Traditional New Year's gifts in different countries. How they celebrate and what they give for the new year and Christmas in different countries of the world
Millions of people consider giving New Year gifts an obligatory tradition that will bring happiness, prosperity and well-being in the coming year.
What is customary to give in the countries of the world on New Year, our article will tell.
Christmas gifts from neighboring countries
China holds the record for gifts. Perhaps nowhere in the world do they attach such importance to giving as in China. Children are traditionally given red envelopes with money invested. Especially close people are given rice cookies, the recipe of which is kept in every family. Household and computer equipment, the latest smartphone model - these items are happy to give and accept almost all Chinese as a gift.
Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan - here for the New Year everything that can be useful in the family is given: from toys to large household appliances. Traditional sweets, which these hospitable countries are so famous for, are also an obligatory gift.
New Year's gifts in Europe
They love to celebrate the New Year in Austria - and they give each other funny and original gifts. The pig, the four-leaf clover and the chimney sweep are Austrian New Year characters. They are given to everyone without exception. They also send postcards with pictures of cute pigs.
Highly happy sign it is considered to receive a horseshoe or an old gold coin as a gift.
Humble people in Norway new year's eve they give matches to friends and neighbors - a symbol of warmth and happiness. 
In Denmark, gifts are given mainly to children. Little Danes get a plush or wooden Christmas tree with a troll peeking out from under the branches.
In Sweden, homemade candles are given with the wishes of good and joy. The light of lit candles means that there will be happiness in the house all year long.
In Holland, the most common New Year's gift is tulip bulbs! The inhabitants of this country love their traditional flowers so much. A tulip bulb is solemnly presented in an exquisite mug.
Hospitable Greeks celebrate the New Year noisily and loudly, often in large companies. They prefer to give large baskets filled with generous contents: food, wine, and also put a new deck of cards in the basket.
In Spain, the holiday is also celebrated in large companies, often in local cafes or restaurants. They give handbags with holiday paraphernalia, masks and cute souvenirs.
Practical Germans approach gifts rationally: household appliances, books and useful things for the home are held in high esteem. Also in Germany they are very fond of presenting sweets prepared with their own hands.
In England, New Year's gifts are treated with restraint, but they decorate houses with love and prepare delicious dishes. Therefore, they give luxurious wreaths-decorations on the front door, interior items or pots of mistletoe - a plant that is endowed with magical properties in England.
Countries of the Southern Hemisphere and their New Year's gifts
While in Russia the New Year is the height of winter, in hot Brazil it is the middle of summer. People dress in light white clothes, dance, drink champagne and always exchange presents in beautiful packaging with ribbons.
Also in Australia, New Year falls in the summer. Guests of the country are presented with the "Australian Christmas tree" - a metrosideros plant strewn with needle-shaped purple flowers. Australians also send each other Christmas and New Year cards- a sweet and kind tradition.
Get ready for the New Year with TM SunVest - our range of packaging will decorate any of your gifts!
When did the tradition of giving gifts for the New Year begin? What gifts were given in Russia to each other in different years. Charitable New Year holidays in Russia.
Who first came up with the idea of giving each other gifts for the New Year and what traditions are associated with this.
Gifts for the New Year in antiquity
The Romans are considered the creators of the tradition of giving gifts for the New Year to each other. It was Gaius Julius Caesar who came up with the idea of giving a laurel wreath and a coin for the holiday.
But they left gifts near the tree back in Babylon. The New Year's Day was celebrated on the day of the winter solstice, on which the god of plants was revered. The Babylonians believed that other gods bring gifts to the god of plants, congratulating him on his name day, and leave them under a tree.
The tradition of giving gifts for the New Year has a long history. Christmas trees is the symbol of the New Year.
Speaking about the pagan celebration of the New Year in Russia, it is worth noting that gifts were given to the gods, but not to each other. It was considered that what better gifts the more favorable the gods will be to people.
Gifts in Russia
If the tradition of celebrating the New Year in a European way was introduced by Peter the Great, then Catherine II ordered to give gifts to a friend. According to archival documents, the Empress loved various gifts so much that she was upset if nothing was presented to her during the day. Therefore, she decided to take an example from Ancient Rome and exchange presents on New Year's holidays.
The upper classes exchanged very expensive gifts - furs, money, fruits, sweets. The closest relatives were given large bills, up to 100 rubles. Servants sometimes received gifts, they were given small coins up to 10 rubles.
Considerable attention was paid to packaging. Gifts were wrapped in bright paper or boxes.
Children received sweets, toys, new clothes as a gift.
