Chinese New Year: interesting facts about the holiday. How to celebrate the Eastern New Year Celebrating the New Year in the East

Holiday scenario for children of senior preschool age.

"Oriental New Year».

Purpose of the holiday: introduce preschoolers to the traditions of celebrating the Eastern New Year.

Organizers of the holiday:children, teachers, parents.

Stages of organization and scenario of the holiday:

Hall decoration

Performance rehearsals

For the holiday you need:

1. Chinese makeup.

2. Monster.

3. Firecrackers, red stripes with hieroglyphs, swords, lanterns, fans.

4.Music.

Presentation script:

Music No. 1 Children with a teacher are included in the group.

Sofia M.: How boring! New Year holidays everyone is gone, the fun is over.

Sofia P.: We need to come up with something.

Educator: And in China, the New Year is celebrated on the first new moon of the first month, this year it falls on February 16th.

Dasha G. : So we urgently need to go to China to celebrate the New Year again, but according to the Eastern calendar.

Educator: Of course, we won’t be able to go to China, but we’ll be able to see how the New Year is celebrated in the East. Sit down, girls, and watch carefully.

Music No. 2 Festive procession.

Music No. 3 Dance with lanterns.

Leading: Chinese New Year is fundamentally different from the calendar calendar we are used to, if only in that each year its celebration falls on a different date. This is due to the fact that the Eastern New Year is not tied to the change of date in the calendar, but directly depends on the movement of our companion, the Moon.The Chinese believe that the Eastern New Year is the first day of spring, as a result, which goes without saying, if you adhere to exactly the same thought, on this day nature awakens and a new life begins.

Vika: Our Eastern New Year
Here he walks in Japanese,
Speaks Chinese
He'll treat you in Korean!
All eastern peoples
Nature is waiting for a turn,
When the sun has passed the circle
It will turn us towards Spring!

Ulyana: And the last frosts
Don't spoil our forecasts!
The New Year is coming to our house
Children's laughter and ringing can be heard!
Let winter be angry all around
We know she is like a bird
Won't stay here long
On a clear morning he will set off on his way

Adeline: Every living thing knows this
Life will turn around for the summer!
And the larva is underground
And the bear is in that den!
The spring wind will fly
The world will become warmer and brighter!
We hurry to get up in the morning, friends.
The wind "Hipparam" is blowing!

Zhanara: New Year is awaited in the East!
And in distant America!
Muscovites and Russians!
And of course in Kazakhstan!
New Year is our childhood holiday
There will be no place for war here!
The holiday is awaited by both young and old
He brings us joy!

Arina: Our Eastern New Year
Holiday of Light and Goodness!
In the New Year's round dance
We meet him the same way!
Let the crises, the elements
Our holiday has not been cancelled!
After all, New Year is everywhere
All the people are waiting with hope!

Music No. 4. Chinese New Year. (Background).

Leading: Chinese New Year is the most beloved and... important holiday for residents of China. According to tradition, it is celebrated at home, in the family circle. They begin to prepare for this holiday long ago - they buy food for the festive table, decorations for the home, gifts for family and friends, new holiday clothes.

Before the arrival of the Chinese New Year, be sure to do a big cleaning, sweeping out all the garbage from the apartment. This is done in order to get rid of all the bad luck that has accumulated over the whole year. You also need to pay off all your debts, make peace with the person you quarreled with, and finish the things you started.

Houses and streets are decorated with many paper lanterns. And also signs on which hieroglyphs are written with wishes of happiness, success, health, prosperity.

And of course, like all peoples of the world, the Chinese have many traditions, signs and superstitions associated with this holiday...

In our age, no one will be surprised by the tradition of lighting and exploding firecrackers when celebrating the New Year, thereby marking the arrival of a new period. This tradition came to us from China.

Music No. 5 A monster runs in and starts scaring everyone. Then he runs out the door.

Leading: Guys, I think I know who he is. According to an ancient legend, a terrible wild beast appeared in China during the New Year. His name was"Gonyan." He did not allow spring to come and brought people a lot of troubles and misfortunes. Everyone was afraid of him and did not know how to get rid of him. But then the Chinese finally figured out how to drive him away. There is one sure thing that Gongyan fears most. I’m revealing a secret: the monster is very afraid of noise, and most of all - firecrackers!!!

Looks like it's coming back! Get ready! 3-4!

