December 31st in what. Events in the history of this date

Day of Solidarity of Azerbaijanis around the World

Every year on this day in sunny Azerbaijan they prepare to celebrate not only the New Year, but also the Day of National Solidarity of Azerbaijanis who live in different countries of the world. It must be said that this day was first proclaimed on the sixteenth of December 1991, it was introduced by the national leader of the Azerbaijani people, Heydar Aliyev, when he was still in the post of chairman of the Supreme Majilis of the Nakhichevan Autonomous Republic. After the proclamation, the entire Azerbaijani people accepted it as a national holiday. Several tens of millions of Azerbaijanis live all over the world, not only in their native land, but also in many Muslim countries, CIS countries, Scandinavian countries, France, Great Britain, and the countries of the Middle East. However, the largest diaspora, which numbers approximately two million people, lives in Russia. The main idea of the Day of National Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis, as Aliyev stated, is the unification and solidarity of all Azerbaijanis of the world, wherever they are, and the unification lies in respect for the national and spiritual values of the Azerbaijani people, in attachment to the historical homeland, and an unkillable feeling ideas, pride that we all belong to the Azerbaijani people.

Shchedrets

December 31st, which is celebrated by residents all over the world as the last day of the outgoing year, was previously known to everyone under the old name Shchedrets. This day ends the Christmas holidays. Since ancient times, Christians have loved this holiday in Rus'; there are a great many ancient traditions relating to this day. According to custom, in Shchedrets a table filled with dishes was certainly laid out; pork was an obligatory dish on this rich table; people believed that this dish would guarantee a good harvest and prosperity for the entire next year. Why pork, because pork meat is fatty and filling, this is how people wanted to live the coming year. Before people sat down to dinner, they entertained each other with special songs, which people called “schedrovki”. These songs were also supposed to bring good luck and prosperity. People gathered in small groups, dressed up as devils, witches and animals and walked around the village, while singing songs and begging their neighbors for various treats or money. Both adults and children took part in this ritual, absolutely everyone who had such a desire. According to custom in Shchedrets, groups of people in disguise had to go from house to house and sing schedrovkas under the windows of the neighbors. With their songs, the schernovniks begged the owners of the house for some food, household items or money. Traditionally, the owners of the house had to deny the generosity and laugh it off. In this case, the mummers sang generosity, the text of which contained comic threats. And only after this the owners were obliged to give gifts to the mummers. By treating these people, according to legend, the owners ensured good luck for their home for the whole next year. It was considered a huge shame and a bad sign if the owners did not treat the mummers; such an owner was not only called a stingy person, but it was also believed that terrible diseases, various misfortunes would overtake him, and he would have a bad harvest. This is how people walked around in the evening singing and collecting various treats in bags, and when the bags were full, the mummers went to their home and sat down with their family at a rich table to celebrate this wonderful holiday. Saint Sylvester's Day

On the eve of the New Year, in some Catholic countries, namely in European countries, the population celebrates St. Sylvester's Day. This wonderful holiday becomes more majestic, more fun and more diverse from year to year. On St. Sylvester's Day, all people have fun, joke a lot, eat with pleasure and everyone is waiting for the New Year to come. What is the history of this holiday? There is a legend that in 314 AD, Pope Sylvester I caught a terrible monster of an ominous archaic serpent called Leviathan. According to legend, in the year 1000 this serpent was supposed to break out and destroy the entire world. Sylvester caught him and saved people from this grief. This legend has existed since ancient times and is passed on by our ancestors from generation to generation. Saint Sylvester went to heaven on December 31st, and since then the day of his death has been revered as Saint Sylvester's Day. On this holiday, it is customary to dress up in masquerade costumes; dressed people call themselves Sylvester Claus. In some countries, by tradition, the last day of the year is called “Sylvester”.

