Western Hemisphere, as well as the rest of the world celebrates the two most important winter celebrations of the year: Christmas and New Year. And if the first of them is characterized by a quiet family dinner, ancient traditions and a sacred atmosphere, then the second is the exact opposite. Now we know exactly how to celebrate the New Year in America, what's so special is going on here and what traditions are preserved in these lands. After all, it should take into account the fact that many European rites often mixed with Indian traditions.
New Years History in America
Celebrating this triumph on New Earth began in the 17th century, when the first colonies of Europeans arrived here. Traditions were completely identical to British or Spanish, from the date of celebration to jewelry. In the early years of colonization on Native ceremonies here do not pay attention, because they are strongly displaced from society. Because it plays an important role, from what country people arrived, because according to that established the first American social norms. So, in the North of the tradition of the New Year in the United States were identical with the British or French (which is also very similar to each other). Latin Americans celebrate New Year in accordance with Spanish and Portuguese customs, but in fairness it should be noted that in recent years they have borrowed a lot from the United States. The cult of the Indian pagan gods began to appear on this holiday only in the 20th century. In these obscure and slightly scary images, people dress up and walk the streets during demonstrations, parades and carnivals.
What day to wait for the arrival of the New Year?
Today, the whole world (with the exception of some African countries) lives on the Gregorian calendar. In accordance with it, New Year is celebrated in America. The date of its celebration is from December 31 to January 1. Officially it is believed that the celebration falls on the first day of the new year. However, the real bright, unforgettable and simply amazingly beautiful celebration takes place on December 31st. On this day, the streets do not break through because of the large influx of people - local and tourists. the shelves are empty in the eyes, jewelry, firecrackers, sparklers and other fireworks sparkle in the air. All the houses, and the inside and outside, fully dressed with tinsel, balls and rain. It is in such a splendor and bright colors that the New Year in America is held. This date, which is remarkable, is not considered a day off. On December 31, all offices operate, as do shops, hairdressers, and other establishments.
USA and Canada
Here the preparation for the New Year celebration begins at the end of November, immediately after the Thanksgiving holiday. So how to celebrate New Year in the United States after the Christmas tree and the majority of street decorations here has long been established. From December 24 to January 1, Santa Clauses walk around the streets of all cities, taking pictures with children, talking and giving them presents. New Year's traditions in America, in particular in the USA and Canada, are completely borrowed from England. On the night of 31 to 1, Santa Claus enters the houses with children through the fireplace and leaves his gifts in shoes or socks. The next morning, the kids are sorting out their presents. The traditional dish on the tables is turkey, and it is complemented by pizza, hot dogs, various sausages, salads and much more.
Major US Festivals
- Pantomime Parade. This custom originated in Philadelphia thanks to the arrival of the Irish. The bottom line is that a performance takes place on the street that lasts about 10 hours. It involves clowns, dancers, jugglers, musicians. In a word, this live circus lasts throughout the holiday and is available to everyone for free.
- Tournament of Roses. Extraordinarily colorful and vibrant action, which was first held in California. Anyone can also get on it. The bottom line is that it ends with a football match, which every American must see live or live.
New Year's noise and splendor of Central America
In Mexico, in Cuba, in Panama in the Dominican Republic, the arrival of the New Year is accompanied by the loudest sirens and bells, as well as the brightest fireworks. We already know how to celebrate New Year in North America - colorful, fun, noisy. But here begins a real carnival, which encompasses the beliefs of the Indians, and the Catholic rites, and the preferences of modern youth to "come off in clubs." New Year here is a public holiday, which is usually celebrated on the street, in a bar or in a restaurant. People walk around the cities, disguised as to what. Men put on black widows, some groups of people put on dragons. The costume, which symbolizes the old, outgoing year, is always complemented by stilts. It is noteworthy that at the moment when the clock strikes 12 times, all residents of Central America begin to scream, beat with spoons and pans. At the same time, all bells in the cities ring. So they greet the New Year.
Features of the celebration in the southern part of the continent
How to celebrate New Year in America, where there is no snow, no ice rinks and other winter attributes? Then arrange an incredibly bright carnivals, where everyone can demonstrate their dance skills. What is the carnival in Rio, which falls just in the middle of winter. Similar but less striking events are being organized in Argentina, Ecuador, Chile and Peru. The main thing that all Hispanics remember: New Year is a public holiday. And on this day you need to have fun and recharge your batteries for the whole next year.
Conclusion
As it turned out, the celebration of the New Year in America is a public matter. Here they visit clubs, restaurants, have fun on the streets, participate in productions and carnivals. And, most importantly, no one is bored.