Music No. 6 Sounds of fireworks, gong

(Children explode firecrackers, the monster runs away screaming)

Leading: Firecrackers and fireworks are deliberately set off on New Year's Day. Presenter: Girl, zd Hello, what's your name?

Girl: I am Yun - which means cloud

Leading: What is this in your hands?

Girl: This is a fan.

Leading: When we think of a fan, a light breeze and the aroma of subtle perfume come to mind. Images of beautiful ladies immediately appear. What is the history of this wonderful accessory.

In China, the fan appeared in the 8th century BC.

In Chinese fairy tales, the fan plays a role magic wand. The fan is an indispensable attribute of the tengu demon, a hybrid of a dog and a bird that lives on the tops of trees. With the help of a wave of a round fan, the tengu lengthened and shortened people's noses.

In the Middle Ages, Japanese women from high society believed that showing their faces was indecent and even dangerous. Open face– makes a person defenseless – both in front of a man and in front of evil spirits. It was considered indecent to have tanned skin. One of the signs of a “real” beauty who never worked in the fields was White skin. Thus, the fan had three main purposes: to shield from the sun, to direct the air flow towards itself and to hide the face.

And, of course, the fan has always been an instrument of female coquetry.

The ladies of the court could communicate with their gentlemen using... only a fan.

In Russia, the fan appeared at the court of Peter the Great and became a favorite item of clothing for noble ladies.

Music No. 7. Dance with fans.

Leading: In Russia, on New Year's Eve, all children are waiting for the winter wizard, the one who works miracles, who gives us gifts? Whom? Santa Claus!

Let's welcome him!

Music No. 8. Russian Santa Claus enters.

Greetings from D.Moroz.

Leading: And today D.Moroz came to us from Korea.

Music No. 9. Enter the Korean village of Moroz.

Greetings from D.Moroz.

Leading: Meet D. Moroz from Kazakhstan.

Music No. 10. Enters the Kazakh village of Moroz.

Greetings from D.Moroz.

Leading: Meet D.Moroz from Mordovia.

Music No. 11. Enter the Mordovian village of Moroz.

Greetings from D.Moroz.

Leading: Santa Claus also comes to Chinese children. But his name is Shan Dan-Laozhen or Sho-Hin. Sho-Hin travels around the country on a donkey and gives away tangerines, and in Chinese wishes everyone health and wealth: Gunchi fa soi!

Music No. 12. D. Morozy gives gifts.

Leading: Guys, there is another tradition: you need to stand on a bag of beans and make a wish for yourself, which must certainly come true. Now let’s take turns making our wishes.

Music No. 13.

You definitely need to hold each other's hands! Wish each other health and wealth in Chinese. Let's all say together “Gunchi fa soi!”

Music No. 14. Song__________________________________

Instructions

Make your home perfectly clean in advance of New Year's Day, otherwise you will sweep good luck out of your home. Put away cutting tools (knives, scissors) so as not to cut off the path to happiness and good luck in your apartment. Don't sleep that night and don't let any of your family members sleep! You cannot celebrate the Eastern New Year in the bedroom or bed. Even small children and sick people should be dressed festively and take part in the festive meal.

Don't swear or complain, don't remember bad things and don't borrow money, don't punish children or talk about illness, don't cut your hair and don't talk about ghosts. All this, according to Chinese beliefs, can bring misfortune to you in the new year. Rejoice yourself and cheer your loved ones, bring light to people! In this case, your coming year will be successful and happy.

Choose your most best clothes for meeting chinese year. This does not mean that you should wear an expensive but formal suit. Bright red color, sparkle and shine - that's what's perfect for this night. Now the Chinese wear dresses of any color, but not white (in China it means sorrow and death).

Decorate your home in red colors. Buy traditional Chinese wishes written in calligraphy on red paper. Usually it says: “Peace and tranquility throughout the year” and “May there always be peace and tranquility.” Place dishes and vases with oranges, tangerines, sweets and dried fruits everywhere. Fresh flowers are very popular in China on this night. Light all the available candles, lanterns, garlands - so that it all sparkles, flickers, blinks and shimmers.

Prepare dishes that symbolize wealth and prosperity. Long noodles cannot be broken or cut - this is longevity. If you have the opportunity, order the traditional food that is served during the Eastern New Year at a Chinese restaurant. Or you can simply buy everything that you love, that you want to see on your holiday table, that will mean luxury to you.

Give each other money in small red envelopes. The sum must be even, but must not contain the number four (an unlucky number for the Chinese). It is better if the total is eight, it is consonant with “wealth”. Congratulations and greetings, wish your loved ones financial prosperity and well-being.

