New Year is celebrated in different countries of the world in different ways - traditions and customs in each state are special. The most amazing thing is that everyone adheres to them - both adults and children. And Santa Claus is sure to be in every country, only somewhere he is called Santa Claus, and somewhere - Joulupukki.
France: who is the goose and who is the cakes
Many of us would like to meet and spend the New Year in Paris. But few people know that the Christmas holidays begin here on December 6 - on the day of St. Nicholas. It is on this date that Père Noel, the French Santa Claus, gives gifts to obedient children. He wears wooden shoes, moves on a donkey, carries presents in a basket behind his back, and leaves them, having entered the house through the chimney. According to European tradition, all gifts are placed in shoes, which children place in advance next to the fireplace.
New Year's Eve in Paris is celebrated in a special way. The table must be richly lined with smoked hams, salads, pastries, sweets and wine. Moreover, in different provinces of the French state, the main festive dish is different: the Burgundians prefer turkey with chestnuts, the population of Brittany prefer buckwheat cakes with sour cream, and the inhabitants of the northeast always serve goose as the main dish. But the French do not have a New Year tree - instead, they decorate the doors of their houses with mistletoe branches.
Germany: waiting for Weinachtsmann!
New Year in Germany is always celebrated with noise and fun. And no one is sitting at home - young people walk around the city, and older people go to restaurants. The traditional dish for this holiday is baked carp, however, the Germans are very fond of modern dishes. The celebration itself is called "Sylvester" - in honor of the clergyman who died on December 31, 335. Santa Claus brings gifts to children, and the children of Berlin, Cologne, Munich receive gifts from the Christmas man Weinachtsman - he is wearing an inverted fur coat, and in his hands is a rod with which he punishes naughty children. Vainakhtsman's companion is the blonde Christkind, similar to the Russian Snow Maiden. If the kids are corrected and read poems to her, she rewards them with apples, nuts and sweets. In general, the New Year in Germany is held by analogy with most other countries.
Great Britain: real English stiffness
In the United Kingdom, as in many European countries, the first and main holiday is Christmas, and only then the New Year is celebrated. London is traditionally decorated richly and luxuriously: a large New Year tree is placed on Trafalgar Square, which is brought from Norway. The New Year's parade is also held here - the most massive popular procession. New Year traditions in England involve festive decoration of houses. Gifts for children are presented by Santa Claus dressed in red clothes. It should be noted that the British are one of the few who continue to give each other New Year's cards and simple souvenirs. An interesting local custom is to let the New Year into the house - this is done at twelve o'clock in the morning, when the chimes strike. It is believed that you need to open the doors and thus move from the old frontier to the new.
Spain: Santa Claus with a flask of wine
As already mentioned, the New Year in different countries of the world has its own traditions. For the Spaniards, like the British, the observance of all sorts of customs is associated with Christmas, and the New Year is an excuse to just walk on the street and have fun. However, there are certain rituals for this occasion. For example, while the chimes strike twelve times, you need to have time to eat twelve grapes - it is believed that this will lead to the fulfillment of desires. Since the country is closely related to viticulture, the New Year in Spain is also held with an emphasis on this particular feature. For example, grapes eaten at night promise money throughout the next year. In the Spanish state, the time period from December 25 to January 6 is called the "Sacred Twelve Days". As for Santa Claus, he is also in this warm country, they only call him Olentzero. He wears simple national dress and always carries a flask of good Spanish wine with him.
Czech Republic: rich table
On January 1, this country celebrates the Day of Czech Statehood, and the night from December 31 to January 1, the Czechs, like the Germans, call "Sylvester" - in honor of the saint whom we have already mentioned. New Year's Eve in Prague is celebrated on a grand scale, but the locals do not walk until the early morning - they prefer to go to bed early. Of course, the old New Year's customs are already forgotten here, but there are still a number of national traditions. For example, it is customary to gather at a huge table with the whole family, while the table should be very rich. The most amazing thing is that lentils or soup with small cereals must be present on it - this is a symbol of money. New Year in Prague is a wonderful time. It is worth coming to the amazingly beautiful Czech Republic to relax in the mountains and spend the beginning of the year as actively as possible.
Ukraine: first there was Karachun ...
In this fraternal state, the New Year is celebrated in the same way as in our country. True, even in the days of Ancient Rus Ukrainians called this celebration "Karachun". One of the main traditions that has remained in some cities to this day is sowing on the first day of the new year. The ritual assumed that the children would sow for the next harvest so that it would be rich. Much attention was paid to fortune telling. But the modern New Year in Ukraine is held in accordance with European traditions - with a Christmas tree and festive festivities.
