“Rosh Hashana” – Israeli New Year is in autumn. Immigrants from Russia brought European holidays with them. But the traditional New Year without snow, fur tree and Father Frost differs in Israel. Moreover, the first of January is a regular working day.
An old, Soviet New Year postcard.
It’s a tradition in Russia to celebrate a New Year with close family members around the table. Not long before midnight, the President of Russia congratulates the citizens. When the main clock of the country at the Red Square strikes 12, everybody drinks champaign making wishes.
According to the belief, the way you meet the New Year determines the next year. That’s why everybody tries their best to celebrate it as well as possible. Tables are full of food, drinks, entertainment programs are watched on television and there are carnivals and surprise parties with presents under trees. People go to the Red Square, skate, ski, play snowballs and have fun. The holiday is long in Russia and lasts 10 days.
This year I was far away from all my relatives and friends, hoping that the superstitions don’t work when you don’t believe in them.