European traditions. Abstract: Calendar customs and rituals of the peoples of Northern Europe

Many of the tourists, deciding to go on vacation to a new European country, are completely unaware that the customs and traditions in Europe are fundamentally different from Russian standards. Each country, for example, has its own rules of etiquette and violation of them can at least make a tourist blush for his behavior, so it’s better to get acquainted with the traditions of the peoples of Europe before you go on a trip.

In this article, I would like to dwell on etiquette in Europe, as well as on the wedding and culinary traditions of the Old World.

The concept of etiquette came into widespread use in the 17th century. During the reign of the French king Louis XIV, before one of their receptions, all guests were given cards in which some rules of conduct were written at this very reception. It was etiquette, as a tradition of Western Europe, that quickly spread to other countries of the continent, and then to the whole world.

In Western European countries, etiquette developed under the great influence of traditional customs. Different layers of society, prejudices and superstitions, religious rites determined the development of etiquette in those days.

At present, many believe that modern etiquette has inherited only the best of the customs and traditions of Europe, being passed down from generation to generation. And if some norms of behavior have remained unchanged to this day, then, probably, there is no need to argue with folk wisdom.

However, do not forget that some requirements regarding etiquette are rather conditional and directly depend on time, place and circumstances.

For example, we can recall that just a few centuries ago a man could carry a sword, dagger or saber on his left side, and if a woman walked next to him, then naturally, so as not to touch the weapon, she walked to his right. Now there are no such interferences (except in families where the man is a military man), but the tradition has been preserved.

In modern Europe, over a long period of its development, the traditions and customs of countries have intermingled with each other. This largely applies to the preparation and conduct of wedding celebrations.

Some of the wedding traditions of Europe are well known to the people of Russia, but others can be a real revelation for us.

For example, in Hungary, the bride must take off her shoes and put them in the middle of the room, and whoever wants to invite her to dance must throw coins into the shoes. The same custom is common at weddings in Portugal.

At weddings in Romania, newlyweds are showered with millet, nuts or rose petals.

A bride in Slovakia should present her chosen one with a ring and a silk shirt embroidered with gold threads. And the groom in return should give her a silver ring, a fur hat, a rosary and a chastity belt.

In Norway, the bride and groom must plant two Christmas trees, and in Switzerland - a pine tree.

At German weddings, before the ceremony, the bride's friends and relatives break dishes near her house, and the French newlyweds drink wine from a goblet as a sign of happiness and love.

A festive banquet in Holland is usually held before the wedding ceremony itself.

English brides pin a horseshoe or mace of happiness on their wedding dress.

The heads of brides in Finland must be decorated with a crown.

Before the start of the wedding in Sweden, the bride puts two coins in her shoes that her parents gave her - her mother is gold, and her father is silver.

Each such wedding tradition in European countries is unique, and the best part is that even after many years they do not lose their relevance and live in the memory of modern Europeans.

The culinary traditions of Europe are not the oldest in the world, but the innate enterprise and curiosity of its inhabitants have made the cuisine of the continent extremely complex and varied.

The culinary traditions of the peoples of Europe are amazing recipes of national dishes from different countries. This is rather a collective concept, because each country can be proud of its own culinary features and traditions.

In Central Europe, Polish and Hungarian dishes predominate. Crown recipes are the preparation of goulash, strudel, vegetable soup with dill, etc.

Dishes of Eastern Europe are extremely diverse. The customs of cooking were passed on to modern residents from the nomads who settled these lands many centuries ago.

In Western Europe, French cuisine is distinguished, the chefs of which know a lot about vegetables and good wine. The neighbors of the French - the Germans cannot imagine their life without potatoes, meat and beer.

The cuisine of Northern Europe is extremely diverse. From beer with chips or fish to creme brulee and chocolate fudge.

Particularly noteworthy are the recipes for duck in orange sauce and chicken huntsman.

A distinctive feature of South European cuisine is the addition of wine to many dishes, which is also served without fail on the table before a meal.

