The traditional and familiar Gregorian calendar, according to which one year changes to another on the night of January 1, is radically different from the Chinese calendar.
This calendar is based not on the specifics of the cycle of the Earth’s passage around the Sun, but on many years of astrological research, as well as the peculiarities of the calculation itself.
It is not difficult to find out when the New Year 2017 begins according to the Chinese calendar; this date falls on the 28th day of January; it is much more difficult to understand all the intricacies of the Asian chronology.
New Year 2017 according to the Chinese calendar
The beginning of the next year according to the Chinese calendar is associated with the change of season: the first month determines the awakening of nature and the beginning of agricultural work. And in order to clearly determine the start date of the new year, astrologers use the zodiac circle.
The day when the first new moon occurs in the constellation Aquarius is considered the first day of the new year. This date varies, but always falls within a certain time period ranging from January 21 to February 20.
Calculating, we find that New Year 2017 according to the Chinese calendar falls on January 28, 2018 at 3.06
According to the Chinese calendar, the Fire Rooster will replace the Monkey.
The Chinese style celebration itself is also different. If Europeans celebrate the New Year for one night, then in Asian countries this process stretches for ten days at once.
This is one of the most popular holidays not only in China, but also in many other Asian countries. The year also ends unconventionally. The year of the Fire Rooster changes not on December 31, 2017, or even on January 28 next year. The Fire Rooster will finally cede its rights to the successor of the Yellow Dog only on February 15, 2018.
How to celebrate New Year according to the Chinese calendar
So, don't forget to celebrate Chinese New Year 2017 on January 28, 2017! But the usual hospitable feast will not work as a holiday.
In China, New Year is celebrated differently and the traditions of celebration are directly related to the name of the celebrations, called Chunzi. It is believed that Chun is a mythical monster that seeks to destroy all living things, and he is afraid of noise and bright flashes. That’s why the Chinese celebrate the coming of the year with songs, dances, and noisy fireworks. The presence of garlands and firecrackers is required. The noisier the celebration, the further away the evil spirits are.
Scenario of the New Year's holiday in a preschool educational institution for children of different age groups.
(material compiled on the basis of the magazines “Preschool Education”, “Portfolio”)
NEW YEAR IS COMING!
Presenter: Winter will cover you with white snow
Houses, trees and bushes,
And then the holiday comes next -
You and I know about this.
The holiday is called New Year,
There is nothing more wonderful in the world.
He has been very dear to all of us since childhood,
He gives people happiness!
(To the music, children run into the hall and stand in front of the Christmas tree)
Host: Our children were really looking forward to this holiday and were preparing for it. And now the solemn moment has come - we are starting our New Year's holiday!
It happens in the world that only once a year
A beautiful star is lit on the Christmas tree.
The star is burning. Ice shines and glitters on the river
And that means it’s coming...
All: Happy New Year!
Child 1: He lit the lights on the Christmas tree, he gives us gifts.
His deeds are like a round dance, both cheerful and bright.
And we will immediately become warmer, even if there is frost and blizzard,
But we will love each other even more strongly and take care of each other.
Child 2: We ran into the hall with beautiful music,
And everyone saw the forest guest.
Green, beautiful, tall, slender -
Adults and children like it.
Child 3: You came to us, tree, branchy, green, slightly silver.
It came all sparkling with snowflakes, transparent, thin pieces of ice.
Child 4: Happy New Year, Happy New Year!
With a song, a Christmas tree, a round dance, with beads, firecrackers,
With new toys!
Child 5: Golden balls decorate the twig, and
Mischievous squirrels play with beads.
The smell of spruce paws is so wonderful!
We will sing many, many songs for the Christmas tree!
(Children get up in a round dance and perform “Around the fluffy Christmas tree...”)
Presenter: Happy New Year, moms, Happy New Year, dads!
We are very happy to congratulate you on the holiday. The more guests, the more friends,
The more fun we will have!
Our Christmas tree is not on fire. Help, guys!
Children: Come on, Christmas tree, smile!
Come on, Christmas tree, buckle up!
Come on, Christmas tree, one, two, three -
Shine with joyful light!
(The tree lights up, rustling is heard)
Presenter: I hear a strange noise. Quiet, children, everything is silent!
Wolf: I’ve been wandering in the forest all day, but I’m already bored. Just don’t have anyone to make friends with? If only an animal would come here, a bird would fly. It would be very good, it would be great!
(A Crow flies in to the music and caws)
Who remembered me here? Little bird - it's me!
I flew in to meet you, and as soon as I waved my wings, I flew around you. I'll sing you a sweet song! Carr! There is no one nicer around. I am beautiful, I am wonderful, I am wonderful, interesting! KARR! Well, why are you standing here?
Wolf: I’m standing here... Looking... Listening...
Crow: If you stand like that, you’ll miss the whole New Year!
Wolf: What is New Year?
Crow: New Year! You see, this is, well, such a holiday.
Well, okay, let’s fly with me to the kindergarten “Kolosok”, there you will definitely see what the New Year is all about!
The Crow flies after her, the Wolf around the Christmas tree.
Host: Guys, who should come big with a long white beard?
Children: Santa Claus.
Game: “Yes” or “No”.
The presenter asks the children questions:
Everyone knows Santa Claus, right?
He comes promptly at seven, right?
Santa Claus is a good old man, right?
Wears a hat and galoshes, right?
