Symbols play a large part in celebrating important events. Like our other holidays, we characterize New Year celebrations by
symbols. Symbols of the New Year are things or objects that we use or think of when celebrating New Year. These objects
usually represent something else (an event, idea or person). We can remember why we are celebrating New Year if we know the
meaning behind symbols. Knowing the key ideas or reasons behind using the celebration symbols, we are also able to understand
how a celebration of the New Year came to be. Here are some examples of some familiar celebration symbols of the New Year and
their meanings : |
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Resolutions : It is believed that the Babylonians were the first to make New Year's resolutions, and people all over
the world have been breaking them ever since. The early Christians believed the first day of the new year should be spent
reflecting on past mistakes and resolving to improve oneself in the new year. |
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Fireworks : Noisemaking and fireworks on New Year's eve is believed to have originated in ancient times, when noise
and fire were thought to dispel evil spirits and bring good luck. The Chinese are credited with inventing fireworks and use
them to spectacular effect in their New Year's celebrations. |
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Candles : Early people believed that the smoke from fires would ascend to the tops of the distant mountains, to the
far away sky. They hoped that the gods who lived in these mysterious places would answer their prayers they had said over the
flames. Along with the fireworks that light up the night sky as the New Year is ushered in, no self-respecting New Year's Eve
dinner would be complete without the enchantment of candlelight. Another luminous manifestation of the rich body of lore and
symbolism surrounding this festive time of year, the traditional Yule log is still burnt in many parts of the world from
Christmas to Epiphany, twelve nights that have long symbolized the twelve months of the year. |
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Noise makers (Loud Bells, Horns, bursting Balloons) : This is supposed to scare of any bad-luck spirits that are
hovering around us. From the earliest times loud bells were used to ward off evil spirits. |
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Christmas Tree : Though this is mainly a symbol for Christmas, yet it's spirit of continued festive delight let it stand sometimes till the New Year, and often till the 'twelfth night' from Christmas. This is symbolic for the hope of world peace.
Gifts : A Roman tradition, represent the gifts that were given to Christ when he was born.
Evergreen, and Holly : Ancient winter decorations. |
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Janus - Roman God with two faces : One head is looking forward to the new year and the other is looking back at the
old. This is the reason why in America we stay up late to watch the old year out and the new year in. |
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Cards with hearts : Symbolizes love and affection. |
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Ribbons, Lace and frills : Such items have been associated with romance since days of knighthood. The knight would
ride into battle with a piece of ribbon or scarf given to him by his lady fair. |
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Colour RED for Good Luck : The color red: the symbol of life and prosperity and, therefore, the lucky color par excellence. |
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Grapes, Lentils, Nuts, Pomegranates & Mistletoes : Legend has it that grapes (or sultana raisins) and lentils will
ensure prosperity. In regard to the former, there's a saying in Italy that goes something like this: "eat grapes on New
Year's Day and you'll be counting money the rest of the year", whereas the disk-like shape of the latter understandably
qualifies this legume as a perfect symbol for vast stores of precious coins. At the end of the meal, along with the grapes or
raisins and nuts, you can offer your guests a pomegranate (or a dessert adorned with its ruby-red seeds), a fruit that has
long been associated with fertility and abundance, in general. And finally, don't forget to embellish your table decorations
with that good luck charm, a sprig of mistletoe, whose milky white berries are supposed to be able to ward off evil and
misfortune. |
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