In conclusion, the article should be noted that, starting from the second half of the 20th century, the concept of mass culture arose in Europe - a characteristic phenomenon in the 20th century, which was caused by mass consumption and production.

Mass culture has rapidly embraced various spheres of life, and most fully manifested itself in the youth subculture (for example, rock music, etc.).

There was a noticeable strengthening of it thanks to the media, raising the level of literacy of the population and the development of information technology.

For more than two millennia, on one day of the year, greetings have been heard: “Christ is Risen! He is truly Risen!" Such exclamations are heard on Easter - the favorite and main Christian holiday, symbolizing victory over death, when light replaces darkness. It is celebrated in the spring, after the appearance of the first flowers, which adorn dwellings and temples, rooms and festive tables. And each country has its own Easter traditions, which we will get acquainted with in more detail.

Easter Traditions in Western and Central Europe

England. Easter for many Britons is a more significant and colorful religious holiday than Christmas, and even schools close for two weeks for spring break. Temples are decorated with decorated eggs, flowering daffodils and willow branches. Residents of the UK attend the Easter service in the evening, ending after midnight, and then rejoice at the end of Lent and congratulate those around them on the start of a new life. After visiting the temple, the British eat Easter cake with their families.

Germany. Easter is preceded by Good Friday, and most Germans consume fish dishes on this day. On Friday and Saturday, Germans are not supposed to work, and on Saturday evening in many German cities a grandiose Easter bonfire. Such an event is very popular, so many locals come to see the fire. Fire symbolizes the end of winter, as well as the burning of all negative feelings. On Sunday morning, almost every family eats breakfast together. After lunch on Sunday, they visit relatives and friends, chat and drink tea together.

On the eve, parents hide baskets with all kinds of sweets, small gifts and Easter eggs, and then the kids look for them in all the rooms of the house. It is believed that sweets bring Easter Bunny, and such a character also has pagan roots. At that time, the Germans believed in various gods, including the goddess of spring and fertility, Eostra. In her honor, at the onset of spring, festive events were held, and the main events fell on the day of the vernal equinox.
Rabbit identified with Eostra due to its fertility, therefore, in the pre-Christian era, it was also associated with the arrival of spring. In the 14th century, a legend spread in Germany about a mystical Easter bunny that hid eggs in the garden.

The Germans later brought this legend to the United States, where later a tradition appeared to give children marzipan or chocolate sweet bunnies, and it subsequently merged with the religious holiday of Easter. Now, almost in all European countries, children are given painted multi-colored eggs, and sweet rabbits or bunnies.

Another legend is connected with the biblical story of Noah's ark. So, during the Flood the bottom of the ark hit the top of Mount Ararat, and a gap appeared in the ship. And the hare with his short tail closed the hole and prevented the flooding of the ark in deep waters. Such a legend about a brave coward is very common among German children, and they are sure that a bunny in a magical clearing in an impenetrable forest on the pollen of fireflies cooks magical herbs in a pot. And with these herbs, he paints each Easter egg by hand.

Belgium. For kids in Belgian cities, competitions are organized to find eggs, but the kids do not have to run with a basket to a chicken coop or a store. Parents hide Easter eggs in advance in the yard or in the garden next to the house, and the one who manages to collect the largest “harvest” will win. The Belgians tell the children that the church bells will be silent until the holiday, because they left for Rome, and will return at Easter with eggs and a rabbit. The main sweets for children on this day are chocolate eggs and rabbits.

Netherlands. Most Dutch people follow the tradition of celebrating Easter, and the main symbols are painted eggs and the Easter Bunny. You can often see funny figurines of bunnies in the windows of houses, and without such an element it is impossible to imagine decorating a festive table, since the Dutch do not bake Easter and Easter cakes. Residents of Holland buy colored eggs in stores, and chocolate eggs with a variety of fillings are very popular, as well as hollow chocolate figures of a rooster or a hare.

On Sunday, the Dutch attend a church service, where they kiss three times when they meet with friends, and festive events are organized for the children. At a children's holiday, colored eggs are hidden in bushes or grass, and the kids are very happy when they find them. Families spend Easter days together, going on picnics, or cycling and walking in nature.