Be careful with fireworks and fireworks. You can limit yourself to sparklers and firecrackers; still, nothing can compare in beauty with fireworks in China. IN New Year's Eve they last for several hours. People on the streets admire the twinkling stars, flowers, mythical characters and wishes for happiness. The water of the rivers and bays of China is filled with homemade boats with burning lanterns and lamps.

Ekaterina Medvedeva

Strange as it may seem, it is the Traditional Chinese New Year that can be called the most Russian holiday. Judge for yourself, it lasts two weeks, and preparations for it for another two weeks. Does this remind you of anything? In imperial China New Year holidays lasted a month. All government institutions and offices were closed. Classes in schools were also interrupted for a month. Since ancient times, the New Year in China has been a truly national holiday - the most solemn, the most joyful, the noisiest and longest. This is how it remains today.

Preparations for the New Year

Preparations for the New Year begin two weeks in advance, after the full moon of the last month of the year. Before the New Year, custom prescribed to pay off debts or collect what was due from debtors. In the Middle Ages, creditors used all means to repay what was borrowed, even going so far as to spend the night at the debtor’s house.

All the tasks of the outgoing year must be completed.

Farewell to the God of the Hearth

One of the main rituals of preparation for the New Year is seeing off the God of the hearth - Tsao-wan. It is believed that Zao-wan is a messenger from the heavenly Patron of Fates and that Zao-wan reports to Heaven about everything good and bad that happens in the house during the year.

Tsao-wan lives in a niche in the wall behind the hearth, and in modern houses above the stove. His portrait printed on paper is kept here. Above the portrait is inscribed the title of the god: “Lord of Fates from Eastern Cuisine.” And on the right and left there are wishes: “When you ascend to Heaven, talk about good deeds,” “When you return from the Palace, send down good luck and happiness.”

Oddly enough, Zao-wan was known among the people as illiterate, and therefore it was forbidden to burn written paper in his presence, because he could mistakenly deliver it to the Heavenly Lord.

Worship of the God of the hearth was traditionally the prerogative of men. In Northern China, this rule was observed so strictly that in the absence of a man in the house, a male relative who lived next door was invited to see off God on New Year's Eve.

A Chinese friend of mine living in Canada finds this custom offensive. My friends in Russia find this tradition very cute and do not miss the opportunity to invite a work colleague or a new acquaintance to their home to carry out such an important mission.

On the day of farewell to the God of the Hearth, a few hours before his departure, candles and incense should be lit, sacrificial offerings should be made, mainly sweet dishes: sweets, candied fruits...

Previously, New Year's cake (niangao) was a mandatory part of the ritual; the fact is that it symbolized silver bars that were in circulation during the reign of the Qing dynasty (1644 - 1911).

From our point of view, chocolates in the form of coins or bills can easily replace New Year's cakes.

In addition, Zao-wan is presented with wine and meat, and in the south of China - fish.
In the North of China, they do not forget about the Horse of God: they place a saucer of water and finely chopped hay for it, and a red cord is placed next to it - a bridle for the Heavenly Horse.

So that Zao-wang, upon arrival in the Heavenly Palace, would say only good things about his charges, honey is poured on the lips of God, it is believed that his lips will stick together, and he will not be able to tell about everything he saw. Often, for the same purpose, wine was splashed onto his portrait in order to make the divine patron drunk.

At an auspicious hour for farewell, the household gathers in the kitchen, by the fireplace, bows to Zao-wan three times, the head of the family (the eldest man in the family) says a prayer: “Speak, more good and less bad.” Then the altar of Tsao-wang is solemnly taken into the courtyard, making sure that God always faces the South, as befits a ruler. There, the image of God is burned to the deafening explosions of firecrackers. At the same time, peas and beans are thrown onto the kitchen roof, imitating the sound of a horse's hooves moving away.

If you live in the city and do not want to attract too much attention to yourself, I can suggest our version of “apartment” wires. After bows and prayers, the portrait of God is burned. The window is solemnly opened, fireworks are launched into the sky so that it illuminates the way for Zao-wan to the Heavenly Palace, the ashes are scattered in the air, beans and peas are thrown into the window, but so that they knock on the cornice of the window sill. Usually, immediately after burning the image of Tsao-wan, at the beginning of the ceremony, we light sparklers, as we think this will help our Patron find his way back in the new year.