Belarus: Zyuzya is waiting for you
This country is interesting already because Santa Claus has his own residence here. The fabulous estate is located in Belovezhskaya Pushcha itself, and therefore now you can easily visit it. The inhabitants of the country are always greeted by Zyuzya - this is the Belarusian Father Frost, who is famous for his hospitality. New Year in Belarus is simply not possible without this fabulous character, personifying the cold. He treats all his guests with delicious herbal tea from a samovar and pancakes. On this holiday, it is customary in the country to dress up in interesting costumes, put on makeup and walk the streets in this form. The New Year in Belarus is not complete without festive festivities.
Finland: home of Joulupukki
Finland is a magical country, people here believe in fairy tales and miracles. Probably, this is also because the famous Santa Claus comes from Suomi. Many traditions and customs have been preserved here, which is why many tourists come here to celebrate the New Year. For example, the Finns love to set fire to huge barrels of tar and thus see off the old year. New Year in Finland is a holiday with an emphasis primarily on family values.
What else attracts tourists to this snowy country? Of course, Santa Claus from Lapland named Joulupukki. A huge number of people come to Lapland for folk festivals to see the real Finnish Santa Claus, dance with him and ride a reindeer. Another interesting event that takes place in Suomi during the holidays is the snow and ice festival. It has been going on for many years and consists of creating ice sculptures that are very realistic.
The New Year in Finland also presupposes a plentiful table, and the dishes on it are the most simple: the obligatory dishes are potato casserole, salted salmon, chicken legs and gingerbread.
Turkey: New Year in Pajamas and Slippers
I must say right away that in this country the New Year is not the brightest and most important holiday of the year. Elderly people do not consider it a significant event at all, therefore they prefer to go to bed early, and decorating the Christmas tree is not at all encouraged by Muslims. In most families, this celebration is not celebrated in any way, but takes place on TV, as the Turks themselves say, in pajamas and slippers.
New Year in Turkey is perhaps notable only for the obligatory participation of almost every family in the Milli Piyango New Year lottery. The main prize, by the way, is a pretty impressive amount of money. Nevertheless, there is Santa Claus in the country, and his name is Noel Baba. He also brings gifts to children, but this is not so common among locals. As for the youth, like in many countries around the world, they love to take to the streets and celebrate in the crowd. Many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Turkey - in the country's hotels that receive tourists throughout the year, festivities are arranged for vacationers.
Karelia: ride malamutes and huskies
Karelia is the northern part of Russia, therefore, the celebration here is the same as in most domestic regions. However, there are also distinctive traditions. So, in ancient times the Karelians called the holiday "Syunduma", and it lasted from Christmas to the very Epiphany. And the most magical was the first day of the new year: you could not take any things out of the house. It was also believed that the arrival of a man, especially a bearded one, would bring prosperity to the family, but the women feared a visit - he promised misfortune. New Year in Karelia presupposes a lot of attention to the table: it should literally burst with delicious dishes. And the obligatory attribute is yarn pies, which are stuffed with oatmeal or sugar and are used for fortune telling.
Today Karelia is very popular among tourists. Active attention is paid here to ecological tourism. And the beautiful landscapes, even in winter, are worth seeing. Now a new direction is actively developing - dog sledding. To do this, you can go to the largest nursery in Russia - to the village of Kudama. Here you will be offered to meet the cutest huskies and Alaskan malamutes.
New Year in Karelia is an opportunity to touch the beauty and picturesque nature, visit local reserves and world-famous islands, including Valaam.
India: instead of a Christmas tree - flowers and candles
This country is distinguished by rich traditions and customs, and in each region of rather big India, the New Year is celebrated in different ways. Unlike us, Indians do not put a Christmas tree in the house - they prefer to decorate their homes with flowers, leaves, candles. Agree, it does not look like Russian realities at all? The New Year itself in India is called Vishu, it is celebrated in the sign of Aries - from the end of March to April. It is noteworthy, but the celebration is more of a family and even personal, so no social action takes place. True, one cannot do without traditional dances and performances.
The first day of the year is called the festival of the cows in some regions. This day is dedicated to the veneration of these domestic animals. On the eve of the celebration, delicacies are prepared for them. The next day is the veneration of relatives and friends, and on the third day religious practices are held. New Years in India can be celebrated at different times. For example, Gujarati celebrate it in the fall - in October, while all houses are decorated with lanterns and candles. It is noteworthy, but, unlike Europeans, the inhabitants of India not only congratulate each other on the holiday, but also thank the gods for giving them the opportunity to live another year.
Thailand: fabulous Songkran
This is another magical country that does not fit in our associations with snow, cold weather and Santa Claus. However, the New Year in Thailand is still celebrated, and on April 13th. This date was not chosen by chance. There is a legend in the country about a boy who understood the language of animals and birds. And this skill of his did not give rest to the God of fire. He offered the boy a bet: if he did not answer three questions in a week, he would be beheaded, and if he answered correctly, God himself would lose his head. As a result, the boy could not find answers until the eagle helped him. The God of Fire had to lose his head - her child put it in a bag and hid it in a cave. Now, on the first day of the year, the daughters of God carry out a basket with their heads as a symbol of their father's worship.