Easter Traditions in Eastern Europe

Poland. Easter is celebrated here for two days, and all generations of a large family gather at the same table. Believing Poles first pray, and then sit down for a festive meal, and on the tables you can see sausage and meat, horseradish and eggs, illuminated pasta. The holiday is followed by Wet Monday, when people pour water over each other, symbolizing profit in the household, good luck and health.

Russia. Orthodox Easter in Russia is characterized by numerous customs that are not directly related to religious legends. These are entertainment and folk games, but the egg-beating custom, in which several people are involved, stands out especially. So, they hit the eggs twice with their spout, and whoever does not crack it after that continues the game further. Egg rolling is another Easter game. Since during the fast the children were forbidden to play almost all games, after a long break, rolling eggs became the first fun for the children.

They set up a tray with a certain slope, along which Easter eggs were rolled onto a blanket, and in order to win, it was necessary to hit another egg. And the girls played “heaps”, hiding the dye under a layer of sand, and the rest of the participants had to guess where it was. Believers attend church services on Easter, and sanctify Easter cakes, Easter cottage cheese and eggs.

Ukraine. In Ukraine, Easter has merged with family traditions and folk customs over the centuries. After the 40-day fast preceding Easter, the festive table is decorated with flowers, and the main place on it is occupied by colored eggs and Easter cake laid on greenery, and the hostesses prepare traditional dishes loved by the family. A special place is occupied by colored painted eggs, painted with “pysanky” ornaments, as well as “skrobanks” - eggs on which the pattern is scratched out with a sharp tool.

Bulgaria. At Easter, according to the Bulgarian tradition, a lot of colored eggs are laid out around Easter bread, which are painted only on Thursday, before the sun has yet risen. On Thursday or Friday, an Easter cake decorated with a cross is baked. Like other Orthodox Slavs, Bulgarians clink eggs until one of them cracks, wishing others good luck. And the one whose dyed egg stays whole longer is considered the luckiest.

Easter traditions in Scandinavia

Denmark. Danes celebrate Easter widely, but on a smaller scale than Christmas. As in Germany, the main holiday symbol is the Easter Bunny bringing treats to the children, and popular characters also include the lamb and the chicken. Their figures will be made of caramel, sugar or white chocolate. It is customary for the Danes to brew a special kind of beer and set the meat table. Some beer makers even put Easter symbols on the cans to create a festive atmosphere. The Danes are preparing for the religious holiday starting on Thursday, and only by Tuesday are they ready to return to work.

Sweden. Easter in Sweden is a less colorful and popular religious holiday than Christmas, but it is celebrated in schools for more than a week. Teachers and children remember the life of Jesus, his death in the name of atonement for sins, and the subsequent resurrection from the dead. By the holiday, the Swedes decorate their homes with Easter flower beds in white, green and yellow, and on the festive table there is the same food as on Christmas days. However, this time more attention is paid to sweets and various sweets. All Easter eggs are made of cardboard, and inside such a package there is a candy.

Easter Traditions in Southern Europe

Italy. On Easter Sunday, Italians rush to the main square of Rome, and wait for the Pope to read a sermon and congratulate them on a bright religious holiday. The main dish on the Italian table is lamb served with fried artichokes, a salad of tomatoes, olives and sweet peppers, as well as a salty pie with cheese and eggs. It is impossible to imagine a festive table without a colomba - this is a dish similar to Easter cake, characterized by a lemon flavor, and often it is covered with almond icing or almonds. On the second day, temperamental Italians with friends and neighbors flock to picnics.

Greece. Since Orthodoxy is the official religion in Greece, Easter remains the most long-awaited and brightest holiday, and the locals are engaged in painting eggs on their own. Greeks come to the evening mass with white burning candles, which should be extinguished at midnight. Burning candles in Greece are associated with the resurrection of Christ and life, and the light is transmitted from one candle to another. The traditional dish of the Easter meal is magiritsu soup, cooked from lamb offal, and such a dish is usually cooked on Saturday. During the meal, the Greeks uncork retsina - this is the wine of last year's harvest.