Santa Claus will come soon, right?
He will bring gifts, right?
The trunk of our Christmas tree is good, right?
It was cut down with a double-barreled shotgun, right?
What grows on the Christmas tree? Bumps, right?
How beautiful our Christmas tree is, right?
There are red needles everywhere, right?
Santa Claus is afraid of the cold, right?
He is friends with the Snow Maiden, right? Etc.
The radio is heard.
"Attention attention!
The radio is speaking. The New Year holiday begins at the Kolosok kindergarten!”
Crow: I heard they are celebrating the New Year. There will be games, songs, dancing, fun, and most importantly gifts!
Wolf: To whom? From whom?
Crow: Everyone, your stupid head, from Santa Claus!
Do you understand now?
Wolf: Got it. Who is Santa Claus?
Crow: And you will be Santa Claus!
And I am the Snow Maiden. Let's have some fun... (takes out a mirror and preens himself) Oh, look, it really is the Snow Maiden! What a gait, what a figure, and a sock, and a voice! (leave)
Presenter: Guys, why do you love winter?
(The song “Zimushka-winter” plays)
(Crow and Wolf enter in disguise to solemn music)
Crow and Wolf: Happy New Year to you all! So as not to get bored with nothing to do, we will play with you!
(attraction “On a horse around a Christmas tree”)
(Crow and Wolf run away, Santa Claus enters)
Santa Claus - Happy New Year! Happy New Year!
May it bring you joy
Good glorious New Year!
May any of your dreams come true as soon as possible,
let both adults and children smile more often!
In the meantime, I’ll brown your noses for beauty.
Santa Claus loves to pinch children's noses.
(addresses children)
Do you want me to pinch your nose?
It will be beautiful: blue or red.
(tries to pinch the children)
Snow Maiden (from afar) - Ay-Ay!
Quiet, I'll listen one more time!
Snow Maiden - Grandfather!
Santa Claus - 1,2,3 (knocks with his staff) Snow Maiden, come out!
Snow Maiden - Oh, so many children!
Both girls and boys! Hello!
Winter is not a threat, I'm not afraid of blizzards
Granddaughter of Santa Claus
I'm called Snegurochka.
Let's celebrate the New Year
So that the Christmas tree wants
Come visit you again.
(Song “Christmas tree”)
Snow Maiden - let it be under the green Christmas tree
Poems will be read today
Performed by children
For Frost and guests.
(children read poetry)
Children: 1,2,3. Santa Claus will catch up with us!
(children run around the tree, D.M. runs after them)
Snow Maiden - and now, guys, listen to the riddles.
Santa Claus - Thank you for the poems
Thanks to all!" I say.
Will we dance?
(Snowflakes dance)
Santa Claus - do you want to play?
(attraction “Gather a Christmas tree”)
Presenter: Now let’s sing the song “Santa Claus Walked Through the Forest”
(Round dance song “Santa Claus walked through the forest”)
(“Who will collect snowballs faster?”, “Guess the winter song” - a game with parents, “Who will drive the puck faster?”, etc.)
Pair dance around the Christmas tree.
Children: Dear Grandfather Frost, did you bring gifts?
Santa Claus - What did the crow do! I stole all the gifts!
Snow Maiden - Grandfather, let's ask the guys to return the gifts, we need to scare the crow.
Child-hunter: When I get a rifle, I’ll scare the thief! (runs with a rifle after a crow)
Crow: Oh, I scared you to death!!!
Wolf and Crow: Of course, we are to blame, you will forgive us guys!
Santa Claus - For the sake of such a holiday
we are always ready to forgive.
Snow Maiden, it's time to give out gifts.
(distribution of gifts, certificates)
Santa Claus - the joyful holiday was a great success.
I think everyone liked him.
Sekgurochka - We want to wish you a lot of happiness as we leave.
Together: Farewell, friends, see you again!
Preview:
New Year's scenario "Santa Claus without felt boots"
(Word to the director) The guests are sitting, the children too, the girls in snowflake costumes. Greetings. A few words about the past year. Congratulations. Wishes.
Herald - What kind of holiday is this? When was it invented? Who gave the decree for the New Year celebration? (unfolds the decree)
“As a sign of a good undertaking to amuse each other, congratulate each other on the New Year... along the noble streets at the gates and houses, make some decorations of trees and branches of pine, spruce and juniper... shoot from small cannons and rifles... launch high-explosive rockets and light fires everywhere.” .
Indeed, this is a wonderful holiday. What time of year do we celebrate it? What would we do if there was no winter?
(song about winter)
Tell me, without whom can there be no New Year? (Without Santa Claus and Snow Maiden). So the first guest came to us.
The Snow Maiden comes in. (to the song “New Year” by M. Khlebnikova)
Snow Maiden:
Hello guys!
I am the Snow Maiden-snowflake,
I felt sad in the forest
Songs, jokes and fun
I'm bringing it to you for the holiday.
It's good at your Christmas tree
Have fun and dance
We will be with you today
Celebrate the New Year together.
I was in a hurry to come to you for the holiday,
Brought greetings from the forest,
And from whom - find out for yourself.
(In the bag there are toys: squirrel, wolf, hedgehog, fox, owl).
