Throw garbage out of the windows, start a fire, step on a rake and jump 10 times with the chimes. These and many other traditions are observed in different countries of the world.
In different countries, there are several holidays called “New Year”. We talk about those celebration traditions that are observed on the night of December 31 to January 1.
Georgia
Just like in Ukraine, in Georgia on New Year’s Eve, relatives and close friends gather at a magnificent table, eat a lot, drink, and have fun. They try to meet the year in such a way that the next 365 days good luck favors in all matters. There are several clues associated with this. For example, on New Year’s Eve, you can not sleep, otherwise, you will oversleep your happiness. In addition, you need to have fun louder and eat more sweets to attract goodness into the world.
Chichilaki (traditional New Year’s symbol and decoration in Georgia – author’s note) after the celebration should be taken to the cellar with wine to transfer the accumulated positive energy and burn it. The ashes are scattered in the wind. Together with him, all the hardships and hardships will fly away from the house.
It is important for Georgians that the person who crossed the threshold of the house first in the new year be lucky, happy, and successful. Therefore, they often especially invite such an acquaintance to their home.
Italy
In Italy, the New Year is celebrated in much the same way as in Ukraine: on the night of December 31 to January 1 – a magnificent feast, fireworks, and champagne. The only thing that distinguishes them from other countries is the tradition of throwing trash out of windows. Italians believe that the new year will be happy for those who get rid of unnecessary things.
Greece
On New Year’s Eve in Greece, there must be a St. Basil pie on the table. A coin is placed inside the cake during cooking, and when it is cut, the person who finds the coin, according to legend, will become the happiest or gain good luck.
Germany
In Germany, the main holiday is Christmas, so the New Year is celebrated more modestly. On this day, no one sits at home. When the clock begins to strike midnight, the Germans climb onto chairs or tables and with the last stroke of the clock “jump” into the new year. For the year to be successful, fish dishes should be on the festive table. Many Germans also guess by pouring molten lead into cold water.
Spain
An integral part of the Spaniards’ table on New Year’s Eve is donuts with chocolate. They also go to visit each other and always put champagne and a piece of nougat in the gift basket. On New Year’s Eve, the Spaniards rush to the central square to the Christmas tree. No, people do not dance, they eat grapes: 12 berries – and good luck is guaranteed for each month of the new year. If the holiday is celebrated at home, then grapes are placed on each plate.
Scotland
New Year’s Eve in Scotland is called Hogmanay. People on this holiday “give heat”: they set fire to barrels of tar, which personify the past year, and roll down the slopes. So they burn everything that was last year. Scots feasts can compete with ours: roast geese, steaks, pies, salads, snacks, and a lot of whiskeys.
Vietnam
Vietnamese people celebrate the New Year between January 21 and February 19. An obligatory attribute on this holiday is a rake, which is used to “rake” wealth and good luck. The instrument itself is decorated with ribbons, toys, flowers, and shiny paper. The Vietnamese believe in “goldfish”. On New Year’s Eve, they whisper their wishes to a living carp and release it into the river.
Philippines
At the moment when the New Year comes, Filipinos bounce 10 times. It symbolizes growth. Interestingly, this holiday is usually celebrated in multi-colored clothes with polka dots or with a round ornament, symbolizing prosperity.
India
According to ancient traditions, in Hinduism, there is no such holiday as the New Year. The tradition of celebrating it on December 31 came to India from Europe. It is celebrated mainly by young people from big cities. The New Year’s symbol here is a mango tree decorated with fruits and vegetables. Indians give each other sweets and treat guests with spicy dishes: the spicier the food, the happier the year will be.