Picnics and large feasts are usually arranged in nature, where the meat of young lambs is roasted on fires. In Thessaloniki, citizens and guests are offered free refreshments, and sweet churek, bright red Easter eggs, meat and wine are placed on the tables. Greek dances and songs do not stop until the morning, and the holidays for schoolchildren last 15 days.

Spain. An integral part of the holiday for the Spaniards is the Easter procession, during which the guys carry ordinary palm branches, and the girls - branches decorated with sweets, and the priest must bless them. The most interesting is the Easter procession in Seville, and in front of the cathedral in Palma de Mallorca, it is customary to play the Passion of Christ on a holiday. In Girona, the most terrible action takes place: the townspeople dress up in frightening costumes, scaring passers-by, and guests can see the dance of skeletons. The whole week before Easter is non-working, because absolutely everyone is preparing for the religious holiday. Every year, Spanish families compete to make the best palm branch, and each such branch is distinguished by bizarre weaves, and religious processions take place on the streets of Spanish cities.

South of France. The main Easter entertainment in France is picnics, and friendly companies and families gather near the houses in the garden and cook a variety of omelettes. The French give each other red eggs, and the kids arrange various games with them. Starting from Good Friday and until Christ's Sunday, all church bells are silent, as if mourning the crucifixion of Jesus. The symbol of joy is by no means painted eggs, but ringing bells, and in the villages, parents set up peculiar nests in the trees, from where the children should get chocolate eggs. It is also customary for adults and children to give chocolate coins so that the coming year will pass comfortably.

Discovering something new, drawing ideas, learning from experience is always interesting. We offer to learn some children's customs and "chips" of European countries.

The creators of the concept store for children MushRoom. otherchildren bring from Europe not only children's wardrobe items, but also interesting facts, knowledge and invaluable experience. Today we will learn about the traditions and customs associated with children in different countries.

1. Denmark. The dummy tree.

At 192 0, the Danes came up with a ritual of saying goodbye to babies with a pacifier. So that the children do not feel sad and painlessly part with the pacifier, parents often arrange a real holiday of growing up: a trip to the zoo, a picnic, attractions. At the end of the holiday, the “little adult” solemnly says goodbye to the “Malyshov's” accessory, hanging it on a special “sap tree”. Sometimes a touching note is attached to this: "Dear nipple, thank you for serving me so well, but I'm already a big boy / girl, and now the tree will take care of you."

And at night, a nipple fairy comes, who, instead of a voluntarily given nipple, brings a gift under the pillow to the baby.A very sweet and reverent ritual, without any theft of the notorious dummy by dogs, cats and other animals.

2. Germany. Schultute

German first-graders go to school not with the usual bouquet for the teacher, but with the so-called “first-grader bag”. This tradition appeared in Germany in the 19th century, and until now the beginning of the school year is impossible to predict. set without schoolchildren happily carrying their cone-shaped gifts.

It is believed that the baby is waiting for a long and responsible educational path, and parents want to sweeten this event a little for the child.

Previously, the “first grader’s bag” was filled exclusively with sweets, but now parents collect everything that their child will like as a gift: sweets, school supplies, toys and other little things that are pleasant for children. The first-graders are solemnly photographed with their Schultüte, and then open them in the classroom or at home. The main thing is not to overdo it so that the gift does not weigh more than the baby :)

3. France. Doudou

For French kids, getting to know the world begins with mom, dad and "dudu". This is a soft handkerchief with a toy head. This exists in many countries of the world, but it is the French who pay special attention to the “dudu”. When baby When he is born, a personal handkerchief toy is immediately placed in his pen. It is believed that the “dudu” is one for life, so parents buy several pieces at once in case of loss. From birth, the baby sucks and pulls his cloth, which helps him in subsequent adaptation periods. Without "dudu" they may not even be accepted into the garden.