After seeing off Zao-wan, they did a general cleaning of the house. For this purpose, only once a year, heavy furniture is moved and all the rubbish accumulated in the premises is swept away, walls and windows are diligently wiped, utensils are washed, the fireplace is cleaned, etc. The meaning of such traditional cleaning was to free oneself from the harmful influences of the outgoing year.

I must admit that over the 13 years of annual New Year celebrations, it also happened that we did not always have time to see off the God of the Hearth on time, so as not to disrupt the solemnity of the ritual, we said goodbye to Zao-wan after the completion of the spring cleaning (in the hope that he will report how diligently we prepared for the New Year, and maybe that Zao-wan will see the house cleaned at least once a year and he will have something to report to Heaven).

New Year's Home Decoration

After seeing off Zao-wan, after completing the spring cleaning, the time comes holiday decoration Houses. For this purpose, New Year's inscriptions are made, with wishes of good luck and happiness in the New Year, usually on red paper, and in houses where mourning is observed - on blue or white.

Traditional New Year's inscriptions: “Let happiness come, let wealth be born”, “Among the four seasons of Heaven, spring is the head”, “May there be five types of happiness in the house: longevity, happiness, fertility, honor, wealth.”

You can make up your own inscriptions and draw a family motto for the coming year. Benevolent inscriptions were used to decorate the entrance to the house, rooms, or any attractive place inside the house or in the yard. In addition to inscriptions, various talismans were hung at the entrance to the house. The most popular New Year's amulet was the image of the hieroglyph “happiness” (Fu). Sometimes a picture with the hieroglyph “happiness” was hung upside down. The fact is that in Chinese: “happiness has turned over” - it sounds like: “happiness has arrived.” An ancient legend connects the custom of hanging the hieroglyph for “happiness” on doors or gates with Emperor Zhu Yuanzhang. One New Year's Eve, he was walking through the streets of Nanjing and noticed pictures of a barefoot woman on some houses. The emperor saw in such pictures an offensive allusion to his wife, who had big feet like a simple peasant woman. Then he ordered the hieroglyph “happiness” to be painted on the gates of those houses where the seditious picture was not hung, and then to kill the inhabitants of those houses that did not have an identification mark. The subjects of the vengeful ruler firmly remembered his cruel lesson, and since then the “happiness” sign has become the most popular New Year symbol in China. It was also customary to hang decorative money at the entrance to the house, guided by the idea that things of the same kind are drawn to each other, most often these were pieces of yellow or red paper with a floral pattern, “lucky” hieroglyphs or the names of deities.

We tried this custom, but it did not bring us money; perhaps the fact is that in the Western mentality, decorative money does not evoke the necessary subconscious associations. We made a photocopy of real money and covered the entire hallway with it, but the effect was the opposite. Apparently, only real money can attract money in the minds of a Russian person. Since the New Year celebration does not involve the presence of random people in the house, the custom is quite safe.

In northern China there is a tradition of decorating a house with pine branches, and in the south with cypress branches. These trees in China are symbols of immortality and spiritual nobility. Small branches were sometimes pinned to clothes or used to decorate hair.

Candles, oil lanterns, incense and fresh flowers are also integral attributes of home decoration, as well as pictures depicting Deities.

An important part of home decoration was a picture or statue of God Zhong Kui. It protects against evil spirits and demons.

Another important amulet is charcoal. A block of charcoal wrapped in red paper is hung above the front door. “General – Coal” serves as a protection against wickedness and at the same time attracts wealth. Some of our friends hung “General – Coal” above the entrance to their apartment. Their daughter's groom constantly, when he came to their house, touched this amulet with his head, and each time he asked the bride to remove the coal. Either it was a matter of the amulet, or young man, but it didn’t come to the wedding...

New Year's Treats

Food was prepared for future use, and a lot of food was prepared. The fact is that in the first days of the new year it is forbidden to use knives and other sharp objects, so as not to “cut off” the happiness of the next year.

The holiday treat had a special meaning, each dish had meaning.

Dumplings - wishes for happy offspring and material prosperity.

Noodles - a symbol of long life.

Various round shaped flour products - a symbol of prosperity.

Dishes with fish - a symbol of prosperity.

Eggs - a symbol of good luck.

Beans - a talisman against evil spirits.

Oranges, tangerines, persimmons (red, orange fruits) - a symbol of happiness.

Rice - a symbol of wealth and prosperity. (Rice has always been an obligatory part of offerings to the Gods).