The National New Year in Thailand is called Songkran. It is celebrated for several days - from 13 to 15 April. The essence of the Thai calendar is twelve cycles, each of which is dedicated to a specific animal with its own set of features. Accordingly, each year will correspond to these features. During the holiday, Thais, and especially local children, go out into the street with buckets of water and water the passers-by - this is how they wish everyone a Happy New Year. Water is a symbol of all living things, it brings grace to everyone on whom it falls. And in Changmai, for example, instead of buckets, a pump is used immediately, watering the surrounding people with water from a moat in the city center. Historically, Sonkhran is a holiday of love and respect, so Thais prefer to celebrate the New Year at home, with their families. In addition, residents visit the temple, where they treat the monks with exquisite dishes, fruits or a new robe - this symbolizes the veneration of the clergy. Each visitor to the temple takes away a handful of sand from the territory. At home, the ritual of ablution of the Buddha is necessarily carried out - his statue is watered with water with rose petals, jasmine, and every member of the family does this.
New Year in different countries of the world is a special holiday. It is popular among Thais to tie strings on the wrist of their guests - they symbolize happiness.
Egypt: when the Nile overflows ...
In most countries, December 31 and January 1 are public holidays, sometimes even public holidays. The same cannot be said for Egypt. In ancient times, the beginning of the new year in this country did not fall for the winter and was generally calculated based on the flood of the Nile. The first season of the year came after the ascent of the sacred star for the Egyptians, Sirius. And the flood of the Nile for the territory, 95 percent of which is occupied by desert, was a real sacred period.
New Year in Egypt today is in many ways similar to our perception of this holiday. Accustomed to tourists from all over the world, locals even decorate their homes, shops with New Year's tinsel and garlands. Of course, this looks very unusual considering that it is hot outside. But instead of a Christmas tree, the Egyptians put a thuja or poinsettia - a flower with green and bright red leaves. In an effort to avoid frost and spend long holidays with benefit, many Russians prefer to celebrate the New Year in Egypt, on the shores of the Red Sea.
The most unusual traditions
- In Bulgaria, before the start of the holiday, everyone is in a hurry to buy cornel sticks - the Bulgarians will hit their guests and relatives with them to wish them happiness.
- In Denmark, it is customary to serve sweet rice porridge with a secret - almonds or other nuts can act as such. If he gets caught by an unmarried girl, she will marry, and the rest will simply be happy.
- New Year in different countries of the world is most often a bright event with its own characteristics. For example, the Chinese decorate the Trees of Light with lanterns, flowers, and garlands. And the Chinese Grandpa Christmas Dong Che Lao Ren brings gifts and puts them in children's stockings hung on the walls.
- The Scots also do not sleep on New Year's Eve - they take a slice of cake, a glass of wine and coal and go to friends or relatives. So, in their opinion, they will provide their friends with food, drink and warmth for the next year.
- On the eve of the festival, the Swedes give each other homemade candles - they play an important role, because in the middle of winter it gets dark early in Sweden, and you cannot do without light.
- In Greece, exactly at twelve o'clock in the morning, the head of the family must go out into the yard and break a pomegranate fruit against the wall: if its seeds scatter around the yard, the family will live happily this year.
- New Year in Ukraine, as we have already described above, is accompanied by fortune telling and dancing, and in Norway at this time children are waiting for gifts from ... a goat. And this is no coincidence: in the Scandinavian state, the goat occupies a privileged position. According to legend, King Olaf II of Norway saved the wounded animal by removing it from a cliff. The goat was cured, and as a token of gratitude to her savior, she brought him healing plants.
- In Hungary, celebrating the New Year is accompanied by a whistle, and any pipes, whistles and horns are suitable for this. By this action, the Hungarians drive out evil spirits and protect their homes from them.
- In Japan, 108 bells will be told about the New Year. According to legend, each blow is the expulsion of one of the human vices with eighteen shades. In the first seconds of the new year, you should definitely laugh - it brings good luck, according to local residents. And for happiness to enter the house, the front door is carefully decorated with bamboo and pine branches. By the way, the Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san (Lord New Year). And the rake is considered the most popular accessory - the Japanese plan to use it to rake happiness every year.
Finally
New Year is a magical holiday, because it is no coincidence that many believe that it will definitely bring new happiness with it. And the traditions of various countries indicate that local residents expect more from this celebration than just a festive mood.
New Yearis a magical holiday celebrated all over the world. We all know and honor the traditions of celebrating the New Year in our country, but other countries of the world have their own traditions, many of which are very unusual and interesting, and we will tell you about them.