Educators are sure that without it, the child can endure homesickness worse. You can often meet already grown up children dragging worn handkerchief toys everywhere, as their personal symbol of home and warmth. And sometimes replacing an unsightly old "pipe" with a new one, exactly the same, turns into a difficult task for parents.

4. Italy. Battesimo.

Italians are temperamental and expressive, but also superstitious and very honoring traditions. A special attitude in Italy to children's religious rites. One of the most important is the christening of babies. It is customary for children to be baptized in all Catholic countries, but it is the Italians who turn this event into a real holiday for all generations of the family: solemn, beautiful, memorable.

Christening in Italy is a small (and sometimes big) wedding.

The cult of the family is inherent in Italians, so all relatives are going to congratulate the baby. In many families, there is a tradition to pass on the outfit for the baptism of a newborn by inheritance. This is a relic that is kept by the older generation and is presented to a little Italian on the day of baptism. A long shirt and a bonnet solemnly adorn the hero of the celebration and then again go to wait for the family replenishment. All guests receive traditional Italian bonborieres (bags of sweets and a small souvenir) - an attribute of many holidays since ancient Rome. The rite of christening ends with a family banquet, where the newly-made Catholic receives gifts from the whole family.

One of the distinguishing features of European kindergartens is that the group goes beyond the kindergarten. In public transport and on the streets on weekdays, you can see preschoolers heading to the park , museum, zoo, to the exhibition, accompanied by educators.

It looks like this: the children walk in pairs, holding the handle, they are often dressed in bright "identification" vests or holding on to a common rope, one teacher leads the column, the second closes. Such "outings" are included in the preschool education program and are aimed at expanding the horizons of the kids. Numerous educational programs specially created by scientific and exhibition organizations for the smallest contribute to such events. Even a simple walk in the city park turns into a small learning journey: children are taught in practice about the rules of behavior for pedestrians and transport passengers, they are taught to behave in an organized and attentive manner on the streets of the city.

Like any other continent, Europe has its own traditions and customs. Some of them may be quite unusual for those who live in other parts of the world. Even the inhabitants of Europe may not know about others if the custom is common in only one country. All this is incredibly interesting, and sometimes useful; for example, a tradition called hygge would definitely be useful to anyone. Take a look at this list and think about what traditions you would like to follow?

Smearing the bride and groom with something sticky, and then sprinkling with feathers

This tradition was already almost forgotten, but miraculously returned and spread again in Scotland. The essence of this custom is that the bride and groom are kidnapped by their friends, after which they are covered with substances like flour, custard or soot, and then sprinkled with feathers. It is believed that this unusual procedure will bring good luck to the couple. Yes, the ritual may seem harsh enough, however, the bride and groom only strengthen the relationship, experiencing such an adventure together. The wedding dress is not spoiled in the process, because everything happens not on the wedding day, but a few days earlier.

Calm attitude to being topless

In most countries of the world, even if the society is quite freedom-loving, it is forbidden for women to be naked in public. For example, in America it is embarrassing even to breastfeed a child, and going out topless on the street is simply unacceptable. However, for some Europeans, this is not a problem at all. In Germany, it is allowed to be naked in a sauna, swimming pool, park and on the beach. This is also the norm in Finland, where people are freely naked to visit the public sauna. In these countries, people are more relaxed about the issue of nudity, while in other continents, even in the bath, it is customary to stay in a towel or swimsuit.

Swedish tradition of cleaning before death

It may sound bleak, but the Swedes have a really practical approach. To protect their loved ones from the hard feelings after death, older people sort through their belongings in the last years of their lives. This does not mean that they plan to die. They simply go through all their belongings and get rid of unnecessary little things so as not to force relatives or friends to clean up at a difficult moment. This trend is not represented in other countries, however, it is gradually gaining popularity. It is not even necessary to associate it specifically with death - getting rid of unnecessary things is important at any age. This helps to feel calmer at home, without being distracted by clutter and unnecessary little things.

