by Baby New Year
The Baby New Year is yet another popular New Year Symbol and is used to personify the start of New Year. Baby New Year is represented as a chubby baby wearing nothing more than a diaper and a sash across his torso that shows the year he is representing. This Baby New Year grows up into the old bearded Father Time at the end of the year. At this point, he hands over his duties to the next Baby New Year.
Grapes, Lentils, Nuts, Pomegranates and Mistletoes
In several countries, grapes, lentils, nuts, pomegranates and mistletoes are used as auspicious New Year symbols. Use of grapes and lentils is said to ensure prosperity. The tradition of consuming grapes on New Year is particularly rampant in Italy. Here a popular saying goes, “eat grapes on New Year’s Day and you’ll be counting money the rest of the year”. Pomegranate fruit is also served to guests as the fruit is associated with fertility and abundance. Mistletoes are considered a good luck charm. Hence in several places New Year table is often decorated with a sprig of mistletoe.
Yule Log
The Yule Log is a noteworthy good luck symbol in New Year celebrations.
The Yule Log symbolizes the light coming back to conquer darkness. It is an important part of the New Year’s celebration and also gives a traditional touch to it.
The log is decorated beautifully after being dragged to the fireplace. It is adorned with soft, red ribbons and glitter to add that extra zing to it. Traditionally, the log should burn for one whole night, smolder for twelve days (signifying the twelve months) and then be put out ceremoniously.