India
Very beautiful rituals for celebrating the New Year in India. The people of northern India adorn themselves with white, pink, red and purple flowers. In central India, buildings are decorated with colorful, mostly orange flags. In western India, small lights are lit on the rooftops. The Hindus have their own rule of giving gifts. For example, gifts for children are placed on a special tray. In the morning, the children are closed their eyes and brought to this tray.
Ireland
In Ireland, on the evening of New Year's Eve, the doors of houses are opened wide, everyone who wishes can enter any house and become a welcome guest there. He will be seated in a place of honor, treated with a glass of good wine, not forgetting to say: "For peace in this house and in the whole world!" At half past eleven the Irish go out to the central square, sing, dance, have fun.
Italy
In Italy, on New Year's Eve, no one is surprised if someone gets rid of unnecessary things. Old flower pots, unnecessary furniture, clothes and knickknacks are flying straight from the window. Italians believe that the more things left on the street, the more luck and money a generous New Year will bring.
Cuba
In Cuba, before the New Year, everyone fills their glasses with water, and when the clock strikes twelve, they throw it out through the open windows onto the street. This means that the old new year has ended happily and the Cubans wish each other that the new one is as clear and pure as water. And, of course, happy! Cuba's New Year clock strikes only 11 times. Since the 12th strike falls just on the New Year, the clock is allowed to rest and calmly celebrate the holiday with everyone.
Finland
The "face of the holiday" in Finland is represented by the old man Frost, or, as the Finns themselves call him, Joulupukki. According to the Finnish tradition, this winter old man brings rods to naughty children, and gifts to obedient ones. In addition, the housewives brew festive plum jelly. Unmarried girls in the New Year throw a slipper over their shoulders. If he falls toe to the door - there will be a wedding.
Netherlands
The Netherlands and Belgium take the first day of the new year very seriously. People try to behave correctly, not borrow money and wear only new things. It is believed that a person himself determines his future for the entire next year. If the first day of the New Year is fun, then it will be the whole year.
Another tradition followed by the inhabitants of these countries is the election of the king of the holiday. The women make a cake that holds a bean or pea. It is the person who gets a piece of baked goods with a bean who becomes king for the whole New Year's Eve, then chooses the queen and the retinue.
Burma
Since the New Year in Burma falls on the hottest time, its arrival is celebrated with a water festival. The sight must be said, very amusing: when they meet, people pour water on each other from different dishes. But dousing with water does not offend anyone, because this ritual is a kind of wish for happiness in the New Year.
Denmark
In Denmark, it is customary for the New Year to protect the forest from poachers. On the eve of the holiday, foresters process forest spruces with a special composition, which is absolutely odorless in the cold. and at room temperature emits a suffocating odor.
Austria
In Austria, it is considered an unwritten commandment to hear the solemn sound of the "Peace Bell" installed at St. Stephen's Cathedral on New Year's in Vienna. Thousands of people gather at Cathedral Square on December 31. In the old days, in this country, it was considered a good omen to meet a chimney sweep, touch him and get dirty. It was believed that this brings great happiness and good luck.
Australia
A very exotic New Year's celebrations take place in Australia. Due to the lack of snow, trees, deer and other usual attributes of the holiday, Santa Claus appears in a swimming suit, on a special brightly decorated surfboard on the beaches of Sydney. Moreover, observing the traditions of the Old World, his clothes must include a white beard and a red cap with a pompom at the end.
Bulgaria
In Bulgaria, on New Year's Eve, cornel sticks are purchased - an indispensable attribute of the New Year's holiday. On the first of January, children, approaching family and friends, lightly hitting with sticks, congratulate you on the holiday. With the last strike of the clock of the outgoing year, the lights go out for 3 minutes in all houses: these are the minutes of New Year's kisses, which replace toast. Bulgarians rejoice if someone sneezes at the table. They say it brings good luck.
Japan
In Japan, it is customary to celebrate the New Year on January 1. The Japanese are afraid that evil spirits will penetrate the house along with happiness and wealth. To protect themselves from trouble, people hang bundles of straw in front of the house. As soon as New Years comes, the Japanese laugh happily.
Brazil
On New Year's Eve in Brazil, thousands of candles light up on the sand on an ocean beach. Women in long dresses step into the water and throw flower petals into the waves of the ocean surf.
Vietnam
On New Year's Eve in Vietnam, it is customary to release live carp into rivers and ponds. According to legend, a god swims on the back of a carp, who on New Year's Day goes to heaven to tell there how people live on Earth.
Greece
In Greece, there is a custom according to which, exactly at midnight, the head of the family goes out into the courtyard and breaks a pomegranate fruit against the wall. If his grains scatter around the yard, the family will live happily in the new year. Going to visit, the Greeks bring a mossy stone with them as a gift, and leave it in the owners' room. They say: "Let the owners' money be as heavy as this stone."