In medieval China, there was a custom for the New Year to drink special drinks that could lengthen life and protect against misfortunes. For example, wine infused with pepper; plum blossoms; medicinal herbs; cypress needles, etc.

Now, fortunately, there is a huge selection of Chinese and Japanese wines, especially around the New Year. We make our own wine, which has already become part of our tradition.

Food at the festive table is distributed to guests, saying: “A thousand blows, ten thousand swear words for one treat,” i.e. It is believed that New Year's food removes the sins of the past year.

New Year's Eve

This is the day of summing up the results of the outgoing year. At the end of the day, a report is written to Heaven. Tradition tells us to start with words of gratitude to the Gods for all the good things that happened in the year. And only after this can you make requests for help in the affairs of the coming year. The memorandum is placed in an envelope on which the address is written: “To the Elders of Heaven and Earth.” She must be sent to Heaven, burned immediately after the new moon.

Another important tradition is the construction of the “Altar of the Ancestors”. It is erected in advance in the room where the holiday will take place. Portraits and photographs of deceased ancestors or sheets of blue (white) paper with their names are displayed on a special table. Light candles and incense sticks.

All food before being put on festive table, “offered” to the ancestors.

Guests gather on New Year's Eve. With the arrival of the last guest, all doors and windows are opened, and a ritual of exorcism is performed.

(we borrowed this ritual from the Tibetan tradition). All the guests, screaming, ringing bells, making terrible sounds with musical instruments (sometimes pot lids are used) walk around every room of the house. The evil spirits get scared and run away through open doors and windows. Immediately all the doors and windows are closed, the front door or gate is sealed with strips of red paper crosswise in order not to let out the happiness of the New Year and to protect the house from evil spirits. If you are celebrating the New Year outside the city, then you should run around the entire area and look into all the utility rooms. Now, you can no longer open the door to anyone until the due date. Whoever asks you to open the door, know that this evil spirit has turned into a person you know.

One time we did not believe the words of the ancients, and the door was opened ahead of time. We thought we were letting in a late guest, but in fact, it was a demon who had turned around. Our friend, right from the doorstep, drank a bottle of festive wine in one gulp before our eyes, said a “kind word” to each of those present and left. Since then we have strictly observed traditions.

New Year's Eve rituals

In China, New Year is strictly a family holiday. In medieval China, meeting him in a noisy company, in a restaurant, was unthinkable. Nowadays, there are no such strict restrictions, but it is still a home holiday for a narrow circle of friends or family members.

On New Year's Eve, a number of important rituals must be performed.

Firstly, this is the meeting of the God of the hearth - Tsao-wang. In some provinces of China they tried to do this long before the onset of New Year's Eve, since there was a belief that if you delay, then all the best Gods - the handsome ones - will be dismantled. But in most provinces of China, Tsao-wang is greeted after midnight. The head of the family or the owner of the house pastes a portrait of God over the hearth, with the words: “Having returned from the Palace, send down good luck and happiness.”

In our experience, taking into account time zones, the best Gods go to the Japanese and Chinese, and the laziest to the Americans.

Secondly, it was supposed to meet the Big Gods who came to earth on New Year's Eve. It is believed that on New Year's Eve the Gods descend to earth, so to meet them it is necessary to build a special altar on the street, or on the balcony for residents of city apartments.

In a simplified version, it is a table covered with red cloth, a sheet of paper is placed on it with the inscription: “We sincerely ask you to welcome all the holy sages of Heaven,” festive treats are placed, candles and incense sticks are lit. A long pole, preferably made of bamboo, is attached to the table so that it is convenient for the Gods to descend. Usually the sacrificial table is prepared in advance and taken outside on New Year's Eve.
Three bows should be made, then the New Year's smoking rack is lit (this is a long stick wrapped in red paper, symbolizing long life). This is done two more times. At this moment, you can turn to the Big Gods with prayer. (The sacrificial table is left for three days and three nights, every day, changing the offerings on it).

Thirdly, one should bow to the spirits of the ancestors. They prostrate (bow) three times in front of the altar, and three sticks are lit in the incense burner.

And they say the words three times: “We wish you bliss and happiness in Paradise.”

Only after this do they sit down at the table.

At the table, everyone should watch their speech; it is forbidden to swear, pronounce words with an unpleasant meaning, or remember death and demons. If someone breaks this rule, their mouth is wiped with a red cloth or sacrificial money. So that no one forgets about the prohibitions, a sheet of red paper is hung with the inscription: red mouth. For greater peace of mind, sometimes they put up a sign: “The words of women and children do not count.”

