New Year's Eve Celebrations: Evolution of the Ritual in Social Psychology and Anthropology Introduction: New Year's Eve as a liminal ritual of transition New Year's Eve represents a universal liminal ritual (in the terminology of anthropologist Arnold van Gennep) — a ceremony of transition, symbolically separating the old time from the new. This night is in the "intermediate" phase between two chronological periods, making it a space for reflecting on the past, planning for the future, and transforming social relationships. The dilemma of "visiting vs. staying home" is not just a domestic choice but a reflection of deeper socio-cultural processes: individualization, search for authenticity, restructuring of family and friendship ties. Socio-psychological function of "farewells": guests as an extended community The tradition of mass visits on New Year's Eve has its roots in agrarian and early industrial societies, where the holiday served as a function of collective energy and social exchange. Ritual of renewing ties: In conditions where communication was limited, the New Year's visit to relatives and neighbors served as a mechanism for annual confirmation and "renewal" of social contracts, maintaining the unity of a large family or community. The joint meal symbolized mutual trust and obligations for the coming year. "Spreading of risk" and collective prosperity: In archaic consciousness, the transition to a new time was considered dangerous and risky. Noisy, festive gatherings of people ("collective body") created a protective energetic shell, driving away evil spirits. Generous hospitality to guests and house-to-house visits were forms of investment in social capital and "magic of abundance" — the more people share your bread, the more prosperity will return to your home. Status demonstration: Receiving guests allowed to demonstrate material well-being (rich table, home decor), social skills of the hostess/host, and position in the local hierarchy. Home introspect ... Read more