Fast little animal
Jump and hop through the trees. (Squirrel)
Who is cold in winter
Is there an angry, hungry person walking in the forest? (Wolf)
Under the bushes, under the fir trees
A ball of needles is rolling
Uphill - run, downhill - somersault. (Hedgehog)
Cunning cheat
Red head
A fluffy tail is a beauty,
And her name is ... (Fox)
Lives in the forest, sleeps during the day,
Flies at night
It hoots and scares everyone. (Owl)
Well done!
What is it
Flying in the air?
Melts in the palm of your hand
Lighter than fluff
Stars - ... (Snowflakes)
Right.
Snow Maiden: Where are my snowflakes?
Snowflakes:
We are snowflakes
We are fluffy creatures
Let's start a round dance.
The Snow Maiden came to visit us,
Soon Santa Claus will come.
This meeting, this evening
The children have been waiting all year!
Dance of snowflakes. (Primary School)
Snow Maiden: Well done! Guys, what fun do you have in winter? (Sleds, skis...). Do you sculpt a snow woman?
Me: Yes, and we just have a little surprise for you, Snow Maiden. (Poem “The Snow Woman”).
Guys, where is Santa Claus? He's been gone for a long time.
Phone call.
Snow Maiden: Hello! Hello, grandpa! Where are you? How are you sitting under the tree? How about slippers? Where are your boots? Who stole? Baba Yaga and Leshy? Don't worry, we'll figure something out!
Snow Maiden: Guys, what should we do? Who will help us?
(There is a knock on the door. A fortune teller comes in (music by Bulanova).
Fortune Teller: I am a fortune teller. Hello. And who wants to know their fate? What happened, what will happen, I’ll tell you the whole truth, I won’t deceive anyone. To begin with, I will tell your fortune by hand.
Look carefully at your palms (pause). If you see extra lines on them, it means you haven’t washed your hands for a long time. Excessively fat lines on your hands indicate very good nutrition. If you don’t find a single line on your hand (pause), it means you forgot to take off your mittens.
Now look at your feet (pause). A single shoe on the left foot suggests some kind of absent-mindedness. Yellow shoes with green polka dots indicate delicate taste. Now take a close look at the necks of your neighbors. The lathered neck promises to improve soon. Now I’ll guess what your name is. He approaches some mother and asks her name.
Fortune teller: /I. O./ name (pause) /I. ABOUT./.
Now, whoever is brave, let’s tell fortunes, take out the pieces of paper and read the wishes.
(Parents read the wishes out loud. The fortune teller tells the horoscope)
Snow Maiden: Fortune teller, dear, this is all good, of course, but we need you to help us find Santa Claus.
Fortune teller tells fortunes using cards.
Fortune teller: Oh, he is lonely, poor thing, cold. But I can’t get a good look at the place. Blizzard, blizzard. But I see that someone is approaching us to visit us. It’s better for me to move away, and I advise you, Snow Maiden.
Baba Yaga runs in to the song “And I’m a Little Abomination.”
Baba Yaga: Hello, do you recognize me? Yes, I am Babusechka-Yagusechka (oh, sciatica).
Me: Baba Yaga, why are you disrupting our holiday? Why did you take the felt boots from Santa Claus?
Baba Yaga: But what a beauty I am in them!
Me: Baba Yaga, where is Leshy?
Baba Yaga: Yes, here he is rushing.
Leshy runs in to Leshy's song. Sings.
Leshy: Hello, I’m Leshy. Hello, grandma!
Baba Yaga: Leshenky, healthy! I look like? Am I good?
The song “You are scary without makeup.”
Baba Yaga: Uh, rude!
Leshy: Okay, don't sulk! Grandma, the guys took you and me for their friends and are not afraid of us at all. They are stupid, gullible, smiling, but they themselves don’t know that we ruined their holiday and that Santa Claus will not come to them.
Me: What did you do?
Baba Yaga and Leshy: We stole his felt boots. He can’t come to your holiday in slippers! (Whispering).
Me: What are you whispering?
Leshy: We want to dance with the guys. If you dance well, maybe we’ll give you your felt boots.
Me: What do you want to dance?
Leshy: My favorite dance.
(Dance for all beginners “If you like...”.)
Me: Well, did you like it?
Leshy: Yes, we danced well, but we won’t give up our felt boots.
Baba Yaga: And now – my favorite dance. I forgot what it's called. Well, this is what it is... (grabs the lower back). Well, a bird dance, a chicken dance, no, a goose dance, but, I remember, a duck dance.
Me: Not a duck dance, but a dance of little ducklings.
Me: Did you like it?
Baba Yaga: I liked it, but I won’t give away my felt boots.
Me: Can you dance yourself?
Baba Yaga: Oh, I am the best dancer and singer in the world.
Dancing, holding the lower back
Baba Yaga:
Well, clap for me!
I didn't want to dance
I stood and was shy,
And the harmonica began to play,
I couldn't resist.
I danced with three legs
Lost my boots
I looked back
My boots are lying there.
A hedgehog sits on a birch tree,
White shirt,
There is a boot on the head,
On his leg is a cap.
There is a cart on the mountain
Tears are dripping from the arc.
There is a cow under the mountain,
Puts on boots.
If there was no water,
There wouldn't be a mug
If it weren't for me,
Who would sing ditties?
Baba Yaga: Guess the riddles - I’ll give you my felt boots, that’s what I decided (just answer all together).
Moves his ears
Jumps under the bushes
Little gray coward
His name is... (Bunny)
Baba Yaga: Well, not very good.
Near the Christmas tree in every house
Children dance in a circle.