Hogmanay

This holiday begins to be celebrated on the last evening of December, and it lasts all night. Hogmanay is considered the same New Year, only in the Scottish national style. The celebration of this day includes a whole torchlight procession and a variety of beautiful fiery entertainments. This day is rich in fun parties, performances and original attractions. The most significant Hogmanay events associated with the celebration of this festival take place in Edinburgh and Glasgow. If we talk about the origin of the word Hogmanay, it is quite doubtful. Some say it originated from the Gaelic word "oge maidne", the literal translation being "new morning", and other historical sources claim that the origin of this holiday originated from the Anglo-Saxon phrase, which was written as "Haleg Moneth". and was translated as “holy month.” However, it doesn’t really matter which version is truly true, the only thing that matters is that this is a very important ancient holiday, it was celebrated even by pagans who worshiped fire and the sun in winter. The main symbol of the Hogmanay holiday is considered to be fire. It was lit when it got dark on December 31st; thanks to the lit fire, the transfer of wisdom from the past year to the new year is accomplished. It is generally accepted that all the negative thoughts and adversities that were in the past year have come to an end, and people enter the new year with pure hope in their souls. This is precisely why the fire procession and other events associated with the fire element play an important role. A very important event on this day is the “kylie” dance and the so-called “sign of the first foot”; this sign lies in the prosperity of the family into which the most noble guest enters first. It was considered very important that he be dark-haired and not have any physical flaws on his body.

Feast of the Nineteenth Day of the Month of Sharaf

According to the Gregorian calendar, on this day they begin to celebrate Sharaf, which means “Honor” when translated from Arabic. According to the 19-month Baha'i calendar, this particular day is due to an important holiday called the Nineteenth Day of the Month of Sharaf. As you know, all major world religions cultivate only positive qualities in people. In the event of negative manifestations, it was believed that the culprit was fanaticism and a misunderstanding of the very essence of this righteous teaching. According to historical data, the founder of this holiday is considered to be the prophet Bahá’u’lláh; after all, it was he who proposed such a faith as the Bahá’ís. In addition, she states the fact that if suddenly a religion has created discord and hatred, one must abandon this religion. Because it is religion that should bring people strong friendship and true love.

December 31st in the folk calendar

Modestov Day

December 31, this is the last day of the passing year, on this day the memory of St. Modest, who served as archbishop in Jerusalem in the seventh century, is celebrated. According to historical data, Modest was born into a Christian family in Asia Minor. He was just a boy when he became attracted to the hermit's life and took monastic vows. After some time, the young man became the abbot of the monastery of St. Theodosius the Great in Palestine. When Persian troops attacked Syria and Palestine, they destroyed Christian churches and captured the Jerusalem patriarch Zechariah. At that time, Modestus was assigned to govern the entire Jerusalem church. Later, Modest restored the destroyed Christian shrines, buried the remains of the killed people, and Patriarch John the Merciful helped him in this difficult task. However, after about fourteen years, Patriarch Zachary returned from captivity, and Modest transferred all his temporary powers back to him. As fate would have it, the patriarch died, and Modest again took over his post.

In ancient Rus', Saint Modest was considered the guardian of livestock; Christians prayed to him to protect their domestic animals from death and predatory animals that could attack livestock in droves. According to the old custom, on Modestos Day, men, as usual, tripled their brotherhood, a kind of collective feast, at which meat snacks were a mandatory dish. It was believed that in this manner they expressed gratitude to the saint for taking care of herds of domestic animals. Women were strictly forbidden to play cards on this day. Christians believed that if women played cards, then in the summer the chickens would eat all the cucumbers and the harvest would be lost. On this day one could predict fate for the entire next year. For prediction, they used the current on which bread was threshed. Anyone who wanted to know his share lay down on the current and listened: if something knocks under the questioner, this foreshadows death, ringing sounds were heard, which means there will soon be a wedding, and if the fortuneteller hears threshing, it means he will be rich.

There was also such a custom: on the evening of December 31, you had to take twelve boxes, pour salt into them, name each box with the name of one of the twelve months, and the next morning people checked the boxes. If the salt in a box becomes wet or melts, the month for which the box is named will be wet.
It was also believed that the weather in June should be the same as on this holiday.

