Conducting the New Year's Eve in Guests' and Homes: The Evolution of Ritual in Social Psychology and Anthropology Introduction: The New Year's Night as a Liminal Ritual of Transition The celebration of the New Year 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 contemplating the past, planning for the future, and transforming social relationships. The dilemma of "at guests' vs. at home" is not just a domestic choice, but a reflection of deeper socio-cultural processes: individualization, the search for authenticity, and the restructuring of family and friendship ties. The Social-Psychological Function of "Conducting": Guests as an Extended Community The tradition of mass visits to guests on New Year's Eve has its roots in agrarian and early industrial societies, where the holiday served the function of collective energetic and social exchange. Ritual of renewing ties: In conditions where communications were 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, associated with risk. The noisy, cheerful gathering of people ("collective body") created a protective energetic shell, driving away evil spirits. Generous hospitality to guests and visiting homes 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, decoration of t ... Read more