What is the name of this holiday?
Answer... (New Year)
Me: You guessed it, give me my felt boots!
Baba Yaga: No, now tell me a wish!
Me: What if you don’t guess?
Baba Yaga: There is no riddle that I couldn’t guess!
Me: And if you don’t guess, will you give me my felt boots?
Baba Yaga: Yes.
Leshy: Yes, believe her more. If he lies, he won’t charge much.
Baba Yaga: Don't interfere!
Me: Okay, listen:
He is a funny toy
In a cap and with a rattle,
And his name is...
Baba Yaga: Cheesecake!
Me not!
Baba Yaga: I know, I know, “frog”!
Me not!
Guys: Parsley!
Me: That's it, Baba Yaga, give me my felt boots.
Baba Yaga: No, no!
Me: You gave your word.
Baba Yaga: Honestly, I’m ready to lie! I am a master of my word. I gave my word, and I took it back. Make me laugh!
Me: Okay, look!
Baba Yaga: Oh, you can laugh!
Me: Give me your boots!
Baba Yaga: I won’t give it up! I really like you!
Leshy: Listen, grandma, do you even know what everyone calls you?
Baba Yaga: How?
Goblin:
Old lady - beef
Vredina is a greedy person.
No, I got it wrong:
Greedy - harmful,
Beef is finicky.
No, not like that again:
Granny - yaguska,
Vredina is picky,
Greedy,
Yabeda - koryabeda!
Here!
Baba Yaga: Rude!
Me: Leshy, you keep swearing at Baba Yaga, but what about yourself? Do you want to stay with us for the holiday?
Leshy: Yes!
Me: Then help us, persuade Baba Yaga to give away his felt boots.
Leshy: Okay, but I have a condition.
Me: Which one?
Leshy: You are all so cute and pretty here. Do you have any robbers? Any pirates at all? Any rude people at all? Everything will be easier on the heart.
Me: Guys, let's pretend to be artists for 5 minutes and outwit Leshy.
(Pirate Dance)
Leshy: That's a different conversation! Grandma, okay, let's give away the felt boots.
Baba Yaga: no, no, no!
Me: Guys, let’s ask kindly: “Granny Yagusechka, please give me my felt boots!”
Baba Yaga (crying).
Me: What's wrong with you? Why are you crying?
Baba Yaga: For joy. I’ve been living for three hundred years and I haven’t heard a kind word. Everything is grandma, yes Yaga. Children tease: “Hedgehog-potato, bone leg.” And you are so polite: “Granny, please.” Here are your felt boots, take them to Santa Claus, and I’ll trudge into the forest, I’m ashamed that I wanted to stop you from celebrating the New Year.
Leshy: Listen, grandma, do you remember under which tree we left Grandfather?
Baba Yaga: No, I have sclerosis.
Leshy: Where is my brilliant detective? (Claps his hands 3 times.)
(Detective Dance)
Leshy: Go to the forest, find Santa Claus, give him your felt boots and bring him here.
Detective: It will be done.
(Baba Yaga takes off her felt boots).
Baba Yaga: Will I be barefoot? I have radiculitis and rheumatism.
Me: Here are your slippers, put them on.
Baba Yaga: My favorite size. And then you will take them away?
Me: No, we will give them to you.
Baba Yaga: Oh, thank you!
Me: Well, sit down, Baba Yaga and Leshy, we’ll wait for Santa Claus. Snow Maiden, call Grandfather.
Snow Maiden (calling on the phone): Grandfather, where are you? Already entered the school? Already near class? Are you already walking through the door?
Me: Grandfather Frost, Grandfather Frost!
Santa Claus: Aw, aw-ow-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo!
Santa Claus: Oh, hello, guys! Hello, granddaughter! Hello parents! (greets all the children) I saw Leshy and Baba Yaga.
Santa Claus: Oh, and you’re here?! I'll freeze you! (Leshy and Baba Yaga close)
Snow Maiden: No need, grandfather, they promised to behave well.
Santa Claus: Children, shall we leave them for the holidays?
Children: Yes!!!
Santa Claus: Well, okay! Just behave yourself.
Santa Claus: Well, okay!
Happy New Year,
Happy New Year!
Congratulations to all the children!
Congratulations to all guests!
I came to the city from the forest,
How beautiful, how wonderful
Christmas trees with snow-white hats,
How their needles shine!
Snow Maiden: Grandfather, it’s time to light the Christmas tree!
Santa Claus (gives a box): Take the little chest, granddaughter, there is a magic wand.
Snow Maiden: Oh, it doesn’t open! The blizzard bewitched him. She said that it would open when the children solved the riddles.
Puzzles.
Santa Claus asks riddles...
Santa Claus: Well done, guys!
Snow Maiden:
Chest, chest,
Gilded barrel,
painted cover,
Copper valve,
One two three four five,
You can light the Christmas tree!
Snow Maiden: Oh, it’s opened! Here, grandpa, the tree only listens to you.
Santa Claus: Well done, granddaughter! (takes a wand):
Light up the lights bright,
Green beauty!
Give the boys joy
And to everyone who is in the hall with us,
Count together: one, two, three!
(The Christmas tree lights up)
Father Frost:
New Year's Eve is near,
Candles lit up everywhere
Everyone is cheerful - old and young.
Everyone is happy to celebrate the New Year.
Bright New Year's holiday
We meet every year.