Historical events of December 31

1968 Testing of the world's first passenger supersonic aircraft

The first flight of the unique aircraft took place on December 31, 1968. In 1971, at the international exhibition of aviation technology in France, the Tu-144 made a number of demonstration flights. It pleasantly surprised the guests and organizers of the international show with its appearance and aerodynamic capabilities. The supersonic speed of the airliner allowed it to cover the distance in one hour that a conventional plane covered in 2 hours. In addition, for its time the ship had a rather unusual structure and design, which aroused admiration and surprise from ordinary people and specialists. However, despite its original external characteristics and amazing aerodynamic capabilities, in practical use the aircraft turned out to be quite weak in technical terms. The disaster that occurred in 1973 at Le Bourget serves as confirmation of the technical imperfection of the aircraft. During the accident, all crew members died; the causes of the plane crash have not yet been clarified. In 1975, the Tu-144 made its first long-distance flight on the Moscow-Alma-Ata route, the flight passed without incident. Since 1977, regular passenger flights on this aircraft began to be carried out on the Moscow-Alma-Ata route. Only two vessels operated on the route. In addition, specially trained pilots were allowed to fly the Tu-144; Aeroflot flight personnel were accepted on board only as reserve pilots. A ticket for the airliner was more expensive than for a regular Tu. Due to imperfect technical characteristics and constantly occurring incidents, the operation of the vessel was called into question. In 1978, there was another plane crash, which put an end to the passenger career of the Tu-144. Subsequently, the aircraft was used for postal transportation for some time, but was soon decommissioned.

1999 Boris Yeltsin resigned

On New Year's Eve 1999, the first president of Russia, Boris Yeltsin, resigned. Powers were transferred to then Prime Minister Vladimir Putin. In his televised address, Boris Nikolayevich informed Russians about the serious state of his health and the impossibility of fully fulfilling the duties of the President of the Russian Federation. Boris Yeltsin left the presidency early, which became a precedent in Russian history of the 20th century. For Russian people, President Yeltsin went down in history as the first president of independent Russia, as a democrat and reformer. Boris Nikolaevich was distinguished by his unique Russian flavor, open soul and true love for his homeland. In his last address as head of state, Yeltsin expressed hope that with the coming to power of young and talented politicians, Russia would receive a new impetus in its development. The President expressed hope that the foreign and domestic policies he pursues will be preserved in basic terms by his successor. The President also apologized to Russian citizens for mistakes made and broken promises. After his resignation, Boris Nikolaevich retired, and in April 2000 he was awarded a certificate of a pensioner and a labor veteran. Soon after Yeltsin resigned as head of state, presidential elections were held in the country, which V.V. Putin won. However, as subsequent events showed, Putin began to pursue a policy of centralization and usurpation of power, which was fundamentally different from the democratic style of rule of Boris Yeltsin. The Yeltsin era is difficult trials for the Russian people, which they passed with honor, including thanks to Boris Nikolaevich Yeltsin.

1857 Ottawa declared capital of Canada

In 1857, on December 31, Queen Victoria of Great Britain declared the capital of colonial Canada, a small village in the south of the colony - Ottawa. In the past, on the site of the village there was a kind of import, that is, a place for trade, where Indian tribes held fairs. Later, during the colonization of the continent, a lumberjack settlement arose on the site of Ottawa, which 40 years later was declared the capital of the new colony. At that distant time, Ottawa was the only populated area that existed in the region of the great American lakes. In 1867, Ottawa became the official capital of the Dominion of Canada. Today Ottawa is a large city, the fourth largest in the country. Ottawa serves not only as the capital of the state, the city is an important cultural and economic center of the country. Ottawa's population is approaching one million people. Ottawa is a very green and clean city. In the capital of Canada there is no such thing as outskirts, because the city, both in the center and on the outskirts, is well-groomed and clean. Neat cottages, tidy streets and manicured lawns, richly decorated government offices and a perfectly preserved old town make Ottawa one of the most beautiful cities in the world. A traveler who has visited the capital of Canada at least once will never forget the comfort and beauty of this city.

year 2009 Terrorist attack in Espoo

On December 31, 2009, in one of the shopping centers in the Finnish city of Espoo, a mentally ill native of Albania opened indiscriminate fire at employees and visitors of the shopping center. As a result, several people died and dozens were seriously injured. The terrorist turned out to be an Albanian citizen, Ibrahim Shkupolli. Presumably the reason for this act was a quarrel with his beloved. During the conflict, Ibrahim killed the girl in her home and then headed to the shopping center. Having staged a bloody showdown there, Ibrahim committed suicide by shooting himself in the head. Ibrahim came to Finland to work; he was married in his homeland, but this did not stop him from having an affair far from his homeland. The investigation also established that the deceased girl worked in the same shopping center where the tragedy occurred. The criminal first began shooting at cars standing near the shopping center, and then broke into the center building. After the shooting at the shopping center, Ibrahim went to his brother's house, but the police soon arrived there. Not wanting to surrender to the hands of justice, Ibrahim shot himself at 11:13 am. After such a daring crime, the Finnish government decided to reconsider the principles of migration policy. It is planned to tighten the conditions for immigration into the country, and for some countries to limit them altogether.

