Decree to start the year on January 1 was issued by Julius Caesar. And today, most of the inhabitants of the Earth say goodbye to the old year on the eve of this date. It was the ancient Romans who were the first to celebrate the New Year’s celebration, who, in honor of the god Saturn, called this holiday Saturnalia.
The history of the New Year holiday in Rus’
The history of the appearance of the New Year holiday in Russia originates in the times of Ancient Rus’. After the adoption of Christianity in Rus’, March 1 was considered the beginning of the year. At the end of the 15th century, this date was moved to September 1. But on January 1, it was postponed only under Peter I, who transferred the country to a new chronology. This Russian tsar ordered to decorate houses on the eve of the New Year holidays with spruce branches.
Why is there an Old New Year in Russia? Peter the Great ordered to start the year according to the Julian calendar, which in 1918 was changed by the Soviet authorities to the Gregorian. After that, the beginning of the year moved two weeks, but many people continued to celebrate it in the old style. Therefore, in Russia, instead of one New Year’s celebration, two appeared at once.
The history of the New Year holiday in the USSR
In our country, people have always loved to celebrate New Year’s days on a grand scale. In tsarist times, various winter entertainments, fairs, folk festivals were organized. In the Soviet Union, many people spent these days with their families at the festive table. Most Soviet people watched the New Year’s light on TV.
Despite the shortage of goods, everyone tried to prepare more delicious food for the New Year’s feast. What was prepared in the USSR for the New Year? First of all, they made salad Olivier. Why is Olivier eaten on New Year’s Eve? This salad is made from the simplest products that could be found in Soviet stores.
What other dishes and salads were prepared for the New Year in the USSR?
Chinese New Year: the history of the holiday and national food.
Do you know why tangerines are eaten on New Year’s Eve? This tradition originated in ancient China. The Chinese went on holidays to visit each other. As a sign of the wish for wealth and happiness, they treated their friends and neighbors with these fruits. Orange tangerines look like gold coins. Therefore, the ancient Chinese believed that their use on New Year’s days brings financial well-being. That is why it is customary to eat tangerines for the New Year.
On the Chinese New Year’s table, you can usually see Peking duck and a festive rice cake.
History of New Year’s Eve in England
The British began to use the Gregorian calendar only in 1752. The history and traditions of the New Year holiday in England are associated with the use of national dishes: apple pie and pudding.
Roast goose is the main hot dish on the British table. The British drink their food with a traditional New Year’s drink – punch.
History of New Year’s Eve in Italy
The Italians switched to the Gregorian calendar over four hundred years ago. After that, they began to actively celebrate the New Year’s celebration, preparing dishes of national Italian cuisine.
The inhabitants of this country prefer to celebrate on the street. In Italian cities, festivities take place throughout New Year’s Eve. Instead of Santa and Santa Claus, the good fairy Befana flies to the Italian children. She gives gifts to good children. And for those who behaved badly, instead of a gift, he puts coal under his pillow.
On the New Year’s table of Italians, you can always see bruschetta and caprese.
History of the New Year in Japan
Why do they eat red caviar on New Year’s Eve? This tradition came to European countries from Japan. The Japanese cook for this holiday osechi – seafood food. On the New Year’s table of the inhabitants of this eastern country, you can see sushi and sashimi. And on the seventh of January, the day of Jinjutsu, they prepare a soup consisting of seven herbs. By consuming this soup, a resident of Japan gives an opportunity to rest an overworked stomach.
Learn the history of the holiday and choose how to celebrate the New Year – traditionally or with dishes from other countries of the culinary world.