Portugal
In Portugal, on the eve of Christmas, it is customary to give a "Christmas cake" with almonds and candied fruits. By the way, surprises are also baked into such a muffin - a figurine or a medal. The finder will be lucky all year round, peace and tranquility will reign in the house!
Spain
In Spain, before the New Year, boys and girls draw lots - the names of people of both sexes are written on scraps of paper. Girls recognize the names of their "suitors", and young people - "brides". Sometimes the lot procedure is performed near churches, and the resulting couples behave like lovers until the end of Christmas time.
Sweden
In Sweden, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to break dishes at neighbors' doors.
During one year in the world, within the framework of different religions and different peoples, the New Year is celebrated on different days.
January 1st The New Year officially begins in most countries of the world living according to the Gregorian calendar.
14 january all over the CIS celebrate the Old New Year, it is considered the beginning of the year in Greece. This is the day of St. Basil, who was once famous for his kindness and special love for children.
On the first new moon after January 21(in different years it is met in the interval from January 21 to February 20) the New Year is coming according to the Eastern calendar, which is adhered to by countries such as China, Vietnam, Singapore, Korea, Mongolia, Malaysia, etc.
On the first day of the holy month of Muharram in Islamic countries, the Hijri New Year begins (starting from July 16, 622 according to the Gregorian calendar, each next Hijri New Year comes 11 days earlier than the previous one). The 1st muhkharama is not included in the number of holidays of Islam and, accordingly, in most Muslim countries, the New Year is not celebrated as a holiday in the secular sense. On this day, a sermon is read in mosques dedicated to the move of the Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina.
24 February Indian New Year Holi holiday. (In India, New Year is celebrated several times on different days).
10th of March The people of Kashmir begin to celebrate the New Year in India and continue to celebrate it until the end of the New Year celebrations in all Indian states.
On the night of March 21-22 New Year comes to the countries living according to the Persian calendar: Afghanistan, Tajikistan, Iran, Pakistan, Azerbaijan. March 22 there is called "Novruz" - the first day of the New Year.
On the first day of the waxing moon of the month of Chaitra according to the Hindu calendar (late March-early April according to the Gregorian calendar), the Indian New Year of Gudi Padwa is celebrated.
From 12 to 17 April New Year is celebrated in Burma. It falls on the hottest and hottest days there. The exact day of the celebration is announced by the Ministry of Culture by a special decree, and the celebrations last for three days.
13 april Songkran Thai New Year is celebrated. On the same day, the New Year is celebrated in India by the inhabitants of West Bengal.
14th of April New Year comes to the territory of Laos. This is the eve of the long-awaited rainy season. On the same day, Hindus from Tamil Nadu celebrate the arrival of the New Year, and this day coincides with the official onset of spring.
1st and 2nd of the month of Tishri according to the Hebrew calendar(usually September Gregorian) New Year is celebrated in Israel, where it is called Rosh Hashanah.
11 September the Ethiopian New Year is coming, which marks the end of the rainy season in Ethiopia.
October 7th New Years are coming to Gambia and Indonesia. For locals, this is a special date - you can put on your best outfits, get prettier, ask each other for forgiveness for all the insults and enter the New Year with a clear conscience.
Night from October 31 to November 1, known in Catholic countries as "Halloween", is considered the beginning of the New Year among the Celtic peoples, and it is called "Samhain". This date is especially important in Scotland, Ireland and the Isle of Man, where the descendants of the ancient Celts still live and keep centuries-old customs.
November 18th one year is followed by another in the Hawaiian Islands, Oceania and Yemen. In these regions, the New Year is celebrated later than everyone else, when other countries are already preparing to celebrate the next year.
Italians throw old irons out of windows, Panamanians whistle and shout, Ecuadorians attach special importance to underwear ... In general, there are many oddities in the world associated with the New Year!
Italy. In the New Year, irons and old chairs are flying from the windows
In Italy, the New Year begins on January 6th. According to legends, on this night the good Fairy Befana flies on a magic broom. She opens the doors with a small golden key and, entering the room where the children sleep, fills the children's stockings specially hung from the fireplace with gifts. For those who did not study well or were naughty, Befana leaves a pinch of ash or coal.
Italian Santa Claus - Babbo Natale. In Italy, it is believed that the New Year should be started free of everything old. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, it is customary to throw old things out of the windows. The Italians really like this custom, and they fulfill it with their passion, characteristic of the southerners: old irons, chairs and other rubbish are flying out the window. According to the signs, the vacated space will certainly be taken by new things.
On the Italians' New Year's table, nuts, lentils and grapes are always present - symbols of longevity, health and well-being.
In the Italian province, there has long been such a custom: on January 1, early in the morning, it is necessary to bring home water from a source. "If you have nothing to give your friends," the Italians say, "give water with an olive sprig." It is believed that water brings happiness.