Charity Christmas gifts
Rich people organized holidays for children from poor families at home, where they gave sweets as a gift near a decorated Christmas tree. Treats, fabrics and toys were also distributed on the streets. Such a good charitable deed was a very popular event in the New Year and Christmas.
New Year gifts began to put under the Christmas tree in the 19th century
Gifts in Russia from peasants
The New Year's holiday on January 1 did not take root among the peasants for a long time, since earlier it was the holiday of Vasily's Day. New Year's festivities became a tradition a little later.
Unlike the upper classes, the peasants and other lower classes could not boast of expensive gifts. But the New Year's mood did not depend on this. Children were given sweets and toys brought from the fair or made by their parents. But they could not give anything at all, since there was not always prosperity in the family.
Various folk beliefs and divination left its mark. For example, a small bag of grain given for the New Year promised a rich harvest in the coming year.
In 1935, the tradition of New Year celebrations was revived in the Soviet Union. Children got the opportunity to dance near a beautifully decorated Christmas tree. Read a poem for Santa Claus and get a sweet treat, it became new tradition which is happily continued to this day.
Modernity
Today, the tradition of giving each other gifts for the New Year is very popular and is an integral part of the holiday.
Children can make gifts for adults on their own. Draw a card, assemble a figurine and color it, compose it yourself or learn a poem. The main thing in New Year's gifts is attention and sincerity.
You will be interested in other articles on genealogy:
Austria
The Austrians prefer to give the New Year necessary things in everyday life. Since life in Austria is quite expensive, most families prefer to buy beautiful clothes or accessories for the New Year. In addition to practical gifts, an invitation to a festive evening at the famous Vienna Opera is also popular.
England
The British consider grand gestures in gifts unacceptable. They will never choose as a gift for New Year's celebration some expensive exclusive souvenir or jewelry. Their favorite gifts are inexpensive key rings, beer mugs, scented candles, cute souvenir dolls, and intricate tea spoons. These little things are a sign of their sincerity and affection for you and your home.
America
Americans, on the other hand, are addicted to expensive surprises. On average, they spend between $50 and $800 on gifts. Americans give each other cigars, wines, perfumes, scarves, sweaters, trinkets. Gifts are usually given with a check. The receipt is needed so that, if necessary, you can return the gift back to the store. In the first days of January, large queues of people selling goods are observed in stores. Therefore, the so-called GIFT CERTIFICATE (gift certificate) has been gaining popularity among Americans lately. A person who has received such a certificate, at any convenient time comes to the store and chooses the thing he likes.
Belgium
The Belgians approach the choice of a gift not just as a pleasant pastime, but as a responsible event. The meaning of the gift is explained verbally or on a card attached to it, and the choice is never random. They always try to give what is really needed.
Bulgaria
Bulgarians give dogwood sticks for the New Year, which personify all the best in the coming year. Having gathered for a New Year's celebration, they turn off the lights for a few minutes. These times are called the minutes of New Year's kisses, the secret of which is kept by darkness.
Greece
The Greeks give each other nothing more than a stone, while saying the following: "Let the owner's money be as heavy as this stone." And if the stone is small, then they wish: "Let the thorn in the owner's eye be as small as this stone." Of course, it does not do without standard gifts, such as a basket of champagne and wine. Recently, as a New Year's gift, the inhabitants of Greece often give each other a new deck of cards.
Denmark
For the Danes, the main thing is the solemnity of the event, so they don’t take gifts too seriously, usually they give something simple. At the same time, children will not find anything under the tree; in search of gifts, they will have to explore the whole house or apartment.
Holland
Dutch children receive bags of cakes and sweets as New Year's gifts, which, according to legend, are placed in their shoes by the Magi.
Greenland
The Eskimos of Greenland give each other figures of walruses and polar bears carved from ice for the New Year. Since it is cold in Greenland even in summer, ice gifts are stored for a very, very long time.
Italy
For Italians, a gift is synonymous with sophistication and fine taste. The most common gift is a bottle of good wine. Also, men and women give each other red underwear - a symbol of novelty.
China
The Chinese give paired objects for the New Year, symbolizing unity, family harmony (two cups, paired candlesticks, etc.). Watches are an unacceptable gift for the Chinese, because timekeeping in their minds is associated with death.
Germany
The Germans like to give books for the New Year holiday, as well as porcelain piggy banks. But the most pleasant surprise here is the journey.
Poland
When choosing New Year's gifts, the Poles try to show imagination and present something elegant to each other: for women they choose inexpensive jewelry, and for men - cufflinks, neckerchiefs, pens or coin cases.