I don’t know about the Chinese, but even celebrating the Eastern New Year here in Russia doesn’t involve two or three glasses. To protect yourself and your guests, our plates, napkins and even glasses are red.

The final ritual of New Year's Eve is the first walk of the year. The head of the family or the owner of the house leads the procession of guests, attaching a sheet next to the door with the inscription: “If you go out for a walk, it’s great luck. Our wealth will increase,” they leave the “gate” and go in a southern direction. After walking three dozen steps, three cups of wine are poured onto the ground. After this they return to the house. It is believed that the God of Joy is honored in this way.

New Year's Fortune Telling

One of the ancient New Year's fortune-telling is fortune-telling by the hearth. A jug of water was placed on the hearth and a stick was thrown into it; when the stick stopped rotating in the water, the fortuneteller went out into the street and walked in the direction where she pointed, listening to the words of passers-by. Good words served as an omen of happiness, bad ones promised failure. This fortune telling was usually carried out before the New Year.

If you are celebrating the New Year in a city apartment, then it is very important, for the same purpose, to listen to what is happening outside the windows, but after the New Year has arrived. (The spirit of fortune telling is preserved here, but we have remade it in a modern way).

On the eve of 2006, turning on the TV, I heard an interview with the head of GAZPROM (Russia). He commented on the current situation with gas supplies to Ukraine and told an anecdote:

“The traffic cop is transferred to Rublyovka and given instructions:

“Don’t stop any cars except a red Mercedes with dark windows. You come up and they’ll give you $100.” That's how it all happened.

A Mercedes stopped, the window rolled down, and they gave me $100. And suddenly, there was no Mercedes for two weeks. Two weeks later, seeing the Mercedes, the traffic cop almost threw himself under the wheels. The car stopped and they again handed him $100. Here the traffic cop could not stand it and asked.

Traffic cop: - Where have you been for two weeks?

"Mercedes": - We were on vacation in Hawaii.

Traffic cop: “What is this happening, at my expense?”

The anecdote hit the spot. As sad as it is, throughout the year, one way or another, I acted as GAZPROM, from which gas is stolen, and it still has to pay for it.

On the first day of the New Year, they usually tell fortunes using the Book of Changes, on the stems of yarrow: “What will the year be like?” Any fortune telling is appropriate on this day: Runes; tarot cards; Twins…

Sometimes events can be predicted by one of the guests if the oracle “speaks” through his lips. Or as we call it: “a prophet moved into him.” Based on our experience, “prophets” became people who were either invited to celebrate the New Year for the first time or those who, for whatever reason, did not celebrate this holiday with us for several years in a row.

In 2004, one of the guests was possessed by a “prophet” and through his lips he told the following story: “We met former classmates, they were friends since first grade. Four of them became public, and some even became oligarchs. Only one of them was poor, but very talented. Friends wanted to help a friend, they chipped in money for his apartment ($100,000). They gave him a car with a driver and sent him home. There were traffic jams on the roads, as always, and having almost arrived at the house, he decided to walk to the entrance. On his way home, he stopped to drink beer at a tent. He drank, ate, and only at home he discovered that he had left the bag of money where he drank beer.”

That year, I really almost missed the unique opportunity that life gave me. But remembering this story in time, mobilizing all my strength, at the last moment I caught the elusive luck “by the tail.”

And in conclusion

Most of the traditional customs and rituals of the New Year's Eve and New Year's festivities go back to ancient magical acts designed to ensure prosperity and wealth, health and well-being of the family.

The New Year in China opens a new page in life for everyone, instilling hope for new happiness in everyone.

The most important thing is the Spirit of the holiday, follow the traditions, create your own, it’s up to you what it will be like.

Happy New Year!

P.S. The traditional Chinese New Year is celebrated on the first new moon after the sun enters the constellation Aquarius. To make it easier for you to determine the date, we have compiled a table for twenty years in advance.

I cannot help but express my admiration and gratitude to the talented team of authors who created a unique monograph: “Calendar customs and rituals of the peoples of East Asia. New Year". Your scientific works are a source of knowledge and inspiration.