Who wants to have fun?
Join the round dance!
(“Round dance”)
Father Frost:
Everyone who hears us
Who knows us
We wish you a Happy New Year,
We wish you happiness and good luck,
Good health to boot.
Snow Maiden:
Happy holidays, happy holidays,
But don't forget about school.
Study for “4”, “5”.
Help mom around the house,
We wish that every home
It was rich in peace and warmth.
Santa Claus: Well, now I’ll rest, I’m tired.
Snow Maiden: Here, grandfather, drink some water (in a glass of candy).
Santa Claus: I was joking with you. Well, now maybe you will please the old man: sing, dance. (Father Frost and Snow Maiden sit down)
Children come out and recite poems about winter...
Song (all together) “The clock is striking...”
(source-Internet)
When is New Year's Eve? On the night of January 1st. Right? Wrong. It's only on TV. But actually when? Let's figure it out. The custom of decorating a Christmas tree arose in the sixteenth century in Protestant Germany. And this was not done at Christmas, as most of us think...
Two to two and a half weeks before Christmas, on the penultimate Sunday before it, Christians honor the memory of Adam and Eve. (The Orthodox call this holiday “Memory of the Holy Forefathers.”) It was on this holiday that the tree was decorated. Why?
Yes, because the tree symbolized the tree of paradise. The same one from which the disobedient and impatient Eve plucked the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil.
The father of Protestantism, Martin Luther, was an edifying man, so he decided: let Christmas gifts hang in front of children longer, instill patience in them. Do you remember how Vitya Maleev taught will in a book? I didn’t eat the cake...
By the way, initially Christmas gifts were given only to children. And even then not to everyone, but only to those who behaved well, becoming like little Jesus. After all, it was baby Jesus who was the first child to receive Christmas gifts - gifts from the Magi: gold, frankincense and myrrh.
Ordinary children from poor families received apples and nuts. Both are round - that’s where the Christmas balls come from. Well, why exactly the Christmas tree is also clear: what other green trees can there be in Germany in December.
Adoration of the Magi. Little “Adam and Eve” from the story “Yolka” by M. Zoshchenko. In the past, not everyone got Christmas presents: see the boy in the black hat crying?
So, gifts were given at Christmas, and the tree was put up two to two and a half weeks in advance: to commemorate Adam and Eve. What about New Year?
Wait a minute - we almost forgot another mandatory Christmas attribute - Father Frost and Santa Claus.
Almost simultaneously with the commemoration of Adam and Eve, on December 19, Nikolai Ugodnik is commemorated. Saint Nicholas was a bishop in Lycia, in what is now Turkey. Among other things, the following story is told about him.
One poor man had three daughters. The time had come to marry them off, but no one took them without a dowry. Bishop Nicholas found out about this misfortune and for three nights in a row he threw a bag of gold into the poor man’s yard...
The real Santa Claus was dark and looked something like this...
This story was combined with the atmosphere of anticipation of the holiday, with the Christmas tree, with gifts. And Saint Nicholas began to turn into Santa Claus.
The modern image of a good-natured old man dressed up as a gnome was given to him by the Americans. The character was invented in 1822 by the poet Clement Moore, and the appearance - a short jacket, a dwarf cap and a belly - in 1862 by the artist Thomas Nast. In Europe, even in the 20th century, Saint Nicholas was depicted on Christmas cards in episcopal vestments.
In Russia, Saint Nicholas also gave gifts to children, but here we dressed him warmer. You don’t wear a bishop’s miter in the Russian winter... When the New Year celebration was introduced in Soviet Russia in 1935, this image was remembered, but was rethought. Instead of Saint Nicholas, they borrowed an image from Alexander Ostrovsky’s fairy tale “The Snow Maiden”. This is how Santa Claus appeared.
Saint Nicholas: in American, German and Russian
Well, now - for the New Year.
It may seem that the date of the new year is a purely arbitrary thing. You can schedule it on the first of January, or you can set it on the first of September, as it was in Russia before 1700, or on the first of March, as in Ancient Rome... But this is not so.
If a year is an astronomical concept (the duration of a full revolution of the Earth around the Sun), then the change from one year to another is also astronomically determined.
Everything is very simple here. Exactly five days, from December 19 (St. Nicholas Day, remember?) to December 23, the winter solstice occurs. The sun seems to freeze above the horizon at the lowest point. At the lowest point of what? Analemmas.
Analemma
If we take a camera and every day at exactly noon we photograph the sun above the horizon, and a year later we put all our photographs into one picture, we will see that the sun seems to draw an unusual figure in the sky, similar to an elongated number 8. This figure is called “ analemma,” which means “foundation” in Greek.
By the way, it was the analemma that the English mathematician John Wallis proposed to use to denote infinity, although putting it on its side so as not to confuse it with the number 8. There is a figure eight in the sky. And at its lowest point the sun freezes from December 19 to 23.
John Wallis and his infinity symbol
On December 24 (Catholic Christmas Eve), the winter solstice ends and the sun begins to move upward along the analemma. His path across the sky increases from this; we say “the day increases.” A new astronomical year begins.
Another interesting story is connected with the analemma - the symbol of infinity.
In Ireland, in County Meath, there is an unusual mound, which in Irish is called Shee-an-Vroo, and in English - Newgrange. It is very low, only 12 meters, but very ancient - 500 years older than the Egyptian pyramids! (The oldest pyramid was built in 2670 BC, and this mound was built around 3200 BC.)
