arrival of the New Year is always associated with the beginning of a new cycle, a new life, new ideas.It feels on itself every person on our planet, but most clearly manifested all this against the backdrop of the traditions that are still inextricably linked with nature.This phenomenon can be found in Africa, the cradle of our humanity.How to celebrate New Year in Africa than their celebration is different from ours?What are the traditions of honor residents of different countries of the "black continent"?What is the reason they have the New Year?These and many other questions, read the answers below.
How did here this holiday?
The first scenario of the New Year in Africa appeared in ancient Egypt.It is here that created the world's first calendar, which allowed people to calculate the time, not just hours, but months.New Year is coming at the end of September, when the Nile overflowed and flooded the adjacent coast.On this day on the water lowered his boat.It placed a statue of the god Amun, his wife Mut and son Khonsu.Marine surf the river for a month, and after the statue again returned to their temples.In other African tribes, who have not had a political system for a long time in the new year no one noticed.After this continent turned into a European colony, moved here and European traditions.Because now the New Year in Africa meet on January 1 and traditions have much in common with the Catholic.
The characteristic of modern rites
Before describing in detail how to celebrate the New Year in Africa, look at some aspects of the life of the people of this continent.Most of the populated territory is below the poverty line, particularly because there will not clear.In addition, men often live in the cities, while on the earnings, and women and children remain in the villages.On New Year's family is always reunited.Men bring home the generous gifts, decorations.Children decorate the house, decorated with palm trees, juniper bushes, and other plants (much like the Christmas tree, we).It arranged a feast and celebration, where the main dishes are various deli meats, and as a main drink - intoxicating homemade beer.The fact that the champagne is on sale here only in the capital, local residents can not afford.
Tanzania and Kenya particular celebration
In these countries, there is the standard by world standards, and the usual New Year for us in Africa.The tradition of New Year's celebrations are almost entirely borrowed from the Christian world.That is, the celebration takes place on January 1, many people go to church for the Christmas holidays (since this is a lot of Catholics and even Orthodox).The difference is that it's not dress up a Christmas tree and tropical plants, especially palm trees.In addition, during the calendar winter here traced the highest temperature readings.Because in the new year, people are swimming in the ocean, windsurf.
Features celebration in South Africa
This country is considered to be the richest and most developed in the entire continent.But, anyway, there is still rich live only for tourists and visitors.How to celebrate New Year in Africa, where there is inequality between the races?The main tradition of January 1 is considered the South African charity.On the central streets of the city come out to the indigenous inhabitants of the country and representatives of the government.They hand out gifts to all in need and organize a celebration at his own expense.
West Africa and its tribal customs
In the western part of the continent, you can see the most unusual New Year in Africa.Tradition is rooted in the past millennium, and they are as follows.For example, local people run a race on all fours with an egg in his mouth.It is important not to break or bite it, and do not damage the shell.After starting the ritual dances around the campfire, where leaders of the tribes themselves ispolasyvayut special knives.But their wounds immediately tightened due ointments made on the basis of native plants.
Newest tradition
We reviewed briefly, how to celebrate New Year in Africa, and how the tradition of the indigenous peoples are intertwined with European customs.Now we know which is the traditional New Year's celebration for all members of the "black diaspora" in the world.This, of course, Kwanzaa, which lasts from December 26 to January 1.During these seven days, every night lit seven candles - one black, three green and three red.When they discussed the virtues of light and the old rites that allow Africans to preserve their identity.
