Ukraine Via Stamps: Ukrainian holidays. New Year

понедельник, 20 декабря 2010 г.

Ukrainian holidays. New Year

New Year is one the most favorite of all Ukrainian holidays. According to the most recent polls about 90% of the Ukrainians have called it their favorite holiday As in Western countries on Christmas Eve, Ukrainians give "New Year" presents. Children receive their presents under the New Year Tree on the morning of the 1st of January. Traditionally just prior to midnight there's a Presidential speech broadcast nationally. When the clock strikes Midnight, people pop open thier champaign bottles and raise a toast.

The main folk heroes of this holiday are Father Frost (Did Moroz) and his grand-daughter "Sniguron'ka" (The Snow Girl). The tradition of predicting fortunes on this night is very popular among young people.

Happy New Year