According to Irish myths, this mound was the home of the earth god Dagda. The Dagda had seven children, and he gave six of them their own mound - but the youngest, Aengus, the god of youth and love, did not receive a mound. Then he asked his father to give him the mound of Shi-an-Vru “for just one day and one night,” and the Dagda agreed. But the cunning Angus chose for himself the day and night of the Samhain holiday, when, according to Irish beliefs, time stops, after which he said that he now became the owner of the mound forever. Then there was nothing left to do but give the mound to Angus...
Shi-an-Vru outside and inside
But let's return from the legends to the real mound. A long narrow passage lined with stone leads inside, at the end of which there is a burial chamber. It's dark all year round, but at the end of December every year something amazing and beautiful happens.
This is how it goes
At exactly noon, the sun's rays pass through a small window above the entrance to the tunnel and illuminate the chamber inside the mound! This phenomenon can be observed for only 15 minutes, and only for five days - on the sixth day at noon, the sun's rays no longer reach the central chamber. The sight when the sun's rays pierce the dusty air of the corridor and the ancient tomb seems to light up from the inside is simply enchanting.
The hole where the rays enter and the sunlit corridor leading to the chamber
It is no coincidence that you can only get into this cell by winning a special lottery - every year, out of thousands of applicants, only 20 are chosen! Because the camera is very small, and the phenomenon, despite all its beauty, ends very quickly...
This is exactly how the Irish knew how to determine the beginning of a new year by the sun 5,000 years ago.
And now you and I can do it too!
And we can safely go with this skill to celebrate the New Year the old fashioned way, “on TV” :)
Health to you, friends! Strength and joy! To all of you and all your loved ones!
With coming!
That's right!
By the way, for residents of Russian cities, New Year is the main winter holiday and is celebrated on January 1. However, there are exceptions among city residents who do not celebrate New Year. A real holiday for a believer is the Nativity of Christ. And before it is the strict Nativity Fast, which lasts 40 days. It begins on November 28 and ends only on January 6, in the evening, with the rising of the first star. There are even villages where all residents do not celebrate the New Year or celebrate it on January 13 (January 1, Julian style), after Lent and Christmas.
Now let's return to the history of New Year celebrations in Rus'
The celebration of the New Year in Rus' has the same complex fate as its history itself. First of all, all changes in the celebration of the new year were associated with the most important historical events that affected the entire state and each person individually. There is no doubt that folk tradition, even after officially introduced changes in the calendar, preserved ancient customs for a long time.
Celebrating the New Year in pagan Rus'
How was it celebrated? New Year in pagan ancient Rus' - one of the unresolved and controversial issues in historical science. No affirmative answer was found at what time the year began.
The beginning of the New Year celebration should be sought in ancient times. Thus, among ancient peoples, the New Year usually coincided with the beginning of the revival of nature and was mainly confined to the month of March.
In Rus' there was a proleta for a long time, i.e. the first three months, and the summer month began in March. In honor of him, they celebrated Ausen, Ovsen or Tusen, which later moved to the new year. Summer itself in ancient times consisted of the current three spring and three summer months - the last six months included winter time. The transition from autumn to winter was blurred like the transition from summer to autumn. Presumably, originally in Rus' the New Year was celebrated on the day of the vernal equinox March 22. Maslenitsa and New Year were celebrated on the same day. Winter has been driven away, which means a new year has arrived.
Celebrating the New Year after the Baptism of Rus'
Together with Christianity in Rus' (988 - Baptism of Rus'), a new chronology appeared - from the creation of the world, as well as a new European calendar - the Julian, with a fixed name for the months. The beginning of the new year began to be considered March 1.
According to one version, at the end of the 15th century, and according to another in 1348, the Orthodox Church moved the beginning of the year to September 1, which corresponded to the definitions of the Council of Nicaea. The transfer must be put in connection with the growing importance of the Christian Church in the state life of ancient Rus'. The strengthening of Orthodoxy in medieval Rus', the establishment of Christianity as a religious ideology, naturally causes the use of “holy scripture” as a source of reform introduced into the existing calendar. The reform of the calendar system was carried out in Rus' without taking into account the working life of the people, without establishing a connection with agricultural work. The September New Year was approved by the church, following the word of the Holy Scriptures; Having established and substantiated it with a biblical legend, the Russian Orthodox Church has preserved this New Year's date until modern times as an ecclesiastical parallel to the civil New Year. In the Old Testament church, the month of September was celebrated annually, to commemorate peace from all worldly worries.
Thus, the New Year began on the first of September. This day became the feast of Simeon the First Stylite, which is still celebrated by our church and known among the common people under the name Semyon of the Summer Conductor, because on this day summer ended and the new year began. It was a solemn day of celebration for us, and the subject of analysis of urgent conditions, collection of quitrents, taxes and personal courts.
Innovations of Peter I in the celebration of the New Year
In 1699, Peter I issued a decree according to which they began to consider the beginning of the year 1st of January. This was done following the example of all Christian peoples who lived not according to the Julian, but according to the Gregorian calendar. Peter I could not completely transfer Rus' to the new Gregorian calendar, since the church lived according to the Julian calendar. However, the Tsar in Russia changed the calendar. If earlier years were counted from the creation of the world, now chronology starts from the Nativity of Christ. In a personal decree, he announced: “Now the year of Christ is one thousand six hundred and ninety-nine, and from next January, on the 1st day, the new year 1700 and a new century will begin.” It should be noted that the new chronology existed for a long time together with the old one - in the decree of 1699 it was allowed to write two dates in documents - from the Creation of the world and from the Nativity of Christ.
