New Year is a time of renewal. Each of us hopes that this New Year will bring a miracle - everything will change for the better and our most cherished dreams will come true.
And on this holiday, most of us have certain traditions. Not only for the fulfillment of wishes, but also just for fun and joy.
There are also traditions that are peculiar not to an individual or a family, but to a whole country. They have been formed over the years and now it is hard to say where exactly they came from.
Today we're going to break down some national New Year's Eve traditions.
New Year traditions of different countries
1. Italy
Italians take New Year's Eve as a time of renewal very literally. On New Year's Eve in Italian cities it is dangerous to walk under the windows. After all, it is customary there to throw old unnecessary things right out of the window on the holiday.
It's very convenient, isn't it?
Of course, in big cities, this tradition has almost become a thing of the past because of the danger to others. But in the provinces, various objects and even furniture still fly out of windows on New Year's Eve. And all of this is accompanied by joyful shouts and noise.
2. Greece
Greece's main New Year's tradition is the exact opposite of Italy's. When Greeks go to visit for a holiday dinner, they pick up the biggest cobblestone on the way and give it to the hosts of the house. The bigger the stone, the more happiness the Greek will have in the house.
If there are no large stones on the way, it is worth taking the smallest pebble. It will symbolize small and easy trials that may fall to the share of the owners.
3. Scotland
In Scotland they celebrate the New Year with fire! Traditionists set fire to barrels of tar and roll them down the street. In this way they burn all the past and make way for the new one next year.
4. Cuba
In Cuba, on New Year's Eve people try to get rid of the sins of the past year. Cubans pour into different containers as much water as they think they have sinned during the year, and after New Year's Eve they pour this water over the threshold.
5. Japan
In Japan, the main decoration of the house is not a Christmas tree or garland, but a rake. And the point is that according to Japanese belief, it is the rake that should be used to rake up happiness.
That is why you will find a bamboo rake in every home on New Year's Day. And the more tools you have, the more happiness you will have in the New Year.
6. Denmark
The Danes like to get a little rowdy around the holidays. But only for the benefit of their friends.
It is a tradition in Denmark to break dishes against a friend's door.
But because of the dangers of such a tradition, people have recently started breaking dishes in advance and then pouring the shards under the door of loved ones.
7. Sweden
Swedish children do not expect Santa Claus on New Year's Eve. Their presents are brought to them by the gnome Jul Tomten.
Another Swedish New Year's tradition is fortune-telling. It is believed that it is New Year's predictions that are sure to come true.
8. Vietnam
Want to gain wisdom this New Year? Then follow the Vietnamese tradition and make sure to put a guest over 70 years old at the New Year's table.
Vietnamese people always welcome elderly guests. And especially on New Year's Eve.
9. Philippines
In the Philippines, round objects are believed to bring wealth. This is why locals celebrate the New Year wearing round prints, filling their pockets with coins and surrounding themselves with round objects.
10. Albania
Albanians believe that the key to happiness in the New Year is a log. They cut it down the day before and burn it on New Year's Eve to ward off misfortune and attract happiness
These are such interesting traditions in different countries around the world for New Year's Eve.
New Year celebrations in Russia
The main New Year's tradition in Russia is to gather for the holidays together with the closest people. On the table is necessarily put on the table salad «Olivier» and a huge number of tangerines. Without this, the New Year will not come.
At 12 o'clock some people write their wishes for the next year on a piece of paper, burn it over a glass of champagne and drink the drink with the ashes. If you manage to do all this while the chimes are ringing, the wish will come true.
And, of course, New Year's Eve is a time to watch atmospheric movies with the whole family.
Interestingly, the New Year celebrations do not end with the New Year. In Russia, it is customary to celebrate Christmas and Old New Year's Eve.
What traditions do you have?
