New Year! For some, it is the smell of tangerines and sparks of fireworks, for others it is an evening on duty. But no matter how accustomed we are to this holiday, it is worth admitting: the New Year is not loved everywhere, and in some countries it is not considered something special at all. And even more so – not magical! Why is that? Let's figure it out.
Saudi Arabia: Christmas tree is banned
Let's start with the unexpected: in Saudi Arabia, the New Year is not a holiday at all. Yes, there are no colorful lights or loud fireworks, even an ordinary street Christmas tree can lead to serious problems. Why? Celebrating the New Year here is perceived as an undesirable manifestation of Western culture.
For Saudi Arabia, this day is no different from any other. A working day is a working day. The holidays here are centered around Islam, and New Year's Eve as part of Western traditions simply does not fit into the local culture.
India: too many holidays to celebrate the New Year
Now let's move to India. Here, too, the New Year is treated rather coolly, but the reason is completely different - there are too many holidays at this time.
- In the northern states, for example, they celebrate Lori. Fireworks and bonfires symbolize the end of winter, and all residents join in the celebration.
- There is also Diwali, a festival of fire, symbolizing the victory of good over evil. It is much closer to the Indian heart than the European New Year.
- Of course, the spring New Year: each state chooses its own date, most often on the day of the vernal equinox. It turns out to be a whole kaleidoscope of celebrations, against the background of which December 31 is simply lost.
And yet, Catholic Christmas in India is an official holiday. It is a little ironic that the West has brought one date to the calendar here, but passed by another.
North Korea: A Very Different Countdown
What about the DPRK? If you love unusual calendars, North Korea will definitely surprise you! Here, the years are counted from the birth of Kim Il Sung. That is, in 2025, the world celebrates 2025, and North Korea celebrates its 113th.
For a long time, the New Year as such in the country was considered an unnecessary influence of the West. Even at the beginning of the XXI century, there were almost no loud holidays. But in recent years, the situation has become more loyal, concerts, Christmas trees and festive illumination are gradually coming into use. Yes, they did not add days off in January, but they hold festive party meetings. Classic romance of New Year's Eve? Not this time.
And then why holidays?
So, what do these examples have in common? Different countries, different religions, different stories. But there is only one conclusion: there is nothing universal! Even the New Year, a seemingly borderless holiday, is closely tied to culture, beliefs, and lifestyles.