Literary sources:

1. "Religions of the World". John Bowker. Dorling Kindersley Limited London 1997 pp.94 – 95
2. “Calendar customs and rituals of the peoples of East Asia. New Year." Moscow. 1985 pp.11 – 58
3. "Chinese Classical Book of Changes". Yu.K. Shchutsky. Moscow. 1960
4. "Symbols of the Tarot". P.D. Uspensky. Moscow. 1993
5. "A Practical Guide to Runes." Lisa Peschel. Moscow. 1997
6. "Twins. Perm Oracle for Fortune telling and Attracting Personal Luck." S. Teterin. "Sofia". 2000
7. "The American Ephemeris for the 21st Century 2001 – 2050 at Midnight."

Sea, sun, New Year. A slightly fantastic combination? In fact, everything is possible if you decide to spend the main winter holiday in Egypt, Turkey or Thailand. Despite the fact that many New Year traditions came here from Europe, the East still preserved some...

Egypt: traditional holiday Western and exotic settings of the East

The Egyptian New Year is celebrated in this country from July to September during the Nile flood. At this time, Egyptians usually throw paper scrolls with a list of wishes written on them into the river. The European New Year is also gradually coming to Egypt. However, the noisiest and most standard celebrations usually take place in hotels where tourists from Europe live. So, for example, in Egyptian New Year's table(on the night from December 31 to January 1) meat dishes from poultry and bull are required.

Egyptians believe that if you fill several vessels with “holy water” from the flooding Nile on New Year’s Eve, then everyone in the house will be healthy for the next year. On the eve of the main winter holiday, residents of Egypt, just like us, love to visit friends and relatives, give gifts and wish family well-being. It is curious that in Egypt, instead of a Christmas tree, another Christmas plant is used - poinsettia.

This bright flower with red and green leaves decorates not only homes, but also offices of Egyptians. It is also given along with other Christmas gifts. Typically this is Jewelry, electronics and clothing.

Türkiye: New Year's lottery and turkey dishes

New Year in the modern sense appeared in Turkey only after 1935. A real holiday It is most clearly felt in the large cities and resorts of Turkey: Ankara, Istanbul, Turkish Riviera. It is curious that Turks like to celebrate the New Year in city parks and squares. This allows them not only to enjoy the gorgeous holiday fireworks, but also to congratulate passers-by. Turks, as you know, are sociable people, and therefore they sometimes find it boring to celebrate with their family. On the New Year's table you can see Turkish flatbreads, stuffed turkey with traditional Turkish side dishes and the vegetable dish “Imam Bayaldi”.

Locals and tourists can get into the holiday spirit by visiting the holiday sales. Here, by the way, you can buy souvenirs, jewelry and sweets. It is also curious that Turkish children do not believe in Santa Claus, like us, but in the good wizard Noel Baba. It is he who surprises them with gifts and prepares real surprises. During this magical time, adults also allow themselves to believe in miracles. Turks buy tickets for the New Year's lottery and make a wish to win $10 million.

Thailand: clay paste and strings for good luck

Holiday fairs, festivals and exhibitions – irreplaceable attributes New Year's Eve in Thailand. It is curious that local residents can celebrate this holiday as many as 3 times. In addition to the generally accepted date from December 31 to January 1, it is possible to celebrate the Thai New Year in April, and the Chinese New Year in February. Residents of Thailand love to celebrate the holiday with their family. At this time, special New Year's prayers - khurals - can be heard in Buddhist temples.

Often local residents invite a monk to their house to perform a “purification” ritual, which will protect the family from failures and illnesses for the next year. Thais believe that if you set off a lot of noisy firecrackers on New Year's Eve, it will scare away evil spirits. In addition, residents of this Southeast Asian state love to visit friends and relatives. It is customary to give envelopes with money as gifts, but their color must certainly be red or yellow. It is believed that these shades contribute to material well-being.

On New Year's Eve, friendly Thais do not ignore even random passers-by. Here it is customary to give everyone laces for good luck. Anyone who collects 25-30 of these ropes overnight and then ties them on his wrist is considered lucky. It is curious that the Thais have another unusual new year tradition associated with clay. Special clay paste (symbol of protection against evil spirits) is smeared on the face and neck. According to ancient tradition, anyone who stays in such a “mask” all night will definitely be happy in the coming year.

How to celebrate the Eastern New Year?

