New year: 10 things that surprise foreigners
But they are not against to take part in all of this.
Christmas tree.
The tradition of decorating the Christmas tree has pagan roots, and since the middle Ages associated with Christmas. But in Russia, the Christmas tree is not Christmas, and new year’s that many surprises foreigners.
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Not all of them know that this tradition is the result of a long struggle with religious holidays, which began after 1917. The same applies to the Christmas gifts that are hand made not at Christmas and in the night from 31 December to 1 January.
A feast for the whole world
If the West Christmas — a family holiday, and New year is just a good excuse to drink champagne and watch the fireworks, Russian New year celebration takes on a “universal” scale. Tables groaning with food, families take out loans to buy gifts and outfits, and the crowd of friends move from one apartment to another whole new year’s night.
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The passion with which Russia see off the old year and welcome the new, a lot of surprises foreign visitors. Looks like the Russians have been living the last day before the Apocalypse, they say.
Salad “Olivier”
Nobody can understand the passion of Russian (and the CIS) in General, the usual potato salad with sausage and mayonnaise. However, the tradition is so strong that in the United States and Europe, the foreigners specially visit Russian restaurants for the New year to taste the “delicacy”. A nod to the legendary dish made even IKEA, with a new year’s Assembly manual Olivier.
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Invariable attribute of Russian New year puts foreigners in a dead end. You have time to explain about the “taste of childhood”, the deficit in Soviet times and the flavor associated with the holiday.
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During the download an error has occurred.Not to sleep all night
It’s like the Easter vigil, but not so godly. Try not to sleep, distracting myself with tangerines, Olivier salad and champagne, is a sacred duty of everyone. As of January 1, everyone is sure to boast of, which hours kept vigil. “Why?!” — surprised Western people.
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This is actually easy to understand. After all, the Americans have several iconic Christmas movies that they know by heart, but still watch every year. For example, “a Christmas story” or “home Alone”.
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During the download an error has occurred.To see the old year
December 31, the feast begins long before midnight. Russians begin parting with the old year and gradually move to the new.
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During the download an error has occurred.To listen the President’s speech
The Russian President always gives a short speech, which is recorded in advance and broadcast several minutes before midnight. He briefly sums up the past year, voiced hope for the future and wishes everyone a happy holiday. At this time all the guests freeze in front of screens with champagne in hand, to the chimes to celebrate the New year.
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Traditional Christmas music the look since 1962, with a few interruptions. No show will beat its ratings in the new year’s eve, of course, if you don’t count the film “Irony of fate”.
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During the download an error has occurred.Celebrate on the square
Many Russians prefer to stay home all night and walk to the Central square where is the main city Christmas tree, a concert and see the fireworks.
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See also:
- Foreigners about Russian habits
- Foreigners about Russian habits — 2
- Roskoshestvo told how to choose the best ingredients for Olivier