It is also important for Italians who they meet first in the new year. If on January 1 the first person he meets is a monk or priest, this is bad. It is also undesirable to meet a small child, and to meet a hunchbacked grandfather is fortunate. 
Ecuador. Red underwear - for love, yellow - for money
In Ecuador, at exactly midnight, the dolls will be burned under the so-called "cry of widows" who mourn their "bad husbands". As a rule, "widows" are depicted as men dressed in women's clothes, with makeup and wigs.
For those who want to travel all year round, tradition prescribes: while the clock strikes 12 times, run around the house with a suitcase or large bag in hand.
Do you want to get rich a lot in the coming year or find a lot of love? In order for money to "fall like snow on the head" in the new year, it is necessary, as soon as the clock strikes 12, to put on underwear of yellow shades.
If you need not money, but happiness in your personal life, then the linen should be red.
Ecuadorians see the best way to get rid of all the sad moments that happened in the past year is to throw a glass of water into the street, with which everything bad will be smashed to smithereens. 
Sweden. New Year is a celebration of light
In Sweden, before the New Year, children choose the Queen of the World, Lucia. She is dressed in a white dress, a crown with lighted candles is put on her head. Lucia brings gifts to children and treats for pets: a cat - cream, a dog - a sugar bone, a donkey - a carrot. On a festive night, the lights do not go out in the houses, the streets are brightly lit. 
SOUTH AFRICA. The police closes the neighborhoods for traffic - refrigerators fly from the windows
In the industrial capital of this state - Johannesburg - residents of one of the neighborhoods traditionally celebrate the New Year, throwing out various objects from their windows - from bottles to large-sized furniture.
South African police have already closed the Hillbrow neighborhood to traffic and asked residents in the area not to throw refrigerators out of windows on New Year's Eve. According to a police spokesman, due to the existing tradition, this quarter is considered the most dangerous in the city.
“We have distributed thousands of leaflets asking not to throw objects such as refrigerators out of windows and not to shoot firearms in the air,” said Kribn Nedu, a spokesman for the South African police.
On New Year's Eve, this quarter will be patrolled by about 100 police officers. 
England. To be together for a whole year, lovers must kiss
In England, it is customary for the New Year to play performances for children based on the plots of old English fairy tales. Lord Disorder leads a fun carnival procession, in which fairy-tale characters take part: Hobby Horse, March Hare, Humpty Dumpty, Punch and others. All New Year's Eve street vendors sell toys, whistles, tweeters, masks, balloons.
It was in England that the custom arose to exchange New Year's greeting cards. The first New Year's card was printed in London in 1843.
Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for a donkey.
The coming of the New Year is announced by a bell. True, he starts calling a little earlier than midnight and does it in a "whisper" - the blanket he is wrapped in prevents him from demonstrating all his power. But at twelve sharp, the bells are stripped and they begin to ring loudly in honor of the New Year.
At these moments, the lovers, in order not to part next year, must kiss under the branch of mistletoe, which is considered a magical tree.
In English houses, the New Year's table is served with turkey with chestnuts and fried potatoes with sauce, as well as stewed Brussels sprouts with meat pies, followed by pudding, sweets, fruits.
In the British Isles, the custom of "admitting the New Year" is widespread - a symbolic milestone in the transition from a past life to a new one. When the clock strikes 12, the back door of the house is opened to release the Old Year, and with the last strike of the clock, the front door is opened to let in the New Year. 
Scotland. You need to set fire to a barrel of tar and roll it down the street
In Scotland, the New Year's holiday is called "Hogmani". On the streets, the holiday is greeted with a Scottish song to the words of Robert Burns. According to custom, on New Year's Eve, barrels of tar are set on fire and rolled along the streets, thus burning the Old Year and inviting the New.
The Scots believe that the success or failure of the family for the next year depends on who enters their home first in the new year. Great luck, in their opinion, comes from a dark-haired man who brings gifts into the house. This tradition is called first-footing.
On New Year's Eve, special traditional dishes are prepared: oat cakes, pudding, a special kind of cheese - kebben, are usually served for breakfast, boiled goose or steak, pie or apples baked in dough for lunch.
Guests should definitely bring a piece of coal with them to throw into the New Year's fireplace. Exactly at midnight, the doors are thrown wide open to let out the old one and let in the New Year. 
Ireland. Puddings are held in high esteem
Irish Christmas is more of a religious holiday than just entertainment. Lighted candles are placed near the window on the evening before Christmas, to help Joseph and Mary if they seek shelter.
Irish women bake a special seed cake treat for each family member. They also make three puddings - one for Christmas, one for New Years, and one for Epiphany Eve. 
Nepal. New Year is celebrated with sunrise
In Nepal, the New Year is celebrated with sunrise. At night, when the moon is full, the Nepalese light huge bonfires and throw unnecessary things into the fire. The next day, the Festival of Colors begins. People paint their faces, arms, chest with an unusual pattern, and then dance and sing songs in the streets. 