Entertainment for schoolchildren throughout the month in Norway

Norway takes graduation celebrations very seriously - they have a tradition that involves celebrations throughout the whole month. Young people drink any amount of alcohol they want and party all the time. There is nothing like it in the world. Sometimes this leads to negative consequences, such as injuries, however, as a rule, everything is in order. Older generations put up with this tradition, because it has existed for more than a hundred years. It is believed that this is permissible, because such fun happens only once in a lifetime. Otherwise, such behavior would be prohibited.

The Cozy Danish Secret of Happiness

Hygge is not just a tradition, it is a way of life for the inhabitants of the Scandinavian countries. Hygge has been around for centuries, according to Meik Wiking, who wrote a book about the tradition. This is a central part of Danish culture, familiar to every inhabitant of the country. It describes how one should live and relate to things. This concept may be the secret to happiness. You need to understand that this is a special approach to life. Some people think that hygge is just cozy and warm, but it's not just about aesthetics. The bottom line is to let go of the annoying things that stress you out emotionally and prioritize the things that really matter. This helps to feel comfortable in your own home and enjoy the simple moments of life.

Jumping over children in Spain

Jumping over children is the most unusual version of leapfrog you can imagine. The Spanish tradition has been observed every year for hundreds of years in the village of Castrillo de Murcia. During the festival, some people dress up as devils being cast out by the priests. They jump over children born in the previous year to protect them from illness and misfortune. This may seem dangerous, but there is no information about accidents, fortunately. Despite the absence of injuries, some want to cancel this religious festival. Even the Pope recommended that Spanish priests abandon this practice. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that the tradition, which has existed for several centuries, will quickly disappear - the locals love it very much.

Dangerous Cheese Tradition

Every year in Gloucestershire, England, people race for a head of cheese. Competitors chase a large head of Gloucester cheese as it rolls down a hillside, risking injury and falling. The tradition originated in the nineteenth century, although there are opinions that it has existed much longer. In 2009, the event was officially canceled because it attracted too many participants and spectators, which raised doubts about safety. Nevertheless, it turned out that this is too popular a tradition - unofficial events are still held. Interestingly, in other parts of England, people are not in a hurry to risk themselves for the sake of cheese. One way or another, the inhabitants of Gloucester do not plan to abandon their custom.

Rhinestones in the eyes in the Netherlands

If you have ever dreamed of your eyes shining brighter, you can quite literally achieve this. In the Netherlands, there is a procedure that allows you to implant jewelry in the eyes. It is reported that such decoration does not cause any side effects. In other countries, doctors usually do not dare to take such steps. Most likely, the trend will not spread, because some doctors are sure that this is dangerous.

Incredible boredom to fall asleep quickly in Norway

In Norway, there is an amazing way to fall asleep faster. The inhabitants of this country love to watch incredibly boring television shows. This genre is called "slow TV" and is the equivalent of neutral background music. Viewers turn on such programs when they want to acquire a background that does not attract all the attention. On the screen for several hours, people are shown who are busy knitting, or a burning fire. The genre is even spreading to other countries - everyone can test whether they can stay awake while watching something like this. One of the most popular shows is a train journey that lasts seven hours and includes only landscapes outside the window.

Bath regattas

This unique race is held in Belgium and has an unusual history. According to the Air Force, the first race was in 1982, when Alberto Serpagli found forty used tubs. They were sold for next to nothing in the local market. Bathtubs have been transformed into makeshift vehicles for moving on water. This is how the history of the regatta began, in which people go down the river, sitting in a bath or a boat created on its basis. This is a very popular event that takes place every year. Who would have thought that a bathtub could be used as a boat?

As a result of the research, it was found that at present 87 peoples live on the territory of modern Europe, of which 33 are the main nation for their states, 54 are an ethnic minority in the countries where they live, their number is 106 million people.

In total, about 827 million people live in Europe, this figure is steadily growing every year due to emigrants from the countries of the Middle East and a large number of people coming here to work and study from all over the world. The most numerous European nations are the Russian nation (130 million), German (82 million), French (65 million), British (58 million), Italian (59 million), Spanish (46 million), Polish (47 million), Ukrainian (45 million). Also, the inhabitants of Europe are such Jewish groups as Karaites, Ashkenazi, Rominiotes, Mizrahim, Sephardim, their total number is about 2 million people, gypsies - 5 million people, Yenishi ("white gypsies") - 2.5 thousand people.

