New Year’s Day in Estonia

New Year’s Day is a holiday in Estonia.

When is New Year’s Day in Estonia

New Year’s Day is celebrated on 01, January, 2023 in Estonia.

About New Year’s Day in Estonia

New Year’s Day, also known as Uusaasta in Estonian, is a public holiday celebrated on January 1st in Estonia. It marks the beginning of the new year according to the Gregorian calendar. Here are some key aspects of how this holiday is observed in Estonia:

Festivities: New Year’s Day is typically celebrated with great enthusiasm in Estonia. Many people gather with family and friends to welcome the new year and bid farewell to the previous one. Festive parties, concerts, and fireworks displays are organized in various cities and towns across the country.
Traditional Customs: Similar to other countries, Estonians have their own set of customs to bring luck and good fortune for the upcoming year. Some common traditions include making noise with firecrackers and bells at midnight to scare away evil spirits, as well as toasting with champagne or sparkling wine for a prosperous year ahead.
New Year’s Speech: On the eve of New Year’s Day, the President of Estonia addresses the nation with a televised speech. The speech usually reflects on the achievements and challenges of the previous year and outlines the goals and aspirations for the upcoming year.
New Year’s Resolutions: Like in many other countries, Estonians often make New Year’s resolutions, setting personal goals or commitments for self-improvement in the coming year. These resolutions can range from health and fitness goals to career aspirations or personal development.
Time with Family: New Year’s Day is also a time for Estonians to spend quality time with their families. Many people take the day off from work to relax, enjoy a festive meal together, and exchange gifts. It is a time for reflection, gratitude, and bonding with loved ones.

Overall, New Year’s Day in Estonia is a joyous occasion filled with celebrations, traditions, and hopes for a prosperous and successful year ahead.

History of New Year’s Day in Estonia

The history of New Year’s Day holiday in Estonia dates back to ancient times when the country was predominantly pagan. Prior to the Christianization of Estonia, the pagan population celebrated the winter solstice, known as Yule or Jõulud, which marked the longest night of the year and the subsequent return of the sun.

With the arrival of Christianity in the 13th century, the celebration of Christmas gradually replaced the pagan winter solstice festivities. However, during the Soviet era, religious celebrations were suppressed, and Christmas was not widely celebrated. Instead, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day became the main holiday season in Estonia.

During the Soviet period, New Year’s Eve was celebrated as a secular holiday, devoid of any religious connotations. It was a time for family gatherings, exchanging gifts, and enjoying festive meals. The celebration typically included decorating Christmas trees, which were called “New Year’s trees” instead, and fireworks displays were also common.

After Estonia regained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, Christmas traditions started to regain popularity. However, New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day continued to be celebrated as important holidays. The festivities usually begin on New Year’s Eve with various events, parties, and concerts organized across the country. Many people gather in the capital city of Tallinn to watch the annual fireworks display over the Old Town.

On New Year’s Day itself, people often visit friends and family to exchange greetings and well-wishes for the upcoming year. Traditional meals, such as roast pork, sauerkraut, and blood sausages, are commonly enjoyed. Additionally, some Estonians participate in polar bear swims, where they plunge into icy waters to welcome the new year.

Overall, the history of New Year’s Day holiday in Estonia reflects the country’s transition from pagan traditions to Christian celebrations and then to a more secular and festive observance during the Soviet era. Today, it is a time for Estonians to come together, celebrate, and look forward to a new beginning.

How is New Year’s Day celebrated in Estonia

New Year’s Day, also known as Uusaasta, is celebrated with various traditions and customs in Estonia. Here are some common ways in which Estonians celebrate this day:

Fireworks: Fireworks are a significant part of New Year’s celebrations in Estonia. People gather in public places or their own backyards to set off fireworks and enjoy the colorful display.
New Year’s Eve Parties: Many Estonians attend or host New Year’s Eve parties with family and friends. These parties often involve music, dancing, and festive decorations. It is customary to exchange wishes for the upcoming year and toast with champagne at midnight.
Traditional Foods: Estonians enjoy a variety of traditional foods during the New Year’s festivities. A popular dish is “seakaelakarbonaad” (pork neck chops), which is often served with sauerkraut and boiled potatoes. Other traditional dishes may include blood sausages, roast pork, and gingerbread cookies.
First Footing: A common tradition in Estonia is “first footing,” where the first person to enter a home after midnight is believed to bring luck for the new year. It is customary for this person to bring gifts, such as bread, salt, or coins, symbolizing abundance and prosperity.
Watching the President’s Speech: Many Estonians tune in to watch the President’s New Year’s speech, which is broadcasted on national television. The President reflects on the past year’s achievements and challenges, and shares hopes and aspirations for the upcoming year.
Polar Bear Swims: Some Estonians participate in polar bear swims, where they plunge into icy waters on New Year’s Day. This tradition is believed to bring good health and courage for the year ahead.
Visiting Loved Ones: New Year’s Day is often a time for visiting family and friends. People may go to each other’s homes to exchange greetings, share a meal, and spend quality time together.

Overall, New Year’s Day in Estonia is a time of joy, celebration, and reflection as people welcome the beginning of a new year with loved ones and cherished traditions.

Dates

New Year’s Day will be celebrated in Estonia on 2023-01-01, 2024-01-01, 2025-01-01, 2026-01-01, 2027-01-01 in the comming years.

New Year's Day in Estonia