France. The main thing is to hug a barrel of wine and congratulate her on the holiday.
French Santa Claus - Père Noel - comes on New Year's Eve and leaves gifts in children's shoes. Whoever gets a bean baked into a New Year's cake gets the title of "bean king" and on a festive night everyone obeys his orders.
Santons are wooden or clay figurines that are placed near the Christmas tree. By tradition, a good host-winemaker should certainly clink glasses with a barrel of wine, congratulate her on the holiday and drink to the next harvest. 
Finland. Homeland of Santa Claus
In snowy Finland, the main winter holiday is Christmas, which is celebrated on December 25th. On Christmas night, having overcome the long road from Lapland, Santa Claus comes to the houses, leaving a large basket with gifts for the joy of the children.
New Year is a kind of repetition of Christmas. Once again, the whole family gathers at the table breaking from a variety of dishes. On New Year's Eve, the Finns try to find out their future and wonder, melting wax and then pouring it into cold water. 
Germany. Santa Claus comes to the Germans on a donkey
In Germany, it is believed that Santa Claus appears on a donkey in the New Year. Before going to bed, children put a plate on the table for gifts that Santa Claus will bring them, and put hay in their shoes - a treat for his donkey. 
Israel. One should eat sweet foods and refrain from bitter foods.
New Year (Rosh Hashanah) is celebrated in Israel on the first two days of the month of Tishrei (September). Rosh Hashanah is the anniversary of the creation of the world and the beginning of the reign of God.
Praznik New Year is a day of prayers. According to custom, special food is eaten on the eve of the holiday: apples with honey, pomegranate, fish, as a symbolic expression of hopes for the coming year. Each meal is accompanied by a short prayer. Basically, it is customary to eat sweet foods and refrain from bitter ones. On the first day of the new year, it is customary to go to the water and say the Tashlikh prayer. 
Japan. The best gift is a rake to rake in happiness
Japanese children celebrate the New Year in new clothes. It is believed to bring health and good fortune in the New Year. On New Year's Eve, they hide under a pillow a picture of a sailing ship on which seven fairy wizards - seven patrons of happiness - are sailing.
Ice palaces and castles, huge snow sculptures of fairytale heroes decorate northern Japanese cities on New Year's Eve.
108 bells are struck to herald the arrival of the New Year in Japan. According to a long-standing belief, each ringing "kills" one of the human vices. According to the Japanese, there are only six of them (greed, anger, stupidity, frivolity, indecision, envy). But each of the vices has 18 different shades - that's why the Japanese bell tolls for them.
In the first seconds of the New Year, you should laugh - it should bring good luck. And so that happiness comes into the house, the Japanese decorate it, or rather the front door, with bamboo and pine branches - symbols of longevity and fidelity. Pine stands for longevity, bamboo stands for loyalty, and plum stands for vitality.
The food on the table is also symbolic: long pasta is a sign of longevity, rice - wealth, carp - strength, beans - health. Each family prepares a New Year's meal mochi - koloboks, cakes, rolls of rice flour.
In the morning, when the New Year comes into its own, the Japanese go out of their homes to meet the sunrise. With the first rays, they congratulate each other and give gifts.
Branches decorated with mochi balls, a motibana Christmas tree, are placed in houses.
Japanese Santa Claus is called Segatsu-san - Mr. New Year. Girls' favorite New Year's entertainment is playing shuttlecock, and boys fly a traditional kite during the holiday.
The most popular New Year's accessory is the rake. Every Japanese person believes that it is necessary to have them so that there is something to rake in happiness for the New Year. A bamboo rake - kumade - is made from 10 cm to 1.5 m in size and decorated with various designs and talismans.
In order to appease the Deity of the Year, who brings happiness to the family, the Japanese build a small gate in front of the house made of three bamboo sticks, to which pine branches are tied. Wealthier people buy a dwarf pine tree, a bamboo sprout, and a small plum or peach tree. 
Labrador. Store your turnips
In Labrador, turnips are kept from the summer harvest. It is hollowed out from the inside, lit candles are placed there and given to children. In the province of Nova Scotia, which was founded by the Scottish Highlanders, merry songs brought from Britain two centuries ago are sung every Christmas morning. 
Czech Republic and Slovakia. Santa Claus in a lamb hat
A cheerful little man, dressed in a shaggy fur coat, a high lamb hat, with a box behind his back, comes to Czech and Slovak children. His name is Mikulas. For those who studied well, he will always have gifts 
Holland. Santa Claus arrives on a ship
Santa Claus arrives in Holland by ship. Children happily meet him at the pier. Santa Claus loves funny jokes and surprises and often gives children marzipan fruits, toys, candy flowers 
Afghanistan. New Year - the beginning of agricultural work
Nowruz - Afghan New Year - falls on March 21st. This is the time of the beginning of agricultural work. The village elder makes the first furrow in the field. On the same day, funny fairs open, where magicians, tightrope walkers, and musicians perform. 
