite the Christmas context, denotes not Christ, but St. Dionysius.

Depending on the area, the nature of the wishes may vary. For example, in the Ionian Islands close to Western Europe, a girl will want to marry a Spanish prince. These are the "remnants" of medieval ideas about the world, fairy tales that still live in the texts of carols.

In Mani, for example, Slavs lived in the 6th century. And if in the carols of other regions a certain large river is mentioned - a symbol of living water - in the Maniat carols they will sing about the Slavic Danube. And when you ask the informants what the Danube is and where it is, they say that the Danube is a river, and no one knows where it is, no one can say.

What are the oldest carols? When did they arise?

— It is hard to say. There is evidence of the traditions of bypass rites, but no texts. It can be said that fixed carols have been formed since about the 12th century - this can be established thanks to some of the realities or linguistic forms mentioned in them. However, there are still older relics. However, the exact time of occurrence of carols is unknown.

Does the holiday continue for five days from Christmas to New Year?

- Oh yeah! All this time there is a richly laid table, the holidays continue. And on January 1, another holiday is celebrated - St. Basil's Day. They still do Podariko (Ποδαρικό). It is a custom that when the first guest enters the house on January 1, he must be a good person, enter from the right foot.

- Do they agree with him that he should come, or how lucky?

- Sometimes they specifically agree, sometimes a person can come himself, knowing that his friends will be pleased if he makes Podariko, because no one in his family has died lately and he himself is successful.

On New Year's Eve, vasilopita (Βασιλόπιτα) is a sweet cake in which a coin is baked. There is no Christian symbolism on the St. Basil's pie. Now vasilopita is sold in any supermarket. Just like Easter - colored eggs. One piece of the basilopita is symbolically given to Christ, the other to St. Basil.

And where do these pieces go?

— Someone says that they put them behind the icon until next year, and then they throw it away. Most say that these pieces are then divided and eaten by family members anyway.

They still put a coin in and they always check who will be lucky next year.

Is Saint Basil somehow especially revered in connection with the New Year?

- Of course! It is St. Basil who brings gifts to children. In the Greek tradition, he looks like St. Nicholas in Western Europe: a red fur coat, a red hat, a white beard and a bag of gifts. Only the fur coat is not long, but short.

Is this also Western influence?

- Well no. Red is just festive. New Year's carols - the carols of St. Basil are very interesting. All of them are dedicated to this saint. According to the story, he comes from Caesarea, an incomprehensible, distant, almost fabulous country, and turns out to be a scientist who studied for a very long time to read and write. And now he goes around all the cities and villages, and wherever he comes, he is asked to tell the alphabet: “Saint Basil, hello! Where are you going from now? - I'm coming from Kritsaritsy, and I'm coming to you. - And sing us some songs, tell us something: stories, fairy tales. - I did not learn songs, I did not learn fairy tales. I learned to read, I learned to read. “Okay, tell us the alphabet then.” And when he begins to tell the alphabet, all the most interesting and important things happen: the world tree blossoms, the four Gospels appear on its branches, and in the center is Christ Himself.

- And do they arrange holidays at which this dialogue with St. Basil is staged?

- How are we with Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden? There is no such. A doll of St. Basil is placed in the house as a New Year's decoration. For example, under the tree.

- And the last of the winter holidays - Epiphany ...

— The Greeks have very interesting traditions of celebrating the Epiphany. A large procession of parishioners, led by a priest, goes to some large source of water or the sea. They always throw a cross into the water to sanctify it, and young people jump into the water. Whoever gets the cross is considered "the first guy in the village" for the whole next year.

January 1 in Greece is not only the first day of the new year, but also St. Basil's Day. Perhaps it is this saint who is considered there as a kind of prototype of Santa Claus, and the inhabitants of Greece love him very much for his kind attitude towards the most vulnerable segments of the population. Agios Vasilias is considered the protector of the poor. We believe that Santa Claus comes to our homes through the window, and the Greeks believe that St. Basil gets to them through the fireplace, deftly descending from the roof down the pipe. As in North America, they hang shoes or socks next to the fireplace, hoping that this year St. Basil will bring them a good gift, or simply meet a dear guest in this way - excellent warm socks.

New Year in Greece: Traditions

Going to the celebration of the New Year, the Greeks are armed with stones. And it's not that the Greeks have recently been holding protests much more often than they are doing work, and they will subsequently throw this pebble near the door of the most hospitable house. A large and weighty stone indicates that the guest wishes the owners a lot of money, a small pebble shows that all troubles and hardships will bypass this house or will be so small that they simply will not be noticed. At the same time, guests and hosts are happy to exchange photos with each other. This is how the Greeks call the sticks on which they fix oranges, tangerines, as well as sweets and other treats. What can I say, such New Year traditions in Greece!