The Year of the White Metal Rat begins on January 25, 2020. Does this mean that in the year of the Rat White color will be the most fashionable? No. Therefore, the calls of some designers to celebrate the New Year in outfits that match the color of the year are nothing more than a banal flirtation with the public. I'll explain why. According to the Eastern horoscope, color reflects the element and is repeated for two years in a row: blue-blue, red-red, yellow-yellow, white-white, black-black. Such repetition, by definition, does not give a feeling of novelty.
I successfully use the traditions of Western astrology to forecast fashion. However, it is possible to highlight General characteristics fashions according to the Eastern calendar, which are closely related to the symbolism of the owner of the year. It is interesting to note that such annual changes are most noticeable in European fashion, while Eastern traditions continue to remain surprisingly conservative.

I present to your attention Astrological forecast fashion according to the Eastern calendar. By following these recommendations, you can highlight your individual style.

Year of the Rat. The rat pays increased attention appearance, therefore, in the year of the Rat it is necessary to purchase a decent suit or any other status item. At any given time, try to look as good as you can. The key to your success is a dress that makes an impression. A lucky color is red.

Year of the Ox. Key Concepts this year - convenience and comfort. The leading style is smart casual, casual chic. Practical and easily recyclable materials such as cotton, nettle, hemp, bamboo, and soy are widely used. Avoid anything that looks too provocative. When going out, choose clothes in a minimalist style.

Year of the Tiger. In the year of the Tiger, predatory prints are popular - leopard, as well as tiger, zebra, giraffe. The fashion for fur is returning, large jewelry. This is a good time to do extraordinary things, and also to show some courage in wearing unusual clothes (loving leopard prints doesn’t count!). If you were born in the year of the Monkey, avoid cat colors as Tiger is your opposite sign.

Year of the Rabbit (Cat). The soft and fluffy rabbit is well versed in light furs, natural silks, and other fine materials. Sewing skills are highly valued. High-quality processing is important - the thing from the inside out should look no worse than from the outside. front side. Fashionable image this year gives the impression of unobtrusive luxury. Wear vintage or retro-style clothes, as well as unique hand-crafted colored stones.

Year of the Dragon. In the year of the Dragon, we give preference to large paddings, rich color scheme, expressive makeup. Prints imitating the skin of exotic animals, such as crocodile, are widely used. Chunky shoes and motorcycle boots, rivets and perforations on the leather are trendy. In the Year of the Dragon, wearing diamonds is encouraged. If you were born in the year of the Dog, it is not recommended to use symbolic images of the Dragon in your clothes.

Year of the Snake. The Year of the Snake continues to see the triumph of exotic designs such as snake, lizard and stingray skin. But, in general, the style of clothing is becoming more sophisticated. The main characteristic of this year is elegance. Small comes back into fashion black dress and pearl jewelry. Take cues from style icons such as Audrey Hepburn, Greta Garbo and Angelina Jolie.

Year of the Horse. You don't have to stretch on your tiptoes to get into character. Sports style dictates its own rules. Convenience and comfort are everything, brands and labels are nothing! Clothes as such are not given too much attention. Designers are creating new collections for outdoor activities. In the Year of the Horse, new high-tech materials appear that are used to create sports and casual wear.

Year of the Goat (Sheep). The return of luxury, exquisite outfits and beautiful other values. In the year of the Goat, the desire to emphasize femininity and wear dresses of complex cut increases. These are clothes in the spirit of belle epoque. A lot of female body, clothing styles highlight all the seductive curves and bulges. Key items: lace-up ankle boots, aristocratic handbags.

Year of the Monkey. Time for work, time for fun... In the Year of the Monkey, we devote more time to entertainment, so party clothes predominate in our wardrobe. Gaining popularity natural fur, especially red fox, silver fox, exotic animals, as well as unusual artificial fur. Embossed and brushed fabrics and fringe are widely used.

Year of the Rooster. The main characteristic of fashion is “on-duty sexuality.” To create an attractive image, all means are good - plastic knitwear, a tight-fitting silhouette, contrasting color combinations and rhinestones. Hats of all types and colors complement the outfit. This is the fashion that is most often shown Russian women when they travel abroad. We should avoid this appearance and use less aggressive means of self-expression.

Year of the Dog. The main style of this year is simple, strict and chic at the same time. The emphasis is on classic styles, time-tested. Military, safari, and colonial styles are widely used. The popularity of trousers in women's wardrobe. Decorations play a secondary role.

Year of the Pig. This year's fashion is easily attracting new fans. Its formula: “comfort plus luxury.” More attention is paid home clothes, clothing for relaxed leisure, models of bed linen. Wrap yourself in cozy cashmere, fluffy mohair, and wear soft, flexible fabrics with drapes and pleats. Kaftans, tunics, and outerwear with a wrap (without fasteners) are relevant.