2007 Elections to the Parliament of Bhutan

On December 31, elections were held for Bhutan's new parliament, the National Council. The number of council deputies is not large, only 25 members. It is interesting that the people elect 20 deputies, the remaining 5 are appointed by the king. Elections are held under direct voting conditions in twenty provinces. The number of voters does not exceed 313,000 people. According to Bhutan's electoral law, provincial elections can only take place if at least two candidates compete for a parliamentary mandate. In the first election campaign in five provinces, elections did not take place due to the presence of only one candidate, or the complete absence of candidates for the deputy mandate. Elections to the National Council differ significantly from elections to the National Assembly. Elections to the Assembly are held according to party lists, and to the National Council according to a majoritarian system. They try to elect people respected by the people, representing the interests of all sectors of society, to the national council. Candidates for the national council must strictly meet two main criteria: not be a member of any political party and have completed higher education. Candidates are selected by special assemblies, "zomdus", convened in each province. Thus, the Constitutional reform carried out in Bhutan gives hope for building a democratic society in the country.

Born on December 31

Anthony Hopkins(1937), American actor, director

The actor was born in Great Britain in the city of Port Talbot, County Wales. When the guy was twenty-six years old, he graduated from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. After graduating, he played in amateur theater and unexpectedly won a scholarship, which gave him the opportunity to study at the College of Theater and Music in Cardiff. He studied there for two years and was drafted into the army. After serving, Anthony was invited to audition for Sir Laurence Olivier, who at that time directed the National Theater. After two years, Hopkins became Olivier's understudy. Once in the midst of artistic bohemia, the previously unsociable Anthony blossomed before our eyes. He became very sociable and was called “the life of the party.” Soon he began to play in Shakespeare productions, and in cinema he played his first role in 1968, it was a historical film. Then the British Academy recognized this film as the best, and Anthony Hopkins was recognized as the best leading role. Tony was very happy, because this was his first award. The actor appeared on American screens in 1973; critics wrote that this was Hopkins’ most successful role in his acting career. This was followed by many films and performances with Tony's participation. And in 1987, Queen Elizabeth awarded Anthony a knighthood, which meant that his services to British art were appreciated throughout the world in his homeland. Subsequently, he was nominated for an Oscar as the best leading actor and won the title of Best Actor. The actor showed his talent as a director in 1996, released a film based on A.P. Chekhov, personally wrote the music for the film and, moreover, starred in the title role. Then he shot various films, and he himself took part in them, if not the main role, then certainly an episodic role. Anthony Hopkins has a professional gift for acting. Each of his roles is not played, but lived by the actor.

Semyon Farada(1933-2009), outstanding comedian

The outstanding artist was born in the Moscow region, on December 31, 1933, in the village of Nikolskoye. Surname at birth, Ferdman. He received his higher education at Bauman University, after graduating he began working as an engineer. Since 1970, Farada begins to try herself on the stage. In 1972, the young artist was invited to work at the Taganka Drama and Comedy Theater. There he plays in productions: “The Master and Margarita”, “Hamlet”, “The Good Man from Szechwan”, etc. Farada first appeared in films in the late 1960s, in the film “Vacation in the Stone Age”. Having seen the actor's comedic talent, directors began to invite Farada to comedic roles. In the films “That Same Munchausen”, “Garage”, “After the Rain on Thursday”, “Sorcerers”, “Formula of Love” Farad plays brilliantly, for which he receives a number of prizes and awards. The great actor played in more than 70 films, and each of his roles became original and unique. The actor’s last famous film works were: “Midshipmen, Forward” and “Private Detective, or Operation-Cooperation.” In 1999, the artist was awarded the title of People's Artist of Russia. In recent years, Semyon Lvovich was seriously ill; after suffering two strokes, the actor became disabled. Long-term treatment and rehabilitation did not produce a significant effect. In recent years, the artist was in a helpless state and needed round-the-clock care and attention.

