Fireworks, alcohol, music, dancing and fun until the morning. All this is the New Years's Eve in Central Europe. It does not differ much from the outside world , the differences in this celebration of the New Year must be sought in traditions or the overall understanding of this.
At the New Year's Eve in Central Europe, people usually meet their friends, families and go to various parties, restaurants, cottages or stay at home. It differs. Celebrations often last until the morning and before the midnight people count the last second of the old year. Of course, fireworks cannot be missed. People are also watching comedies and some special New Year's comic shows.
For example, in the Czech Republic, people believe that, as they do on New Year thew will do all year. This is why the first day of the new year is so important for them. However, this tradition is gradually disappearing.
In Austria, talismans and the divination of the future are important. People are trying to find out what will their new year look like through lead castings. They pour lead into water or snow. The shapes that are created can say something about the future.
In Poland, people should not clean up at the New Year's day not to sweep their fortune.
Short history of the New Year's Eve
The calendar year ended in different days in different countries and different centuries. It was March 1, March 25 or even December 25. The current New Year's Eve was introduced in the 16th century, when the Gregorian calendar was established in most western Christian countries, which attributed the beginning of the New Year to January 1.
Nevertheless, different nations still celebrate the coming of the New Year in a different way, sometimes even at another date, but everyone agrees that it is one of the most important celebrations of the year, the beginning of something new, perhaps a new chapter of life.
