Celebrating the New Year has always been surrounded by traditions and rituals. Many of them originate in the mists of time, others are a tribute to modern fashion. Be that as it may, New Year's traditions are always interesting and creates a festive atmosphere. That is why we bring to your attention Top 10 most unusual New Year traditions from around the world.
10. New Year in Bulgaria
On the eve of the holiday, Bulgarian children receive dogwood sticks from their parents. On January 1, the children are accompanied by congratulations on the holiday with a light slap with a stick. By the way, Bulgarians consider it a good sign if someone sneezes at the New Year's table.
9. New Year in Great Britain
The old British tradition of distributing New Year's gifts by lot is amazing. Many boxes are placed under the tree in advance, and then a drawing is held best New Year gifts among all family members.
8. New Year in Japan
Around the 20th of December, the Japanese celebrate "last year's farewell" - bonenkai. And I do this in the company of the work collective, since respect for the collective is in the blood of every Japanese.
7. New Year in Scotland
Scots invited to the New Year's Eve bring with them a glass of wine, a lump of coal and a piece of cake. Such gifts promise to provide the house with water, warmth and food for the whole year. And on the eve of each New Year, a lighted tar barrel is rolled along the streets of Scottish cities, the ceremony symbolizes the "burning" of the old year.
6. New Year in Spain
During the striking midnight clock on New Year's Eve, every Spaniard rushes to eat 12 grapes, each of which symbolizes one of the months of the coming year. If you have time and eat the whole dozen, then your cherished desire will certainly come true. This unusual New Year's tradition was adopted by many South American countries - the former colonies of Spain.
5. New Year in Greece
At midnight, the head of the Greek family must go out into the courtyard and smash a pomegranate fruit against the wall. In the new year, the family will certainly live happily if pomegranate seeds scatter around the yard.
4. New Year in Norway
A goat brings New Year's gifts to little Norwegians. For bait at night, children put dry oats in their shoes, and in the morning they find cherished gifts in their shoes and shoes.
3. New Year in India
It is believed that for happiness, wealth and good luck in the New Year, on a festive night, it is necessary to eat a few leaves of the neem tree. The trouble is, the magic leaves taste terribly bitter.
2. New Year in Italy
The unusual New Year's custom of throwing old things out of windows is gradually becoming a thing of the past. But the love of Italians for the local Santa Claus - Babbo Natale in a red coat does not fade away. Therefore, on New Year's Eve, men certainly wear something red, even if it is underwear or socks.
1. New Year in Hungary
Hungarians burn stuffed scapegoats on New Year's Eve. The burning scarecrow is carried around the streets, thereby saving everyone from the troubles of the outgoing year. By the way, Hungarians never serve a bird on the New Year's table.