The New Year is not just a change of numbers in the calendar, but a time when people around the world gather to celebrate the end of one cycle and the beginning of a new one. This holiday has many forms and traditions that reflect the cultural characteristics of different peoples. Let’s take a closer look at how the New Year is celebrated in various countries and why these traditions have developed in this way.

China: Spring Festival (late January — early February)

Chinese New Year, known as the Spring Festival, is celebrated in late January or early February, depending on the lunar calendar. This holiday has more than 4,000 years of history and is associated with ancient agricultural rituals marking the end of winter and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. Families gather together, cook special dishes such as dumplings and rice cakes, and set off fireworks to chase away evil spirits. Each year it symbolizes one of the animals according to the Chinese zodiac, which gives the holiday special significance.

Japan: Segatsu (January 1)

In Japan, the New Year, or “Segatsu”, is celebrated on January 1. This holiday has deep roots in Shintoism and Buddhism. The Japanese believe that at this time the spirits of the ancestors return to earth to spend time with their families. On the first days of the new year, families prepare special “osechi” dishes and send greeting cards to “nengadze”. Many Japanese people visit temples to pray for good luck in the coming year.

Here is the story of how Takeshi’s family celebrates this holiday.

Takeshi’s family is preparing for the New Year in advance. In the last days of December, they clean the house to get rid of the old and meet the new. Mom cooks traditional dishes such as “osechi” — a set of various treats symbolizing good luck, health and prosperity. Each dish in osechi has its own meaning: for example, fish symbolizes abundance, and chestnut symbolizes good luck.

On December 31, the eve of the New Year, the family gathers together. They go to the temple to meet midnight. There are a lot of people in the temple, everyone is waiting for the sound of the bell, which should sound 108 times — this symbolizes liberation from 108 passions and desires. When the bell rings, everyone in the temple raises their hands and pronounces their wishes for the coming year. Back at home, Takeshi’s family drinks sake and enjoys traditional New Year’s snacks.

At midnight, they exchange congratulations and wishes of happiness and health. Children receive “osegi” — money in envelopes from parents and relatives, which symbolizes good luck in the new year.

On the morning of January 1, the family wakes up early to greet the first dawn of the new year. They dress in kimonos and go outside, where fresh air and bright sun await them. They spend this time together, walking in the park and enjoying the beauty of the winter landscape.

Over the next few days, the family continues to celebrate: they visit relatives, play traditional games such as “hane-dzumo” (paper sword fighting), and gather around a table to share stories and memories.

The celebration of the New Year for the Takeshi family becomes a time of joy and fun, as well as an opportunity to strengthen family ties and pass on traditions from generation to generation. Every year they look forward to this time when they can celebrate a new start and new hopes together.

Spain: Bunches for good luck (December 31)

In Spain, the New Year is celebrated with the tradition of eating 12 grapes at midnight — one for each stroke of the clock. This tradition appeared at the beginning of the 20th century as a way to celebrate abundance and good luck in the new year. Spaniards also like to celebrate with fireworks and parties, where there is a lot of music and dancing. In some regions, it is customary to wear red underwear for good luck.

Mexico: Color Traditions (December 31)

In Mexico, the New Year is also celebrated on December 31. Locals believe that this holiday helps to cleanse the soul and start a new stage of life. The traditions of the celebration have absorbed elements of both Spanish culture and indigenous peoples. One of the interesting traditions is writing wishes on a piece of paper and burning it at midnight. It symbolizes getting rid of old problems and attracting new opportunities.

India: Diversity of cultures

In India, New Year is celebrated at different times depending on the region and religion. For example, “Diwali” is a festival of lights, which symbolizes the victory of light over darkness and is celebrated in October or November. “Gudi Padwa”, which is celebrated in March or April, marks the beginning of the new year according to the Marwar calendar. Each event is accompanied by bright celebrations, fireworks and family gatherings.

Russia: Fabulous New Year (December 31st)

In Russia, the New Year is celebrated on December 31. Historically, this holiday originates from ancient Slavic rituals associated with the end of winter and the meeting of spring. In Soviet times, the New Year became the main winter holiday, and Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden became its symbols. The main attribute of the holiday is a Christmas tree decorated with toys and garlands. At midnight, it is customary to make wishes and raise a glass of champagne. Gifts are given not only to children, but also to adults, which makes the holiday truly family-friendly.

In Russia, the New Year is one of the most beloved and anticipated holidays. Every year, the Petrov family gathers together to celebrate it in a warm and cozy atmosphere.

On the eve of the holiday, Anna’s mother begins to prepare in advance. She writes out a list of necessary products and includes traditional dishes: olivier, herring under a fur coat and tangerines. The children, Masha and Sasha, are looking forward to the festive rush. On the last day of December, the whole family gathers in the kitchen. Masha and Sasha help mom chop vegetables and put snacks on the table. Meanwhile, Sergey’s dad is taking out Christmas decorations from the pantry. He hangs garlands and puts on the table a beautiful Christmas tree that they bought a few days before.

When evening comes, the house is filled with the aromas of freshly cooked food. The whole family sits down at the table to celebrate the New Year together. At 23:55, everyone gathers at the TV to watch the president’s New Year’s address and light the lights on the Christmas tree. At 00:00, the chimes sound. The Petrovs hug and wish each other a Happy New Year. They raise glasses of champagne and make wishes. Masha dreams of a new doll, and Sasha dreams of adventures with friends.

After that, the most fun moment begins — the exchange of gifts! Dad takes out surprise bags from under the tree. Children are happy with their gifts, and adults laugh and share memories of the past year.

Later, they go for a walk in the yard, where the neighbors have already gathered. Everyone starts fireworks together, plays snowballs and just enjoys the festive atmosphere.

When they return home, the Petrov family sits down at the table and continues to celebrate the New Year. They tell stories, sing songs and enjoy time together.

This is how the New Year passes for the Petrov family — it is not only a holiday, but also a time of unity, joy and hope for the future. Every year they look forward to this magical moment when they can get back together and create new memories.

Philippines: A noisy holiday (December 31st)

In the Philippines, New Year is a time of loud noises and fun. This is due to the belief that noise helps to drive away evil spirits and attract good luck. People are setting off fireworks and banging on pots. Traditionally, Filipinos wear clothes with circles, which symbolizes wealth and prosperity.

New Year is a unique holiday that unites people all over the world. Each culture has its own characteristics, but there is a spirit of hope and renewal everywhere. These traditions and dates were formed on the basis of historical events, religious beliefs and agricultural cycles. No matter how you celebrate this day, the main thing is the opportunity to gather with your loved ones, share joy and make plans for the future. May the coming year bring you happiness, health and many bright moments!