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What is the New Year: the history and traditions of the holiday

Practically in all countries of the world they like to celebrate the wonderful night of transition from the last day of December to the 1st of January. This is a magical period. The night is loved by both children and adults.

What a holiday New Year: history, traditions

One of the first (about III millennium before ourera) decided to celebrate the onset of the New Year in the ancient civilization - Mesopotamia. The great Julius Caesar did it a little later. In the forties of our era, he decided to start the New Year on January 1. The inhabitants of the Roman Empire on that day conceived major important matters (this was a good omen) and made sacrifices to the great Janus. Also gifts and praise of officials were timed to this holiday. They were presented with fruits in gilt, copper coins and other expensive things. Special gifts received patricians. This custom for a long time "settled" in Rome.

The ancient Romans dedicated this day to the god Janus. It is a two-faced god of doors, entrances and all beginnings. And the first month is named after him.

New Year begins its turn from the island of Kiribati inPacific Ocean, and ends in the same in the Pacific Ocean - on the island of Midway. But there are countries that celebrate this night on different days and even months. For example, in China, it is associated with lunar cycles.

Israeli traditions

In Israel, what is the story of the New Year?Traditions are revered from antiquity. In this country, the holiday of Rosh Hashanah (meaning "the head of the year") is celebrated during the month from the fifth of September to the fifth of October. Usually after Passover, after 163 days. From this day on, Jews begin a time of self-deepening and spiritual repentance. It lasts ten days. The next ten days are called "Tshuva days" (or repentance and trembling). And they end with the so-called Yom Kippur. The Israelis believe that these days the fate of man is made a year in advance. Therefore, they meet each other with words of admonition: "May you be signed and written in the Book of Life for a good year!" At the banquet table, an apple or challah is dipped into honey (a symbol of happiness and well-being).

Chinese traditions

How is China celebrating New Year?History and traditions harbor a lot of unexplored. Features of the celebration have deep roots. In the People's Republic of China, it is customary to celebrate the New Year at the end of the full cycle of the moon, the first after the winter solstice. Consequently, from December 22, there is a countdown, and after the second new moon, the holiday night comes. Residents of this country call the change of the year "Spring Holiday". From time immemorial it is considered the most important triumph.

By New Year's Eve in northern China lovedecorate the house with flowering peach branches or the fruits of tangerine trees. Apricot and almond trees bloom on the streets. In the south of the country to attract good luck in the new year, the altar is decorated with watermelons. On the eve of the holiday on the streets of cities and towns there are mass magnificent processions - dragon dances. Especially spectacular is the action at night.

In Russia

What is the New Year in Russia?For a long time (until the XV century), the New Year festivities began on the night of March 1. And since the 15th century, Russians are celebrating the New Year on September 1. Around this time, the first mentions of the nascent traditions of celebration appear.

John Vasilyevich III (Grand Duke) in 1492 took a firm decision and decided to start the church and civil year in September, the first date, that is, on the day of the collection of dues, tributes and duties.

To make it solemn, the king himselfappeared in the Kremlin. Then ordinary people or noble boyars had the opportunity to seek his mercy, truth and justice. The Byzantine celebration of the Church's New Year was the prototype of the festival of the new church year in Russia.

The dictionaries of the XVI century so interpreted the name of thisCelebrations of those years: "The first day of the year." Starting from 1700, by decree of the great emperor Peter I in Russia, New Year is celebrated, as in European countries, that is, according to the Julian calendar. And when is it? Of course, January 1.

What is the New Year in the XX century?Solid metamorphosis: from January 1, 1897, this day is declared a holiday. In the period 1930-1947. he becomes just a worker again. And in 1948 they again made it a weekend and holiday!

Features

What is the New Year?Traditions and peculiarities of celebrating New Year holidays in many houses of the world are important, sometimes fateful. In addition to numerous festivities and feasts, a coniferous tree is dressed up, houses and streets of cities are decorated. Everything glows, shimmers and glitters. And almost every nation has its New Year grandfather. In the Christian world, the grandfather's name is Santa Claus. This name comes from the name of St. Nicholas, due to the distorted Dutch transcription. He gives presents to children at Christmas. Santa Claus is more of a Christmas grandfather. Although on New Year it is also welcome.

And what does this holiday mean to us?What is the New Year? A holiday that gathers loved ones together. And of course, our native Santa Claus comes to us! This fabulous character emerged from distant Slavic myths. It personifies the winter frosts and blacksmiths, chilling water. The image of Frost, of course, is collective. The main motive of the Father - Saint Nicholas, diluted by the magic of the deities of the ancient Slavs: Winter road, Pozvizda and Korochun. Our native grandfather comes in boots, blue, less often a red coat, embroidered with silver, with a magic staff. And always with a bag of gifts on his shoulder. He usually moves on three horses.

old New Year

In modern Russia there is a special one - the old New Year. He appeared after the abolition of Julian time. And celebrated on the night of January 13 at 14.

New Year's traditions

Before the new year's eve of the Cuban ancienttraditions in houses are filled with water of all kinds of basins, jugs, bowls, etc. And at midnight this liquid flows from all windows, as if spending the year, wishing it an easy and bright road.

On the Japanese islands, the New Year is accompanied by the sound of bells. 108 strokes symbolize all shades of human vices.

Use all sorts of salutes, fireworks,firecrackers started in China. Noisy, loud and bright tradition allowed to drive away many evil spirits. Now it is the custom of all countries without exception. In New Year's fun, Bengal candles, salutes, Roman candles, firecrackers, large and small, etc. are used.

In recent years, the capitals of some countries have been invited to attend New Year's pyrotechnic shows. The biggest shows are held in London, Sydney and various cities of China.

In Sweden, for example, before the New Yearchoose the beautiful Lucius. Do it kids. Having chosen the queen of light, she is dressed in a white outfit, and a crown with burning candles is set on her head. Queen Lucie gives children gifts, and pets - treats.