The implementation of this reform of the Great Tsar, which was so important, began with the fact that it was forbidden to celebrate in any way September 1, and on December 15, 1699, the beating of drums announced something important to the people who poured in crowds to Krasnaya square. A high platform was built here, on which the royal clerk loudly read the decree that Peter Vasilyevich commands “from now on, summers should be counted in orders and in all matters and fortresses written from the 1st of January from the Nativity of Christ.”
The Tsar steadily ensured that our New Year holiday was no worse and no poorer than in other European countries.
In Peter's decree it was written: "...On large and thorough streets for noble people and at houses of deliberate spiritual and secular rank in front of the gates, make some decorations from trees and branches of pine and juniper... and for poor people, at least a tree or branch for the gate or place it over your temple..." The decree did not talk specifically about the Christmas tree, but about trees in general. At first they were decorated with nuts, sweets, fruits and even vegetables, and they began to decorate the Christmas tree much later, from the middle of the last century.
The first day of the New Year 1700 began with a parade on Red Square in Moscow. And in the evening the sky lit up with the bright lights of festive fireworks. It was from January 1, 1700 that folk New Year's fun and merriment gained recognition, and the celebration of the New Year began to have a secular (not church) character. As a sign of the national holiday, cannons were fired, and in the evening, multi-colored fireworks, never seen before, flashed in the dark sky. People had fun, sang, danced, congratulated each other and gave New Year's gifts.
After the October Revolution of 1917, the country's government raised the question of calendar reform, since most European countries had long switched to the Gregorian calendar, adopted by Pope Gregory XIII back in 1582, while Russia still lived according to the Julian calendar.
On January 24, 1918, the Council of People's Commissars adopted the "Decree on the introduction of the Western European calendar in the Russian Republic." Signed V.I. Lenin published the document the next day and came into force on February 1, 1918. It said, in particular: “...The first day after January 31 of this year should not be considered February 1, but February 14, the second day should be considered 15 -m, etc." Thus, Russian Christmas shifted from December 25 to January 7, and the New Year holiday also shifted.
Contradictions immediately arose with Orthodox holidays, because, having changed the dates of civil holidays, the government did not touch church holidays, and Christians continued to live according to the Julian calendar. Now Christmas was celebrated not before, but after the New Year. But this did not bother the new government at all. On the contrary, it was beneficial to destroy the foundations of Christian culture. The new government introduced its own, new, socialist holidays.
In 1929, Christmas was cancelled. With it, the Christmas tree, which was called a “priestly” custom, was also abolished. New Year was cancelled. However, at the end of 1935, an article by Pavel Petrovich Postyshev “Let's organize a good Christmas tree for the children for the New Year!” appeared in the Pravda newspaper. Society, which had not yet forgotten the beautiful and bright holiday, reacted quite quickly - Christmas trees and Christmas tree decorations appeared on sale. Pioneers and Komsomol members took upon themselves the organization and holding of New Year trees in schools, orphanages and clubs. On December 31, 1935, the Christmas tree re-entered the homes of our compatriots and became a holiday of “joyful and happy childhood in our country” - a wonderful New Year’s holiday that continues to delight us today.
old New Year
I would like to return once again to the change of calendars and explain the phenomenon of the Old New Year in our country.
The very name of this holiday indicates its connection with the old style of the calendar, according to which Russia lived until 1918, and switched to a new style by decree of V.I. Lenin. The so-called Old Style is a calendar introduced by the Roman Emperor Julius Caesar (Julian calendar). The new style is a reform of the Julian calendar, undertaken on the initiative of Pope Gregory XIII (Gregorian, or new style). From an astronomical point of view, the Julian calendar was not accurate and allowed for errors that accumulated over the years, resulting in serious deviations of the calendar from the true movement of the Sun. Therefore, the Gregorian reform was necessary to some extent.
The difference between the old and new styles in the 20th century was already plus 13 days! Accordingly, the day that was January 1 in the old style became January 14 in the new calendar. And the modern night from January 13 to 14 in pre-revolutionary times was New Year's Eve. Thus, by celebrating the Old New Year, we, as it were, join history and make a tribute to time.
New Year in the Orthodox Church
Surprisingly, the Orthodox Church lives according to the Julian calendar.
In 1923, on the initiative of the Patriarch of Constantinople, a meeting of the Orthodox Churches was held, at which a decision was made to correct the Julian calendar. Due to historical circumstances, the Russian Orthodox Church was unable to take part in it.
Having learned about the meeting in Constantinople, Patriarch Tikhon nevertheless issued a decree on the transition to the “New Julian” calendar. But this caused protests and unrest among the church people. Therefore, the resolution was canceled less than a month later.
The Russian Orthodox Church states that at present it does not face the question of changing the calendar style to Gregorian. “The overwhelming majority of believers are committed to preserving the existing calendar. The Julian calendar is dear to our church people and is one of the cultural features of our life,” said Archpriest Nikolai Balashov, secretary for inter-Orthodox relations of the Department for External Church Relations of the Moscow Patriarchate.