Portugal
The Portuguese attach special importance to homemade gifts: lace tablecloths and napkins, hand-embroidered tapestries, hand-made wooden dishes, carved candlesticks, caskets and photo frames.
France
The French are considered adherents of original and impractical gifts. Most often, their choice stops at unusual souvenirs or postcards. Despite the fact that France is a country of good perfumes, it is impossible to give perfume to a married French woman. Only her husband can give perfume to a woman in France.
Sweden
Swedes traditionally give homemade candles to each other. This tradition has developed due to the fact that in winter it gets dark early near the Arctic Circle, and the light symbolizes friendship, cordiality, and fun.
Japan
The Japanese give each other "oseibo" - traditional uncomplicated gift sets. Jars of canned food, pieces of fragrant toilet soap, and other things necessary in everyday life. You can offend a Japanese if you give him flowers for the New Year. It is believed that only members of the imperial family have the right to give flowers.
Ireland
Residents of Ireland are sure that gifts are intended exclusively for children, and there is absolutely no need to indulge adults. On New Year's Day, children receive figurines of angels or saints. Only those people who have somehow helped the family during the year have special privileges. It is customary for them to give money.
The most magical and fabulous holiday of the year is about to come. We have compiled for you not only a selection of the most curious features of the New Year's Eve in different parts of the Earth, but also a guide on gifts that will be welcome in a particular country.
FINLAND
Present. Residents of northern European countries (Denmark, Finland, Sweden, Norway) are very fond of gifts associated with warmth and light. So the ideal presentation option here would be candles, blankets, sweaters, shawls, etc. Also, many people like to give and receive sportswear and appropriate ammunition as a gift.
Traditions. Finns believe that Santa Claus or Ded Moroz lives in the northern part of Finland called Korvatunturi (or Lapland), north of the Arctic Circle, where people from all over the world send letters of wishes throughout the year. In the north of Finland there is a large tourist theme park called Christmas Land, near the place where Santa Claus himself is said to live.
Christmas Eve is a very special and most important day during the Christmas period in Finland. For breakfast, they eat rice porridge with plum fruit juice. Then they either buy a festive spruce, or already decorate it.
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In most parts of Finland, during Christmas time, many people traditionally go to cemeteries and visit the graves of family members. Candles in hanging lanterns are left around the grave - so that the entire cemetery is lit with bright lanterns, literally shining in the snow.
SPAIN
Present. Unlike many other Western countries, in Spain the Christmas holiday has not yet become a fully commercial event, but has retained a religious spirit and holiness. Therefore, Christmas is here - sincere family holiday to be met at home. Classic nice gift in this country there is a grocery basket with champagne and nougat.
Traditions. Slightly more important than Christmas, Spain considers December 28, Day of the Innocent Saints. A day filled with pranks and jokes - similar to our April 1st.
After Christmas, in Spain on January 6, the feast of the Epiphany (Baptism), or "Fiesta de Los tres Reyes Mages" is celebrated: in Russian this can be translated as "The Feast of the Three Kings." This name marks the day when the kings (wizards) brought gifts to the newly born baby Jesus.
Concerning new year traditions, then at midnight on December 31, the Spaniards eat 12 grapes, one at each stroke of the bell, symbolizing the 12 happy months of the coming year.
ITALY
Present. Everything related to the Italian "dolcevita" should go with a bang. Silk ties, beautiful underwear (for those closest to you), expensive wine, cashmere items and the most delicious sweets.
In some cases, gifts are a way of saying "thank you" for inviting guests over for Christmas dinner. In this context, wine, chocolate and homemade cakes will come in handy. Homemade food and/or pastries are a labor of love, which is why Italians especially appreciate such gifts. The price of a gift, by the way, is never discussed or considered, since the good thoughts and positive energy behind a gift chosen with love are considered much more valuable.
Traditions. On Christmas Eve, it is customary not to eat meat (and sometimes dairy products). After a light seafood dinner, families usually go to a festive service. Upon returning from mass, everyone eats a piece of a traditional Italian Christmas cake called "Panettone", which is somewhat similar to Easter cake, and drink a cup of hot chocolate.
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Another fun tradition is related to receiving gifts. A good witch named La Befana brings children's gifts on the night of January 6-7 on a broom, not on a sleigh, as many might expect. But if you behaved badly during the year - expect lumps of coal as a gift.
