The New Year is an amazing time of miracles that everyone is looking forward to with excitement, regardless of age. How did the history of this holiday begin, how did it appear in Russia, and what are the original and unusual customs?
History of the holiday
The tradition of celebrating the beginning of the New Year originated in Ancient Mesopotamia-March 1, the first day of spring, was accompanied by carnivals and a fun feast. This custom has become widespread, gradually covering all countries. And after the introduction of a new calendar by Julius Caesar, the date of the holiday was changed to January 1.
Slavic tribes also chose March 1 as the date of the new year-it is in the spring that all living things come to life and it is time for field work. The centuries-old tradition was changed with the coming to power of Peter I, who reformed the calendar, and also gave the population of Russia new customs.
At the same time, the Christmas tree became a symbol of the holiday, although initially people opposed the "green beauty". She was dressed up with sweets, homemade toys, apples. The top was always crowned with a star, and candles burned on the branches.
In the future, the attitude to the holiday has repeatedly changed, for some time it was even banned. But the custom is still preserved and does not lose its relevance.
Interesting facts
- Santa Claus celebrates his name day on November 18, and his granddaughter Snegurochka-on April 5. In many old legends, the chief wizard of New Year's Eve even has a wife – the female image is embodied by Winter.
- The first garland was created by an engineer from the USA – it was first lit in 1895.
- The song "A Christmas tree was born in the forest", without which no children's holiday is complete, has existed for more than 110 years – the poems were published in 1903, and 2 years later the appropriate music was written.
- "Irony of Fate or with a light steam" is a film that has been broadcast annually on the last day of the year for almost 40 years.
- In the past, it was necessary to prepare gifts for Santa Claus, and not wait for gifts from him.
- Christmas toys were "born" in Scandinavia. But there is a legend that in the domestic expanses, glass balls appeared in the year of a bad apple harvest, and then the tradition of using fruit as decoration completely disappeared.
- The custom of giving New Year's cards originated in London – here the first Christmas greeting card was invented.
- Santa Claus is officially recognized as a "Veteran of fairytale labor".
- How do they celebrate New Year's Eve in different countries?
- Tibetans devote their pre-holiday preparation to baking pies. It is believed that the more treats are distributed to passers-by, the happier and richer the coming year will be.
- In Brazil, they always put lentil soup on the table – a symbol of future prosperity.
- In Austria, one of the main characters of the celebration is the Bird of Happiness, and therefore poultry dishes are never served as a New Year's treat.
- In Australia, Santa Claus puts on red swimming trunks and congratulates the participants of the street carnival.
- The symbol of the Chinese New Year festival is a red dragon. The city streets are lit up this evening and decorated with garlands, as well as images of this character.
- So that all the hardships of the past year are gone forever, Ecuadorians write down their sorrows on paper, and then burn them together with a stuffed straw.
- Pomegranate is one of the symbols of the holiday in Greece. After 12, the whole family goes outside to smash it against the wall – the more grains that fly, the happier the coming year will be.
- Italians throw old things out of the windows, because according to legend, it is necessary to get rid of unnecessary things in order to make room for good luck and joy.
- Israelis are most fortunate – they celebrate New Year's Eve twice. Traditionally, the celebration is celebrated both on the night of December 31 and in September.
- A similar tradition exists in Thailand – the main events of the year are held in April.
- In Cuba, they take water in large pots – with the last stroke of the clock, it spills out of the window, washing away all sins.
- In Scandinavia, rice porridge is always present on the table, in which an almond nut is hidden. The one who gets it-will receive in the New Year maximum benefits, joy and good luck.