Despite the fact that the countries of Europe have a motley ethnic composition, it can be said that they, in principle, went through a single path of historical development and their traditions and customs were formed in a single cultural space. Most of the countries were created on the ruins of the once great Roman Empire, which stretched from the possessions of the Germanic tribes in the west, to the borders in the east, where the Gauls lived, from the coast of Britain in the north and the southern borders in North Africa.

Culture and traditions of the peoples of Northern Europe

According to the UN, the countries of Northern Europe include such states as Great Britain, Ireland, Iceland, Denmark, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Norway, Finland, Sweden. The most numerous peoples living in the territory of these countries and making up more than 90% of the population are the British, Irish, Danes, Swedes, Norwegians and Finns. For the most part, the peoples of Northern Europe are representatives of the northern group of the Caucasian race. These are people with fair skin and hair, their eyes are most often gray or blue. Religion - Protestantism. The inhabitants of the northern European region belong to two language groups: Indo-European and Uralic (Finno-Ugric and Germanic group)

(English primary school students)

The British live in a country called Great Britain or as it is also called Foggy Albion, their culture and traditions have a long history. They are considered to be a little prim, reserved and cold-blooded, in fact they are very friendly and complaisant, they just value their personal space very much and kisses and hugs are unacceptable for them when they meet, like the French, for example. They have great respect for sports (football, golf, cricket, tennis), they venerate five o clock (five or six o’clock in the evening is the time to drink traditional English tea, preferably with milk), they prefer oatmeal for breakfast and the saying “my house is mine”. fortress” is about such “desperate” homebodies, which they are. The British are very conservative and do not welcome change very much, so they treat the reigning Queen Elizabeth II and other members of the royal family with great respect.

(Irishman with his toy)

The Irish are known to the general public for their red hair and beard, the emerald green of the national color, the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, the belief in the mythical Leprechaun gnome who grants wishes, the fiery temper and the bewitching beauty of Irish folk dances performed to jig, reel and hornpipe.

(Prince Federik and Princess Mary, Denmark)

The Danes are distinguished by special hospitality and fidelity to ancient customs and traditions. The main feature of their mentality is the ability to distance themselves from external problems and worries and completely immerse themselves in home comfort and peace. From other northern peoples with a calm and melancholy disposition, they are distinguished by a great temperament. They, like no one else, value the freedom and rights of the individual. One of the most popular holidays is St. Hans' Day (we have Ivan Kupala), the popular Viking Festival is held annually on the island of Zealand.

(Birthday Buffet)

By nature, the Swedes are mostly reserved, silent people, very law-abiding, modest, thrifty and reserved people. They also love nature very much, they are distinguished by hospitality and tolerance. Most of their customs are associated with the change of seasons, in winter they meet St. Lucy, in summer they celebrate Midsommar (pagan festival of the solstice) in the bosom of nature.

(Indigenous Saami representative in Norway)

The ancestors of the Norwegians were brave and proud Vikings, whose hard life was completely devoted to the struggle for survival in the harsh conditions of the northern climate and surrounded by other wild tribes. That is why the culture of Norwegians is imbued with the spirit of a healthy lifestyle, they welcome sports in nature, appreciate diligence, honesty, simplicity in everyday life and decency in human relations. Their favorite holidays are Christmas, Saint Canute's Day, Midsummer's Day.

(Finns and their pride - deer)

The Finns are very conservative and respect their traditions and customs very much, they are considered very restrained, completely devoid of emotions and very slow, and for them silence and thoroughness are a sign of aristocracy and good taste. They are very polite, correct and appreciate punctuality, they love nature and dogs, fishing, skiing and steaming in Finnish saunas, where they restore physical and moral strength.

