Perhaps one of the most beloved holidays is the New Year. They are waiting for him with impatience, preparing. In different countries, different peoples have their own traditions and rules for celebrating the New Year.
The most anticipated holiday
If we talk about European countries, Christmas is more popular there, because for Catholics it is more important. The New Year in Norway is not celebrated on the scale that Russians are accustomed to. However, at the same time, it does not lose its popularity and is expected.
The symbols of the Norwegian New Year are the gnome Yulenissen ("July gnome") - an analogue of the Russian Santa Claus, and a fabulous goat. The goat must be appeased, because the owners of the house do not forget to leave cereals for her in the kitchen. Sometimes children put spikelets in their shoes to receive a gift from a goat.
Julenissen gives gifts to children. However, it takes him longer than Santa Claus. The gifting can take up to several days. Norwegian children are sympathetic to Julenissen, because all children want to receive a gift, and there is only one gnome. It is not customary for adults to give gifts to each other. Interestingly, some Norwegians present matches to friends as a symbol of home and family well-being.
A popular destination for New Year's holidays
The New Year in Norway is always active - this is the main characteristic of the holiday. As well as the fact that at the same time he does not lose his nepotism. The day before, December 31st, the whole family goes for a walk, taking along their skates or skis. In the evening they will gather at a large table to celebrate the holiday.
Lonely people, mostly young, go to a bar or restaurant on New Year's Eve, although there are not very many people in such establishments at this time.
Of course, festive festivities take place on the streets of cities and towns. In the city of Drebak you can meet the gnome Julenissen himself - there, according to legend, is his house. Norwegian kids send letters to the New Year's gnome. In general, when the Norwegians were pagans, the New Year was celebrated in July, hence the name of the main symbol of the holiday.
It is known that Norwegians are committed to a healthy lifestyle and healthy diet. Therefore, on their New Year's table there are mainly fish and seafood. However, the main dish is rice pudding with baked almonds. Whoever gets a piece of food with almonds will be lucky in the coming year.
In this northern, but not at all cold country, many foreign guests gather. Norway is a favorite New Year's holiday destination for Europeans.