In addition to stones and sticks, the Greeks are also armed with grenades. Fear not, we are talking about sweet and sour fruit, another element of the New Year celebration. With the onset of night, the head of the family goes out into the yard and with all his strength throws a red fruit against the wall. The purpose of this event is not to kill time or show off your tough temper, but to make the pomegranate seeds scatter as far apart as possible. If everything happens exactly as the “boss” intended, the family will live happily and prosperously for the next year. That's not all. Immediately after the ritual, each member of the family should dip a finger into the honey container and then lick the honey from the finger.

New Year's Eve in Greece

The Greeks are great masters of backgammon, sitting on benches, drinking cold coffee and thousands of other important things. But the first among them is the meal. At the New Year's table of the average Greek, there must be a roast pig with baked potatoes or a turkey in wine. Dessert is traditional biscuits with honey syrup. But a pig with a turkey is nothing compared to Vasilapita, a national New Year’s pie with nuts and currants, inside of which one euro is placed. Whoever receives a coin along with a portion will be happy in the New Year. By the way, according to tradition, Saint Basil receives the very first piece, then the treat is distributed in order of seniority, starting with the oldest family member. Interestingly, many girls prefer not to eat a delicious cake, but to put it under their pillow so that they dream of a prince on a white horse. Traditionally celebrate the New Year in Greece with the whole family.

Prohibitions for the New Year in Greece

In addition to the fact that almost everything is possible in the New Year in Greece, there are a number of significant prohibitions. For example, in no case is it allowed to shout loudly, grind coffee and for some reason let black dogs into your home. Also, the Greeks are not allowed to do what they seem to do throughout the year, such as breaking dishes and stamping their feet.

The ancient Greeks did not like cold winters (and in Greece there are simply unprecedented frosts, up to +15 C), so they celebrated the New Year in warmth. June 22 is great for this, especially since it is also the longest day of the year.

Sun, sea, beaches, bronze tan, wine, olives - all this is, of course, Greece. And the New Year in this country will be as warm, bright and memorable as everything around. To celebrate the New Year, you can choose one of hundreds of destinations by going to mainland Greece or celebrating the New Year on one of the islands of the state. But do not think that Greece is all about sun and sea. In December, the ski season, popular among Europeans, opens in the mountains.

The holidays dedicated to the onset of the New Year start in Greece in December and it feels like they never end. If you meet a Greek resting serenely in the summer, do not be lazy and come up and congratulate him on the New Year. Most likely, he was never able to get out of the captivating bliss of the festive spree. In December and January, all of Greece resembles one big Christmas tree, beautifully decorated with toys, garlands and lamps. Major events, concerts and theatrical performances take place throughout the country. All Greeks are ready to celebrate the New Year!

And about the weather. It will be sunny throughout Greece, mostly without precipitation, snow is possible in mountainous areas. The temperature in cities and on the islands is from 4 to 12 degrees Celsius. Not winter, but one laugh.

If you prefer to celebrate the New Year at sub-zero temperatures, then go to Greece right after the holidays, for example, on January 8th. On this day, a festival dedicated to women opens in the cities of Monoclesia and Nea Petra. Something like our March 8th. On this day, all, without exception, the inhabitants of Greece turn into men. I mean, they occupy all the benches, all the cafe tables, and the curbs, chairs, and other seating surfaces, and do nothing. More precisely, they are engaged in the most important thing for the Greeks - serene contemplation. And at this time, unfortunate men drag home belongings on themselves. Join.

If you decide to visit Greece towards the end of January, then fly in for Apokris or Greek Shrovetide. For three whole weeks of carnival, fun and joy are held from January 28 to February 18. The main event of Shrove Tuesday is February 9 - on this day all Greeks dress up in fancy costumes and literally fool around (in our opinion they celebrate). The most important thing is to eat up to the dump of fried meat, because the next day a hard fast begins, in which it is impossible, practically nothing. Is that to contemplate, drinking a cold frappe.

A fluffy Christmas tree, falling snow flakes, the aroma of tangerines and the chiming clock - this is exactly what the New Year is like for most people in Russia. But if you list all these signs to foreigners, then many of them simply will not understand what it is about, because for them the holiday is something else. What are the New Year traditions of different countries for children and adults, does everyone celebrate the arrival of the new 12 months on January 1?