Culture and traditions of the peoples of Western Europe

In the countries of Western Europe, the most numerous nationalities living here are Germans, French, Italians and Spaniards.

(in a french cafe)

The French are distinguished by restraint and politeness, they are very well-mannered and the rules of etiquette are not an empty phrase for them. Being late for them is the norm of life, the French are great gourmets and connoisseurs of good wines, which even children drink there.

(Germans at the festival)

The Germans are distinguished by their special punctuality, accuracy and pedantry, they rarely violently express emotions and feelings in public, but deep down they are very sentimental and romantic. Most Germans are zealous Catholics and celebrate the feast of the First Communion, which is of great importance to them. Germany is famous for its beer festivals, such as the Munich Oktouberfest, where tourists drink millions of gallons of the famous beer and eat thousands of fried sausages every year.

Italians and restraint are two incompatible concepts, they are emotional, cheerful and open, they love stormy love passions, ardent courtship, serenades under the windows and magnificent wedding celebrations (in Italian matrimonio). The Italians profess Catholicism, almost every village and village has its own patron saint, the presence of a crucifix is ​​mandatory in the houses.

(Spain's lively street buffet)

Native Spaniards constantly speak loudly and quickly, gesticulate and show violent emotions. They have a hot temperament, there are “many” of them everywhere, they are noisy, friendly and open to communication. Their culture is permeated with feelings and emotions, dances and music are passionate and sensual. The Spaniards love to take a walk, relax during the summer two-hour sisest, cheer for the bullfighters at bullfights, leave tomatoes at the annual Battle of the Tomatoes on the Tomatina holiday. The Spaniards are very religious and their religious holidays are very magnificent and pompous.

Culture and traditions of the peoples of Eastern Europe

The ancestors of the Eastern Slavs live on the territory of Eastern Europe, the most numerous ethnic groups are Russians, Ukrainians and Belarusians.

The Russian people are distinguished by breadth and depth of soul, generosity, hospitality and respect for their native culture, which has centuries-old roots. Its holidays, customs and traditions are closely connected with both Orthodoxy and paganism. Its main holidays are Christmas, Epiphany, Shrovetide, Easter, Trinity, Ivan Kupala, Intercession, etc.

(Ukrainian lad with a girl)

Ukrainians value family values, honor and respect the customs and traditions of their ancestors, which are very colorful and bright, believe in the value and power of amulets (specially made items that protect against evil spirits) and use them in various areas of their lives. This is a hardworking people with a distinctive culture, Orthodoxy and paganism are mixed in their customs, which makes them very interesting and colorful.

Belarusians are a hospitable and open nation, loving their unique nature and respecting their traditions, it is important for them to treat people politely and respect their neighbors. In the traditions and customs of the Belarusians, as well as among all the descendants of the Eastern Slavs, there is a mixture of Orthodoxy and Christianity, the most famous of them are Kalyady, Grandfathers, Dozhinki, Gukanne are clear.

Culture and traditions of the peoples of Central Europe

The peoples living in Central Europe include Poles, Czechs, Hungarians, Slovaks, Moldavians, Romanians, Serbs, Croats, etc.

(Poles on a national holiday)

The Poles are very religious and conservative, but at the same time they are open to communication and hospitable. They are distinguished by a cheerful disposition, friendliness and have their own point of view on any issue. All age categories of Poles visit the church every day and venerate the Virgin Mary above all else. Religious holidays are celebrated with special scope and triumph.

(The Five Petal Rose Festival in the Czech Republic)

Czechs are hospitable and friendly, they are always friendly, smiling and polite, they honor their traditions and customs, keep and love folklore, love national dances and music. The national Czech drink is beer, many traditions and rituals are dedicated to it.

(Hungarian dances)

The character of the Hungarians is distinguished by a significant degree of practicality and love of life, combined with deep spirituality and romantic impulses. They are very fond of dancing and music, arrange magnificent folk festivals and fairs with rich souvenirs, carefully preserve their traditions, customs and holidays (Christmas, Easter, St. Stephen's Day and the Day of the Hungarian Revolution).