Celebrating New Year in a Siberian village sounds like a unique and memorable experience! The stark beauty of the Siberian landscape, with its snow-covered expanses and frigid temperatures, creates a distinct backdrop for the festivities. Here’s a glimpse into what New Year’s celebrations might look like in a typical Siberian village:
### Preparation for the Festivities
1. **Decorations**: In Siberian villages, homes are often adorned with traditional New Year decorations, which might include handmade ornaments, tinsel, and even natural elements like pine branches. The cold weather outside makes the warm glow of lights and decorations inside even more inviting.
2. **Food**: The holiday table is usually laden with hearty, traditional dishes. You might find an array of dishes such as *Olivier salad* (a type of Russian salad with potatoes, carrots, eggs, and mayonnaise), *herring under a fur coat* (a layered salad with herring, beets, and potatoes), and various types of pickled vegetables. Borscht and meat pies might also be on the menu, reflecting the robust flavors suited for the cold weather.
3. **Preparation for Guests**: Villages are often tight-knit communities, so New Year’s is a time for family and friends to gather. Homes are typically prepared to accommodate guests, with extra blankets and warm beverages like tea and mulled wine ready to keep everyone cozy.
### Celebrating New Year’s Eve
1. **Outdoor Fun**: Given the snowy landscape, outdoor activities might include sledding, snowball fights, or building snowmen. Some villages might even have a communal bonfire or ice-skating rinks.
2. **Traditional Customs**: In many Siberian villages, traditional customs play a big role. People might dress in festive attire, participate in local folklore performances, or sing traditional songs. There might also be a New Year tree, similar to a Christmas tree, decorated and placed in a central location.
3. **Midnight Toast**: As the clock strikes midnight, it’s common to gather for a toast with champagne or traditional Russian beverages. People exchange well-wishes for the coming year, and you might hear the famous Russian phrase “S Novym Godom!” (Happy New Year!).
### New Year’s Day
1. **Family Time**: New Year’s Day is often spent with family, enjoying the leftovers from the previous night’s feast and relaxing. It’s a day for leisurely activities, like playing games or taking walks in the crisp winter air.
2. **Community Events**: In some villages, there might be community events like concerts, dances, or village-wide games. These events help to strengthen the sense of community and celebrate the arrival of the new year together.
3. **Reflecting and Planning**: The New Year is also a time for reflection and making plans for the year ahead. People might take this opportunity to set new goals or make resolutions for personal growth.
Overall, New Year’s in a Siberian village combines the warmth of community and tradition with the serene and majestic beauty of the winter landscape. It’s a celebration that’s both festive and grounded in the realities of life in such a unique environment.