Elizaveta Zarubina(1900-1987), Soviet intelligence officer, KGB lieutenant colonel

The outstanding Soviet intelligence officer was born on December 31, 1900, in the Moldavian village of Rzhaventsy. She graduated from the Faculty of Philology of the University and was fluent in Romanian, English, German and French. Since his youth, he has been a member of communist organizations in the underground Komsomol organization of Bessarabia and the Communist Party of Austria. In 1925, she accepted Soviet citizenship and began working as a translator for the USSR Trade Representative in Vienna. In 1928, she underwent training and special training in Moscow, where she was given personal documents in the name of me, Elizaveta Yuryevna Gorskaya. There she marries intelligence officer Vasily Zarubin. In 1929, Soviet intelligence services introduced the Zarubins into the Western European community. Posing as a Czech married couple, the Zarubins travel to Denmark and from there head to Paris. The Zarubins were distinguished by their high professionalism and sense of duty, and unlike other intelligence masters, the married couple never failed. In the 1990s, it became known about the great contribution of the Zarubins in discovering the secrets of creating the American atomic bomb. Elizaveta Yulievna was an extremely beautiful woman, she was brought up in the spirit of high culture and education. In everyday life, the intelligence officer was unusually modest and shy. Thanks to her dedicated work, she rose to the highest rank for a woman, lieutenant colonel of the State Security Committee. Even during her lifetime, she was called a legendary intelligence officer.

Pierre-Charles de Villeneuve(1763-1806), admiral of the French fleet

The admiral was born on December 31, 1763, into a noble family. From the age of 15 he served in the naval guard. Takes part in the colonial wars in America. In 1786 he was transferred to the Mediterranean Fleet, where he already commanded a ship. During Napoleon's reign, Pierre successfully moved up the career ladder. He takes part in Napoleon's Egyptian campaign, but behaves very contradictorily. On the one hand, he takes command of the fleet, instead of the deceased Admiral Bruet, and on the other, he surrenders to the British off the coast of Malta. Despite the first failures, in 1904, Napoleon appointed Pierre-Charles, rear admiral of the fleet. A year later, Pierre-Charles de Villeneuve became commander of the entire French fleet. Conducts an unsuccessful Franco-Spanish naval operation against the English fleet. Goes on a trip to the Caribbean Islands. In general, Napoleon is not very happy with the admiral, de Villeneuve, often violates the orders of the emperor, and in emergency situations he shows passivity and weakness. This happened during a joint Franco-Spanish operation, during which the admiral simply abandoned his allies and retreated. Some historians explain this contradictory behavior of the admiral, the poor state of the French fleet and the admiral's desire to maneuver and avoid complete defeat is an attempt to preserve the fleet. His last unsuccessful battle was the Battle of Cape Trafalgar, in which the admiral suffered a crushing defeat. This ends the career of Pierre-Charles as a military strategist.

Emile Loubet(1838-1929), President of France

Born in the town of Marsanne, France. He began his career as a lawyer. In 1885 he was elected to the Senate, and a year later became a minister. In 1892, he was appointed Prime Minister of France, but did not stay in this post for long and soon resigned due to behind-the-scenes games and political scandals. Two years later he again becomes the country's prime minister. After this, he is elected president of the Senate. In 1899, Loubet was elected President of the third French Republic. In those days, the President of France was elected in Parliament. During the reign of Emile Lube, the foundation of the state apparatus was laid in France, and permanent ministries appeared. In the period before the First World War, the president took an active part in the creation of the anti-German coalition - the Entente. Maintains close ties with the English and Russian courts. Makes state visits to England and Russia. Met with Emperor Nicholas and King Edward of England. By nature, President Loubet was an honest and respectable person, he tried to find a compromise in conflicts, and strictly followed the laws and the constitution. Never violated presidential protocol. After the end of his presidential term, he settled in the small town of Montelimar, whose residents asked Emil to be their mayor. The president lived a long life and almost lived to be 91.

Name day December 31st

Georgy, Vera, Elizaveta, Mark, Zoya, Sergey, Fedor.

Since then, on December 31, people dress up in fancy dress and call themselves Sylvester Claus. And in some countries, the tradition of calling the last day of the outgoing year “Sylvester” has been preserved. Therefore, the question “Where will you go for Sylvester?”, which can be heard on New Year’s Eve in many countries, means “Where will you celebrate the New Year?”

New Year's Eve
In many countries of the world, this is the last day of the calendar year, and although it is not a holiday in the literal sense, many inhabitants of the earth live in anticipation of miracles and magic.

Active preparations are underway for New Year's Eve, people are trying to finish things off, pay off all their debts, buy food for the festive table and organize the New Year's celebration itself.