The Orthodox New Year is celebrated on September 14 according to today's calendar or September 1 according to the Julian calendar. In honor of the Orthodox New Year, prayer services are held in churches for the New Year.
Lately, we have become accustomed to associating each New Year with some animal from the Chinese calendar. But many people do not know when the next totem comes into its possession and what date the New Year begins according to the eastern calendar 2018.
How does the Chinese calendar differ from the ordinary one?
The entire path of life in the Celestial Empire is divided into twelve cycles. Each of them corresponds to a specific animal. In turn, each period corresponds to one of the five elements. Thus, 2018 corresponds to the Dog and the earth element. According to Chinese mythology, a person born in a certain year borrows the traits of the dominant animal.
The eastern calendar differs from our chronology in that it is based on the lunar calendar. The beginning of each month does not coincide with the same period in the Gregorian calendar. The month in the Chinese calendar begins with the next new moon. Naturally, the New Year according to the Eastern calendar does not correspond to our first January. It falls on the second new moon after the winter solstice. It is clear that this date is not constant and changes every year. So in 2018, the spring festival - “Chun Jie” in China falls on February 16th. To find out what time Chinese New Year starts in your area, just find out the time of the second new moon in your area:
| In Moscow | 6 p.m. 13 minutes m.v. |
| In Pekin | 23 hours 13 minutes m.v. |
| In Buryatia | 23 hours 13 minutes m.v. |
What is characteristic of the Year of the Dog?
Since next year the Yellow Earth Dog will become the mistress of the year, it can be said that 2018 will not be clear-cut. Despite the fact that this animal is characterized by such features as:
- loyalty;
- honesty;
- justice;
- friendliness.
At the same time, the Dog is characterized by unpredictability and laziness. Nevertheless, Chinese astrologers are confident that due to the fact that this animal is yellow and strengthened by the earthly elements, it will be able to make our lives stable and calm. The coming year will be characterized by harmony and tranquility. There is a possibility that economic problems in many countries will disappear, and confrontation in many regions will decline. The lives of many people will improve qualitatively. Also, next year is good for marriage and replenishment of offspring. And yet, the Chinese are sure that if you feed all the dogs that come your way on New Year’s Day, then 2018 will definitely be lucky. The Mistress of the Year will certainly reward you with excellent health and give you true love.
history of the holiday
The history of celebrating spring day goes back more than one millennium. According to Confucius, the holiday appeared in the twenty-third century BC. There are many versions of the origin of "Chun Jie" in China. One of them explains its appearance as follows. A long time ago, the inhabitants of modern China suffered from the sea monster Nian, which once a year crawled onto land and destroyed everything in its path. During this period, the local population went high into the mountains, and food and livestock went to the terrible animal. But then one day, during such turbulent days, a monk appeared who promised to save the people from this scourge. He hung red lanterns in the house, wrote certain phrases on paper and began making incredible noise. The monster did not expect such resistance and left these places forever. After this, the Chinese repeat the traditions of their ancestors once a year. An incredible number of red lanterns are launched into the sky, and the roar of firecrackers and fireworks shakes the earth.
Celebration traditions
In fact, a lot of traditions have accumulated over the years to celebrate the New Year in China. Each region has its own characteristics. We will describe the most basic ones, which are typical for most regions.
Like all other peoples, the Chinese empty their homes of trash and unnecessary things before the holiday. There are reasons for this. According to Feng Shui experts, this procedure clears the way for the Chi energy. The difference between cleaning in China is that the garbage in the house is not swept as in our country - to the threshold, but on the contrary - from the entrance to the center. This allows you to keep useful energy from leaving the house. Another tradition that differs from us is a complete ban on cleaning after the New Year. According to the Chinese, by cleaning the house you can sweep away good luck. China has traditions that are similar to our customs. For example, as in Russia, New Year is a family holiday in China. Wherever a person is, on New Year's holidays he strives to go to his father's house. It is no coincidence that on the eve of the Spring Festival, all of China boards cars, trains, planes, etc. to celebrate the New Year together. Like us, the Chinese New Year table is bursting with delicious food. The Chinese are skilled cooks, and it is no coincidence that their cuisine is so popular all over the world. According to Chinese customs, cooking should be completed before lunch. Otherwise, you can hurt your luck. Oddly enough, dumplings, an everyday dish for us, are a must on the holiday table. Another must-have is Soy Tofu.
When it comes to gifts, the Chinese are great symbolists. For example, a very popular New Year's gift is a pair of tangerines. They are considered worth their weight in gold. After all, they mean that the donor wishes you a strong marriage. The peculiarity of gift giving is that the gift is not given directly. It is usually hidden in a secluded place when leaving the house. It is customary for children to be given a “lucky sum” - money that is placed in a red envelope. This means that you wish the applicant prosperity so that there is always money in his house. The ritual of burning “money” is interesting. True, the zealous Chinese do not destroy real banknotes, but good counterfeits.
The most common gifts for the New Year are:
- various amulets, talismans, amulets;
- all kinds of sweets;
- figurines symbolizing the approaching year;
- colorful cards with best wishes.
What not to do
Not accepted in China:
- give expensive gifts;
- pack gifts in white or blue paper. These colors mean mourning;
- The number “4” should not be present in any way. It means death.;
- give a gift in the presence of others.
Offerings should only be in pairs: two cards, two figurines, etc. In the family circle, gifts are given with both hands and first to the eldest.