The Old New Year 2014: the History of the Holiday and Its Traditions

The Old New Year in Ukraine is celebrated in the night from 13th to 14th January. It is is celebrated only on the territory of the former Soviet Union and in several European countries. Together with the Ukrainians the Old New Year is also celebrated in Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan (about 40 % of the population ), Georgia , Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro.Like on Christmas people prepare Coutu that is called generous. It is needed to be cooked early in the morning. By New Year's dinner, like at Christmas, the whole family sits together. It is very important this day to wear carefully laundered and clean clothes. After dinner all the family goes to neighbors and ask for a pardon from people they are guilty with in to meet the New Year in peace and harmony.If on Christmas in Ukraine people are singing carols that tell about the birth of the Son of God, then on the Old New year they sing ritual songs called schedrivky in which they wish all the best and prosperity in the new year. The next day, the first day of the New Year, people are visiting their relatives and congratulate them with the Old New Year.