Saint Sylvester's Day (Catholic countries)
In many states where the majority of the population professes the Catholic religion, such a holiday is celebrated. A legend is associated with it that Pope Sylvester managed to catch Leviathan, the famous Old Testament serpent monster.

The Pope passed away on December 31, on this day Catholics remember him, hold services, organize masquerades and costume balls. And they even gave the name to the last day of the calendar year - “Sylvester”.

Holidays around the world

Day of National Solidarity of Azerbaijanis (Azerbaijan)
The holiday is celebrated magnificently not only in Azerbaijan itself, but also in other countries of the world where there are representatives of this nationality. For the first time, the celebrations of the Azerbaijani Solidarity Day took place in 1991, they were initiated by Heydar Aliyev, in the future he will occupy the main position in the country.

Various cultural events are held, the purpose of which is to preserve traditions, restore ancient crafts, and preserve intangible cultural heritage.

Customs Workers Day (Kyrgyzstan)
The holiday appeared in the Kyrgyz calendar in 2006, according to a decree of the Government of Kyrgyzstan. The date was not chosen by chance; it recalls the presidential decree, which laid the foundations of the customs service in the state.

On the day of their professional holiday, Kyrgyz customs officers accept congratulations from management and family members, gifts and warm words of wishes, well-deserved awards and certificates await the best customs service employees.

Holidays according to the national calendar December 31, 2018

Modestov Day
If in the Catholic tradition, Sylvester, the Pope of Rome, is commemorated on the last day of the year, then the Orthodox Church honors Archbishop Modest. He was ordained in Jerusalem and served in the Jerusalem church. The saint restored this temple from ruins after an attack by Persian troops.

On the day of the national holiday, the peasants tried to see, or rather, hear their fate. They lay down on the current, where the threshing of bread usually took place, and listened, the knocking foreshadowed death, the ringing of bells - a wedding, the sounds of threshing - wealth. The weather on Modestov Day predicted weather conditions in June.

For the Orthodox - Sophia, Vera, Zoya, Elizabeth, Modest, Nikolai, George, Martin, Ilya, Mark, Sergei, Semyon, Fedor.

For Catholics - Sylvester, Catherine.

Events in the history of this date

1774 - the death sentence was announced to Emelyan Pugachev and his comrades in the uprising.

1877 - victory of the Russian army over the Turkish in the Battle of Tashkisen.

1898 - a telephone line connecting Moscow and St. Petersburg began operation.

1917 - the first Soviet government of Latvia, called the new Iskolat, began work.

1917 - The Council of People's Commissars made an unprecedented decision to grant independence to Finland.

1935 - the era of electric trains began in the Soviet Union, the first one connected Leningrad and Krasnoe Selo.

1943 – Zhitomir is liberated from the fascist invaders.

1968 - Russian aircraft designers launched the first supersonic aircraft on the planet (Tu-144).

1999 - Boris Yeltsin leaves the post of President of the Russian Federation, Vladimir Putin is introduced into the acting position.

Celebrities born on this day

1378 - Pope, known as Calixta III (in the world Alfonso de Borgia).

1771 – Polish poet and writer Kajetan Kozman.

1842 - Italian artist Giovanni Boldini.

1874 – original storyteller and artist Efim Chestnyakov.

1928 – actress, People's Artist of the USSR Tatyana Shmyga.

1930 - another People's Artist of the USSR, remembered for his heroic roles, Anatoly Kuznetsov.

1933 - famous actor, master of comedy Semyon Farada.

Where did this date come from to celebrate the New Year in winter? Everyone's favorite holiday New Year has a very complicated history, the beginning of which leads to the deep past.

As you and I know, the countdown new Year begins in winter on the night from January 1 to December 31. But why exactly this date and not another and why in winter when everything is frozen and everything is asleep?

The Romans first began celebrating the New Year during the reign of Emperor Julius Caesar, who also set the date of the New Year for January 1. And from then on it went on and on.

After the Romans, Europeans began to celebrate the New Year, and then it became widespread in Rus'.

Previously, our ancestors were Slavs noted two holidays: the first at the end of winter and at the beginning of spring, which was similar to the current Maslenitsa, the second holiday was celebrated at the end of December after the winter solstice. People gathered and made sacrifices to their gods. An angry old man with a beard and a large bag walked from house to house and collected donations from citizens, looking like the present-day Santa Claus.

