New Year's Eve
December 31, Wednesday
Historical significance
The holiday has ancient roots going back to pre-Christian times, when people celebrated the change of the solar cycle and the renewal of the year. In different cultures, it was believed that on New Year's Eve one should review the past year, cleanse the home of negative energy, and wish for luck in the coming year.
Traditions in different countries
United States and Canada
In the US and Canada, New Year's Eve is celebrated with fireworks, parties, the dropping of the crystal ball in New York at midnight, as well as large-scale shows and musical programs.
United Kingdom
Traditionally, the British gather for festive dinners, and at midnight the clock strikes, followed by exchanges of greetings and fireworks. In Scotland, Hogmanay is especially significant, with folk songs and processions.
Germany
In Germany, New Year's Eve, called Silvester, is celebrated with parties with friends and family, fireworks, and making wishes. Wax divination is a popular tradition, where molten wax is poured into water and the resulting shapes are interpreted.
France
In France, New Year's Eve is called Réveillon du Nouvel An. It is celebrated with a festive dinner, champagne, and musical parties. Public fireworks are organized in major cities.
Spain and Latin America
Here there is a tradition of eating 12 grapes at each stroke of the clock at midnight, making a wish for each month of the new year.
Italy
In Italy, New Year's Eve, called La vigilia di Capodanno, is celebrated with festive dinners and fireworks. Traditionally, old items are thrown out of windows to symbolically let go of the past year.
Russia and CIS countries
In Russia, New Year's Eve is a family holiday with dinner, a decorated Christmas tree, champagne, and gifts. In some regions, folk divinations and rituals are preserved.
Japan
In Japan, New Year's Eve is called Ōmisoka. In temples, bells are rung 108 times, symbolizing cleansing from 108 worldly sins. Families gather for a festive dinner with traditional dishes.
China and Vietnam
Although the traditional New Year in these countries occurs at a different time, the Western calendar's New Year's Eve is also celebrated, especially in large cities, with parties, fireworks, and public shows.
Modern significance
Today, New Year's Eve is a global holiday that unites people regardless of culture or country. It symbolizes hope for a better future, new beginnings, and time for meeting with friends and family. Fireworks, music, festive dinners, and various rituals make this day special and memorable around the world.
New Year's Eve in other years
- 2021 December 31, Friday
- 2022 December 31, Saturday
- 2023 December 31, Sunday
- 2024 December 31, Tuesday
- 2026 December 31, Thursday
New Year's Eve in other countries
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