FRANCE
Present. The most important thing about gifts for the French at Christmas and New Year is that they are not too expensive and, as a rule, completely impractical. Surprisingly, various postcards, souvenirs, figurines, Stuffed Toys- all the things we usually like to get rid of. By the way, a curious fact: even taking into account the fact that France is considered the capital of perfumes and cosmetics, it is customary to give cosmetics and fragrances here only in the family circle. In all other cases, it is bad manners.
Traditions. A large log, once burned in houses after Christmas, was brought into the house on Christmas Eve and sprinkled with red wine so that there was a pleasant smell during the burning process.
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There was a custom - coals and candles were left burning all night next to some food and drinks left in case Mary and baby Jesus passed at night. However, today this "Christmas log" has turned into a sweet and very tasty confectionery product in the cities of France - under the same name.
The main Christmas dinner - Réveillon, begins on Christmas Eve or early Christmas morning after everyone has returned from church service (now, of course, not everyone observes the latter). Dishes may include roast turkey with chestnuts or roast goose, oysters, foie gras, lobster, venison, and cheeses. For dessert, they usually eat a chocolate biscuit called bûche de Noël.
GERMANY
Present. On the one hand, the Germans prefer practical gifts, and on the other, a little romantic. Gift editions of books, fairy tales, poems, or, if the budget allows, a small trip to another city or country - this is the perfect present.
Traditions. A large and important part of the Christmas holidays in Germany is Advent. German homes use several different types of advent calendars. In addition to the traditional cardboard, there are options from a wreath made of spruce branches with 24 boxes or pouches hanging from it. Each box or purse contains a small gift.
Another type is called "Advent Kranz" and is a ring of spruce branches that has four candles on it. They are similar to the Advent candles used in churches. One candle is lit at the beginning of each week during the advent period.
BRAZIL
Present. When you are invited to the house for a festive dinner, a good gift from the guest will be wine, scotch or champagne. Flowers as a token of gratitude can be sent before or after visiting guests. It's always a good idea to bring a gift for the kids, if you have any.
Brazilians are heavily influenced by Western culture, so classic themed gifts, popular in the United States, for example, will resonate with locals as well.
Traditions. Many Brazilian Christmas traditions come from Portugal as Portugal actually ruled Brazil for many years.
Christmas performances called "Os Pastores" ("The Shepherds") are very popular here, and similar plays are staged in Mexico. Brazilian versions of Christmas plays, however, traditionally feature a shepherdess and a woman who tries to steal the baby Jesus.
Most people, especially Catholics, go to the Christmas service. In general, many Christmas customs are similar to those in the United States, although in Brazil Christmas occurs in the summer when it is very hot. So on Christmas Eve a lot of people just go to the beach.
CHINA
Present. A tradition that is becoming increasingly popular in China is the giving of an apple on Christmas Eve as a gift. Many stores sell apples wrapped in colored paper for sale. People give apples on Christmas Eve because Chinese Christmas Eve is called "Ping "an Ye" (平安夜), which means a peaceful or calm evening, which can also be translated from the name of the Christian Christmas hymn "Silent Night". The Chinese word for apple is "píngguǒ" (苹果), which sounds the same as the word for the world.
The culture of China is based on the respect and importance of human relationships, and giving a gift is important way maintaining and strengthening these ties. Along with food, appointments, and compliments, physical gifts can be an important part of building relationships with colleagues, loved ones, or friends.
When giving gifts in China, it is important to think about its symbolism and importance for a particular person. Specific gifts are almost always valued - be it something that can only be found in a certain part of China or in a completely different country. An intriguing gift that can't be found in your local shop, sure to please!
Very often, the Chinese give “paired” gifts, symbolizing happiness and good luck: paired candlesticks, two tea cups, blankets, etc. But Chinese businessmen, by the way, respect cigars and wine as Christmas gifts.
Traditions and social quirks should also be considered when looking for a gift. For example, green hats are given to husbands who are caught cheating, and watches should generally be avoided as gifts, as the Chinese word for watch is closely related to the word for death.
Traditions. In China, only about 1% of the inhabitants are Christians, so most people know very little about Christmas. Because of this, Christmas is often celebrated only in major cities, where large beautiful fir trees are placed, and the streets and department stores are decorated with festive lights.
JAPAN
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Present. Heavily decorated, designer or Original gifts not respected in Japan. Here they remain faithful to centuries-old traditions and foundations, so what was customary to give 10-20 years ago is still relevant. Grocery or cosmetic sets will come in handy for almost any occasion. However, in last years young people prefer to give and receive new electronics and technology, gadgets, etc.
And along with all this, you can still (horror! - for a European, of course) give a gift specially produced for the winter holiday ... fizzy sake - a substitute for champagne.