After the Baptism of Rus' under the influence of the Byzantines, New Year in Rus' noted September 1, which was timed to coincide with the harvest. This was an amazing idea, since it was easier for the evil old man with a sack to collect taxes immediately after the new harvest.

But then Peter 1 came to power and in 1699 issued a decree that New Year will be celebrated in Rus' in winter on the night of December 31st to January 1st.

The Christmas tree came to us from Germany with the wife of Emperor Nicholas I, Empress Alexandra Feodorovna, who was German.

An angry old man with a big bag turned into Father Frost, who did not collect taxes, but distributed gifts to all children and those who wanted them.

In 1929, the Soviet Union announced the abolition of the New Year. And only in 1935 the holiday New Year was returned. From the beginning to children and then to adults, for residents of the Soviet Union, the New Year was celebrated in winter on the night of December 31 to January 1.

Since then, today, celebrating the New Year has become a tradition and one of the favorite holidays of Russians.

Are we right now celebrate new year in winter on the night of December 31st to January 1st?

After all, the New Year in Rus' has been celebrated since time immemorial on March 1, the day of the vernal equinox. Everything wakes up after hibernation, everything around comes to life, birds fly in from distant lands. Winter is a symbol of death and the end of the year, only spring can be a symbol of life, revitalization and the beginning.

It would be logical to celebrate the New Year on the day of the spring equinox. When the sun, having completed its cycle of circulation, goes on a new circle, and everything begins anew.

Many peoples of the world celebrate the New Year correctly, in the month of March, they call it Navruz. These are countries such as Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Iran, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and others. And we Slavs have lost our roots. Any astronomer will tell you that celebrate new year in winter on the night of December 31st to January 1st it is wrong. This date has nothing to do with the New Year. So think and ponder whether it is right for us to celebrate the New Year in the middle of winter.

On December 31, Russians celebrate the New Year.
December 31 is the last day of the outgoing year. On this day, all people prepare for the holiday. They decorate the Christmas trees and prepare the festive table. Children are especially looking forward to this holiday, as they expect Santa Claus with gifts before the New Year.
Everyone believes that on the night from December 31 to January 1, miracles happen and wishes come true. On this holiday, we are surrounded by our closest people, and New Year's greetings are heard. How our destiny will develop in the coming year depends on what kind of New Year greetings we hear. After all, if you sincerely wish a person happiness, it will definitely happen. Therefore, you need to take the choice of New Year greetings with great responsibility. It is important that New Year’s greetings are original, addressed to a specific person. Every person dreams of something of his own, strives for his goal. And if your New Year greetings consist of banal wishes for “good luck and health,” no one will believe in your sincerity. To avoid this, order a text of New Year's greetings to professionals. We will compose Happy New Year greetings that will change the lives of your family and friends for the better!
The most beloved holiday in all countries, where it is celebrated in different ways, is the New Year.
The tradition of celebrating the New Year originated in the third millennium AD, when at the end of March the water in the Tigris and Euphrates rose, after which agricultural work began. For 12 days, this event was celebrated with carnivals and masquerades, and during these days any work and courts were prohibited. While in Babylonian captivity, the Jews borrowed the tradition of celebrating the New Year. From them this tradition passed on to the Greeks, and from the Greeks to Western Europe.
After the introduction of a new calendar by Julius Caesar, the New Year began to be counted from January 1st. From this auspicious day, the Romans began all their major events, making sacrifices to their god Janus.
In the last minutes of the passing year, all Russians gather in front of the “blue screens” of their televisions to listen to the President give a congratulatory speech. With the last chimes and various fireworks, the long-awaited New Year begins.

Saint Sylvester's Day.

On the very eve of the New Year, December 31, in many Catholic countries, particularly in European countries, St. Sylvester's Day is celebrated. Through everyone's efforts, the holiday becomes bigger, more fun and colorful every year. On this day, everyone has fun, jokes, eats, drinks a lot and waits for the arrival of the New Year.
What is the history of this holiday? According to legend, in 314 AD, Pope Sylvester captured a terrible monster - the monstrous Old Testament serpent Leviathan. It was believed that in the year 1000 this monster would break free and destroy the world. To everyone's joy, this did not happen - Sylvester defeated the snake and did not let people offend.
Sylvester died on New Year's Eve 336, December 31st. The day of his death is revered as the day of St. Sylvester.
Since then, on December 31, people dress up in fancy dress and call themselves Sylvester Claus. And in some countries, the tradition of calling the last day of the outgoing year “Sylvester” has been preserved. Therefore, the question “Where will you go for Sylvester?”, which can be heard on New Year’s Eve in many countries, means “Where will you celebrate the New Year?”