China. You need to douse yourself with water while they congratulate you
In China, the New Year's tradition of bathing the Buddha has been preserved. On this day, all Buddha statues in temples and monasteries are respectfully washed in clean water from mountain springs. And people themselves pour water over them at the moment when others say New Year's wishes for happiness to them. Therefore, on this holiday, everyone walks the streets in soaked clothes.
According to the ancient Chinese calendar, the Chinese are entering the 48th century. According to him, this country enters the year 4702. China switched to the Gregorian chronology only in 1912. The date of the Chinese New Year varies from January 21 to February 20 each time. 
Iran. Everybody fires their guns
In Iran, New Year is celebrated at midnight on March 22. At this moment shots from rifles are thundering. All adults are holding silver coins in their hands as a sign of their constant stay in their native places throughout the coming year. On the first day of the New Year, according to custom, it is customary to break old earthenware in the house and replace it with a new one. 
Bulgaria. Three minutes of New Year's kisses
In Bulgaria, guests and relatives gather for the New Year at the festive table and in all houses the lights go out for three minutes. The time when guests remain in the dark are called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which will be kept by the darkness. 
Greece. Guests carry stones - large and small
In Greece, guests take with them a large stone, which is thrown at the doorstep, saying the words: "Let the wealth of the owner be as heavy as this stone." And if a large stone is not received, they throw a small stone with the words: "Let the eyesore of the owner be as small as this stone."
New Year is the day of St. Basil, who was known for his kindness. Greek children leave their shoes by the fireplace in the hope that Saint Basil will fill the shoes with gifts. 
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Each nation, each country has its own history, its own important events, from which it all began. Or natural phenomena, after which you can draw a line, draw conclusions, rejoice and count the new year.
site will tell you about several countries in which the traditions of celebrating the New Year are so different.
China celebrates New Year in February
From about April 12 to 17, New Year begins in Burma (Myanmar). The holiday is called Tinjan. The more noise and fun - the better, because this way you can attract the attention of the rain gods. A real flood is being arranged in the streets, abundantly watering passers-by with hoses and buckets.
Young people pay tribute to the older generation, my old people
head with bark and bean shampoo. And it is also customary to save a fish from a drying out
reservoir and let her go into a large lake, saying: “I let go 1 time,
to let me go 10 times ”.
In India, New Year is celebrated several times a year.
New Year is celebrated in India more often than in any other country in the world. The traditional Indian year, Gudi Padwa, is celebrated in March. In numerous states, they celebrate the New Year according to the traditional calendars of the peoples living there.
One of the brightest holidays is Bengali New Year, Holi. The festival
paints take place in early spring. On the first evening, an effigy of the goddess Holiki is burned, the cattle are driven through the fire and walked over the coals. And then the merry festivities begin, showering each other with bright colors and sprinkling with colored water.
Ethiopia celebrates the New Year on September 11
On September 11, when the rainy season ends, Ethiopia celebrates the New Year
- Enkutatash. Ethiopians build tall bonfires of eucalyptus and fir trees. On the main square of Addis Ababa, the assembled townspeople watch in which direction the burnt top of the main fire will fall. That side in the coming year will be the most bountiful harvest.
During the celebration, they wear traditional clothes, go to church and visit.
Children in bright outfits distribute wreaths of flowers, walk to neighbors and for a monetary reward, girls sing, and boys draw pictures.
In Saudi Arabia, there is no specific date for the New Year at all.
On New Years, Italians throw out unnecessary trash and old things from the windows. It is believed that the more junk you throw away, the happier you will be in the new year. Italy celebrates the New Year on the night of January 1. People go out onto the streets decorated with sparkling garlands, traffic is blocked, and performances and fireworks are staged in the squares.
In Rome, there is a tradition on a festive night to jump from a bridge into the Tiber River for good luck. And in Venice there is a custom to kiss on New Year's Eve. St. Mark's Square is full of hundreds of kissing couples under the chime of the clock and the roar of fireworks.
Greece celebrates St. Basil's Day
January 1 in Greece not only New Year, but also the Day of Remembrance of St. Basil,
patron saint of the poor. The main dish of the festive table is vasilopita, pie
with patterns of dough, berries and nuts. A coin for luck is baked inside -
whoever gets a piece of pie with a coin will be the happiest in the new
year. According to legend, this is how Saint Basil distributed his property to the poor.
Greek children are waiting for New Year's gifts from Saint Basil, and not from Santa Claus or Santa Claus. Children leave their shoes by the fireplace at night in order to find pleasant surprises in them in the morning.