Europe

Of all parts of the world, it is Europe that is closest in mentality to the inhabitants of Russia. Similar are the traditions of celebrating holidays. Although there are still some differences. The main one is that most European countries first celebrate Christmas on December 25, and then only the New Year. And the first holiday is given much more attention. Nevertheless, January 1 is still celebrated. How does this happen?

How is the New Year celebrated in other European countries? In Scotland, it is customary to keep doors open until the clock strikes midnight - this is how the old one passes and the new year comes. The Greeks smash grenades against the wall of the house - if the grains scattered around the yard, then the year will be successful. And the Icelanders dress up as trolls and elves and dance around a big fire.

America

Although America is quite far from Europe and from Russia, many of the customs associated with the main winter holiday are similar:

1. Residents of the United States, like the Russians, not only meet January 1, but also see off the outgoing 365 days on December 31, so the festivities begin the day before. And on the first day of the new year, bright and colorful parades are held throughout the country.
2. Canada is considered a country of emigrants - here you can meet Italians, Russians, British, French, and Chinese. Therefore, the holiday can take place in different parts of the country in different ways. Common to all is that the New Year is celebrated most often on the street with friends.
3. In Mexico, people celebrate the holiday with both friends and family. There are no strict rules on this. But in whatever circle the celebration takes place, the Mexicans will do the following: under the chiming clock, they will eat 12 grapes and make 12 wishes. And then they will go outside to watch the fireworks and fireworks.
4. Colombia and Brazil are transformed on New Year's holidays. Carnivals and parades take place everywhere, salutes and fireworks soar into the air.
5. New Year in Argentina is very similar to the one Russians are used to. Argentines open a bottle of champagne at midnight, gathering in the family circle. And then they go out into the street and blow up firecrackers.

There are no unusual New Year traditions in different countries of America. Everything that can happen on a distant continent has long been known in Russia.

Asia

Many Asian countries do not live according to the Gregorian, but according to the Chinese calendar. And therefore, the onset of a new 365-day cycle is celebrated not on January 1, but in the period between January 21 and February 19. And only the Japanese do it, like most other nations, on January 1st.

1. In Japan, they are very afraid that evil spirits will settle in the house, and therefore, in order to scare them away, they begin to laugh loudly at midnight. A bundle of straw hung over the entrance to the house, also, according to the inhabitants of the country of the rising sun, should not allow evil spirits to enter the dwelling.
2. Thailand, so beloved by the people of Russia as a place to relax, celebrates Songkran (Thai New Year) on April 13-19. At this time, everyone pours water on each other, because the hot season ends in the country and the rainy season begins. This transition (and Songkran is translated that way) is usually celebrated by taking an impromptu shower.
3. New Year celebrations in India take place at different times, depending on the province. Somewhere the holiday falls in mid-April, and somewhere - at the beginning of March. The celebrations themselves are similar to those that take place in Bali: the festivities stretch over several days, and in the finale a papier-mâché effigy is burned, symbolizing the past, which people are ready to let go.
4. In Vietnam, the arrival time of the next 12 months depends on the lunar calendar. It is considered great luck if you managed to celebrate the holiday in the presence of a person 70 years old or older - it symbolizes the wisdom that should descend on all guests.
5. Perhaps the most ancient tradition of celebrating. They have been around for centuries and are still observed today. Like the Japanese, the Chinese believe that it is possible to ward off evil spirits from the house by having a lot of fun, blowing up firecrackers and laughing. In China, red is considered another way to get rid of evil spirits - hence there are so many shades of red in the New Year decorations of the Middle Kingdom.

It is obvious that the New Year traditions of different countries of the world are very different from those that are inherent in Asian states. But the more interesting is the culture of Russia's eastern neighbors.

Africa

Since most of the countries of the black continent used to be colonies of some European states, many of their customs are similar to English and French. But, nevertheless, in some regions, ancient African traditions have been preserved.

For example, in Ethiopia, the year has not 12, but 13 months, and its beginning falls on September 1. At this time, the rainy season ends, and people strive to enter the new life clean and free from sins. To do this, they bathe in the river, and then arrange ritual dances around the fire.

An interesting custom exists in Côte d'Ivoire, and more specifically in the Abidji tribe, where locals race on all fours with a chicken egg in their mouth. The one who comes to the finish line first is considered the luckiest.

Residents of South Africa, like most of the world's population, celebrate the New Year on January 1st. After midnight, they throw out unnecessary household items from windows - from old boxes to large-sized furniture. It is for this reason that the police block traffic and advise pedestrians not to approach residential buildings.

New Year's traditions of different countries can be studied endlessly, because even within one of them they can vary greatly. And in Russia there are places where the arrival of the new 12 months is celebrated differently than in most cities of the largest country in the world.