Events of December 31st.

1600 - The British East India Company is created.
1621 - Peace of Mikulov (Nikolsburg) between the Transylvanian prince Gabor Bethlen and Emperor Ferdinand II of Habsburg.
1741 - the grenadier company of the Life Guards Preobrazhensky Regiment, with the assistance of which Empress Elizaveta Petrovna was enthroned, received the name Life Campaign with a special uniform and banner.
1774 - completion of the trial of participants in the Pugachev uprising. The death sentence was handed down to Emelyan Pugachev, Maxim Shigaev and others.
1799 - the final termination of the privileges of the East India Company.
1825 - in front of the line of rebel soldiers of the Chernigov regiment, the revolutionary proclamation “Orthodox Catechism”, written by Muravyov-Apostol and M.P. Bestuzhev-Ryumin, was read, calling for armed action against autocracy, serfdom and conscription.
1877 - during the Russian-Turkish War, Russian troops under the command of Joseph Gurko defeat the Turks at Tashkisen.
1888 - The founding congress of the Austrian Social Democratic Party opened.
1898 - the first intercity telephone line Moscow - St. Petersburg was opened.
1899 - the beginning of ephemeris time (year).
1907 - end of the trial of the signatories of the Vyborg Appeal.
1917 - at the Congress of Soviets of Latvia and Valmiera, a new Iskolat (in fact, the first Soviet government of Latvia) was elected.
1917 - Soviet power was established in Rostov.
1917 - decree of the Council of People's Commissars recognizing the state independence of Finland.
1917 - by decree of the Council of People's Commissars the offices of the State Duma and the Provisional Committee were abolished.
1918 - The German army left Vilnius.
1918 - the newspaper Rote Fahne becomes the central organ of the German Communist Party.
1918 - Soviet troops occupied Ufa.
1919 - during the Donbass operation, units of the 6th Cavalry Division of the Red Army in the Alekseevo-Leonovo area defeated the Markov Infantry Division. The Bolsheviks gain control of Donbass.
1919 - Soviet power was restored in Makeevka.
1926 - The Latin Monetary Union officially ceased to exist.
1935 - the first electric train departed from the Baltic station to Krasnoe Selo.
1941 - The city of Belev is liberated.
1942 - first issue of the Bulgarian newspaper "Fatherland Front".
1942 - troops of the Stalingrad Front completely defeated the 4th Romanian Army and inflicted a heavy defeat on the 4th German Tank Army.
1943 - first meeting of the Crajova Rada of the People, the provisional parliament of Poland.
1943 - liberation of Zhitomir.
1944 - The Craiova Rada of the People passes a decree transforming the Polish Committee of National Liberation into the Provisional Government of the Polish Republic.
1944 - Montenegro is liberated.
1945 - AMGOT transferred the last areas of Italy under its control to the Italian authorities, effectively ceasing to exist.
1946 - completion of the evacuation of British and French troops from Lebanon.
1952 - protocol on the gratuitous transfer by the Soviet government to the government of the People's Republic of China of all rights to jointly manage the Chinese Railways with all its property.
1960 - trolleybus service was opened in Volgograd.
1963 - dissolution of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.
1965 - Primorsky Territory and Khabarovsk Territory were awarded the Order of Lenin.
1966 - an earthquake of magnitude 8 on the British islands of St. Croix in Oceania.
1968 - cessation of the activities of the United Socialist Party of Iceland due to its entry into the People's Union electoral bloc.
1968 - the world's first flight of the Tu-144 supersonic passenger aircraft.
1970 - The Kemerovo region was awarded the Order of Lenin for the second time.
1975 - a seasonal research station and expeditionary base, Druzhnaya, was opened in the coastal part of the Filchner Ice Shelf in West Antarctica.
1994 - First Chechen War: Russian troops launched an assault on Grozny.
1999 - Boris Yeltsin resigns as President of the Russian Federation. Vladimir Putin has been appointed acting president.

Happy New Year to everyone!