As the New Year celebrates in different countries: interesting traditions from around the world

New Year is the most fabulous and beloved holiday, is not it? It is at this time that there is literally everywhere an elusive, fantastic atmosphere. This is the only day of the year when even the most incredible and bold dreams can come true. Since celebrate the New Year in different countries? After all, each people has its own traditions.

New Year in different countries of the world: how did its ancient inhabitants celebrate?

We 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 entirely understandable to 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 came.

Ancient Babylon . It was here that the tradition arose that on New Year's Eve it is necessary to forgive all grievances, forget sorrows and join the new day with a pure heart. On the eve of the holiday, everyone necessarily reconciled themselves with even the most evil enemies. The houses were decorated with apple and pomegranate branches. Then the table was laid with a lot of national dishes and drinks. Interestingly, all the jugs in the house had to be filled with water, milk and grain - this foreshadowed a rich harvest.

Ancient Rome . In this state other modern traditions were born. 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 products, gold, ornaments) to the god Janus, who at that time was the deity of successful new beginnings. Another great tradition is New Year's gifts. First, the Romans gave each other a laurel branch - a symbol of luck and happiness. Over time, gifts became more diverse.

How do they celebrate the New Year in different countries of the modern world?

Of course, today we do not perform sacrifices and do not fill jars with grain. But each state has its own traditions of such celebration and all of them are original and interesting in their own way.

How do they celebrate the New Year in different countries of the East? Undoubtedly, the Eastern New Year is always a fairy tale.

For example, it's no secret that New Year's 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 this night in the world opens the passage for evil spirits, and loud sounds scare them away. Even doors and windows in the house are sometimes sealed with colored paper so that the evil can not seep inside. New Year in China is a family holiday, which must be celebrated only among relatives.

Another interesting tradition in Japan. To begin with, all the inhabitants of the country go to the temples, where the bell must strike exactly 108 times. It is believed that with every ringing it goes all bad. And on the eve of New Year 's Eve, the Japanese begin to laugh, since laughter should bring good luck in the future.

It is also interesting how the New Year celebrates in India? For example, Indians celebrate this holiday approximately four times a year - each region has its own traditions on this score. And if we take into account the culture of national minorities, we can say with certainty that India is the most "New Year" state in the world.

How do they celebrate the New Year in different countries of Europe? Of course, the traditions of Europeans are less exotic, although there are very original ones.

For example, in Germany, as soon as the clock starts to beat the last seconds of the outgoing year, people climb to tables, chairs and nightstands and with the final fight of the clock "jump into the New Year". And in Austria on New Year's Eve it is necessary to sit down on a part of the pig's snout or head - this will bring good luck.

The Greek children leave their shoes for the night around the fireplace, which St. Basil should 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 how you can burn the whole heap of misfortunes and troubles of last year.

And in France you can see with your own eyes the "bean king". At a festive dinner, there must necessarily be a pie with a baked bob in it. For those who got an "honorable" piece, all those present unquestioningly obey throughout the night.

Very interesting seeing off the old year in Mexico. On the eve of all the bowls, buckets, barrels and jugs in the houses are filled with water. And exactly at midnight this water is poured from the windows.

Now you know how to celebrate the New Year in different countries. As you can see, each tradition is unique. But the only common thing is the belief in a bright future, the belief that from the first second of the coming year the door to a new life opens. This is really one of the most important and significant days of the year. After all, they say that as a year you will meet, so you will spend it. And one should never neglect ancient customs.