In Uzbekistan, New Year is celebrated twice. First, the holiday is celebrated on January 1, and then on March 21. Both of these days are non-working.
Features
New Year in Uzbekistan is celebrated in European style since the Soviet era. The people liked European traditions. During the celebration, a unique flavor dominates in many villages of the country with decorated forest beauties and Santa Claus.
The center of holiday entertainment is the capital of the state - Tashkent. A smartly decorated Christmas tree is set on the main square of the capital, bearing the name Mustakillik. There is a fair trade nearby, where you can buy Christmas trees, decorations, souvenirs, taste delicious dishes and drinks. Residents and guests of the city participate in interesting contests and lotteries, enjoy the performances of musical groups. On New Year's Eve, Uzbeks and city guests gather in the square in anticipation of the midnight chimes and a fireworks display.
Kids gather on holidays in the square, located next to the city circus. There are attractions, retail outlets where they sell sweets and toys. Every day, performances of clowns, acrobats, Santa Claus and the Snow Maiden are organized.
Santa Claus in Uzbekistan is called Korbobo, and the Snow Maiden is called Korkiz. A means of transportation of Santa Claus is a donkey.
As soon as the beginning of December approaches, the streets of the settlements of Uzbekistan are decorated with garlands and decorations. On the squares, in large shopping centers, Christmas trees are installed. Everywhere hang posters with congratulations.
On holidays, residents of Uzbekistan decorate the house with a live or artificial Christmas tree. The most common decoration element is snowflakes carved with your own hands, fixed on the windows.
And in March, the 21st, on the day of the vernal equinox, another New Year is celebrated, which is associated with the climatic conditions of the state and real astronomical events. The celebration of this holiday marks a joyful awakening of nature, after the winter has passed, and the time for preparation for sowing work begins.
The holiday is of ancient Iranian origin and is associated with worship of the Sun and the name of the famous soothsayer Zarathushtra, is called Navruz, which means “new day”.
Spring New Year is widespread among many Central Asian nationalities. The main difference between Navruz and the European New Year is that he is greeted during the day, with his family. The main day of the celebration is March 21. The next month, Uzbeks receive guests and go on their own, purchase and plant fruit trees, and go on picnics.
In anticipation of the holiday, it is necessary to clean the house. For 7 days, a subbotnik is announced, during which garbage is removed on the streets. In the morning, they gather a festive table, which should consist of sweets (traditionally they treat each other), 7 dishes with the letter “C”, shurpa, pilaf, melon, sumalak, halim.
It is customary to present presents not only to relatives and friends, but also to friends, even those who are not Muslims.
In Uzbekistan, there is a belief that those deeds that were done by a person during Navruz will be done within 12 months. Therefore, these days they try not to quarrel with anyone and live in harmony.
Holiday menu
The festive menu necessarily contains the national dishes of Uzbekistan. The main dish is pilaf with chicken or lamb, well seasoned with spices. On the New Year's table there are meat and vegetables, lagman, which is home-made noodles on meat broth, manti, Uzbek cakes, dolma, which is stuffed cabbage in grape leaves, kazy - home-made sausage from horse meat, khasyp-lamb sausage.
Halva, thick fruit juice called backmes, chak-chak, which is a product made of flour with honey, viscous caramel, nuts and dried fruits, are sweets.
Among the drinks on the New Year's table you can find ayran, sorbets from rose petals, pomegranate and grapes. From alcoholic drinks: arak, grape or rice vodka.
Traditions and rites
The Uzbeks have many traditions and rituals associated with the New Year holidays. A famous rite is breaking old plates that are cracked or chipped. There is a belief that such an action will help get rid of all the negativity that was in the old year.
12 grapes are prepared for the next rite. With each blow, the chimes should be eaten on the grape and make wishes. If a person manages to do this, then all desires will come true.
A watermelon is always put on the New Year's table. The sweeter and ripe it is, the more successful the year will be.
The celebration of Navruz is also associated with certain traditions. Much depends on the person who came to the house that day. If he has a quiet and kind disposition, has a good sense of humor, a good reputation, this will bring good luck to the house.
About how to celebrate New Year in Uzbekistan, see the video.