Traditions. The widespread celebration of Christmas in Japan began only a few decades ago. This day is still not regarded as a religious holiday as there are not many Christians in Japan. However, over time, several holiday customs that came from the United States became popular here, such as sending and receiving Christmas cards and gifts.
In Japan, Christmas is associated with the moment of "spreading happiness." Christmas Eve is often celebrated more and more magnificently than Christmas itself. Christmas Eve is considered a romantic day when couples spend time together and exchange gifts. In many ways, this is reminiscent of the celebrations of Valentine's Day in the UK and the USA. Young couples go for a walk to look at the Christmas lights, or romantic dinner in a restaurant.
1. New Year's souvenirs
Souvenirs and inexpensive holiday attributes (caps, crackers, Bengal candles, figurines, etc.) are bought, as a rule, when it is not very clear what to give. Or the person frankly doesn't care.
"Trigger new year mood in holidays any combination of red and white flowers", - Elena Melnik, head of the Brand Hub service, told RG.
Sellers do not even need any special tricks: it is enough just to offer souvenir goods at the entrance, behind each rack, in the souvenir department, in the checkout area - everywhere.
2. Branded goods from companies
Who didn't want to get rid of the souvenirs that are given at work and at work? Maybe quite nice, but with the logo of some company.
Because of the uselessness of such products, many companies are refusing gifts to partners and are increasingly choosing to give money to charity, says Mark Sherman, managing partner at communications agency B&C Agency.
3. Perfume and cosmetics
Needless to say, both women's and men's perfumes are an individual matter. The situation will not be saved even by ultra-expensive perfumes. Finally, a person may have an allergy.
When choosing cosmetics, it is worth considering skin type, age, brand preferences - there are so many things that it is better not to give cosmetics at all. But on New Year's Eve there are so many cosmetic sets in beautiful packages in stores that it's hard not to be tempted. Solution: Take control.
Clothing can be especially frustrating for children who are waiting for toys and gadgets. The holiday risks turning into children's tears. Yes, and adults may not like the gift, especially if they do not fit into the gift size. In extreme cases, it is better to get by with accessories: a scarf or scarf in soothing tones should come in handy. Just not socks, of course. They should be left on February 23 (just kidding).
5. External batteries
Portable chargers came into use about five years ago. Over the years, many people have managed to accumulate two or three donated power banks. The same goes for headphones.
6. Skydiving certificates
In addition to shopping in a store, a certificate may imply services that are completely far from the material and tangible world: a culinary master class, a photo session, courses at a photo school, a trip to a spa, a tea ceremony session, diving training, guitar lessons, and so on. Also, a certificate is always an opportunity to give vivid impressions, for example, a parachute jump or a balloon flight. But the question arises: does a friend or relative need such emotions?
It is better not to take risks with such gifts.
7. Kitchen utensils
Women should not give a frying pan, pot or other kitchen utensils. This prohibition applies especially to male donors. The lady has the right to perceive it as a hint of her modest role as a housewife.
8. Household appliances for an amateur
Electric barbecue, mechanical grater, ice cream maker, deep fryer - this is an incomplete list of household appliances that can be completely useless if you do not know about the person's preferences.
9. Sweets
On the eve of the New Year, confectionery sets are sold at every step. Unfortunately, beautiful labels often hide vegetable oils, dyes and preservatives.
Recently, there has also been a trend for giant sweets. This is a five-kilogram candy or a huge lollipop. It is better not to try to surprise your friends with such a non-standard approach. The same with bouquets of sweets - not everyone will appreciate it.
10. Something alive
Both animals and plants require proper care, which not every person can provide.
It happens that a person himself dreams of a dog and therefore presents it to the second half, which, it turns out, is by no means happy. This rule also works with a number of other useless gifts. “What I would like myself, but brought to you” is generally a separate category of gifts. A knife for a girl, theater tickets for a gamer... All this is completely useless, but "with the best of intentions," Elena Melnik concludes.
buy an elephant
Why, on the eve of the New Year in stores, do we sweep away everything that comes our way? There is a general psychological atmosphere. All people are running around, there is a crush in stores, traffic jams. Just mass New Year's psychosis. Few people plan gifts in advance. Everyone has work, worries, affairs. They leave everything for the last week, so that later they can decide what is useful and good for whom to buy - this is not a birthday when you need to focus on the personality of the birthday person. A lot of people go to promotions, they say, how good, they came up with a gift for me. The words "discount", "promotion" act magically even on very intelligent people. Retail chains also conduct tastings, tests - and if you haven’t had lunch, this trick will certainly work.
