Seven New Year Symbols

Father Time:

The most significant symbol used in New Year celebrations in several countries and US is Father Time. The common image of Father Time is that of an old bearded man wearing a sash across his chest with the previous year printed on it.

The Father Time hands over his duties to the Baby New Year, which is the symbol of New Year.

Baby New Year:

This is represented as a chubby boy wearing a diaper and a sash across his chest 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 and hands over his duties to the next Baby New Year.

Janus:

Janus is the Roman God with two faces; one is looking forward to the New Year and the other looking back to the old.

Candles:

Candles are the auspicious symbols of New Year as many people believe that they spread light, cheer and warmth.

Burning of Yule Log:

There is a tradition of burning Yule Log in fire place that is symbolic to the light coming back to conquer the darkness.

Grapes, Pomegranates and Mistletoes:

Many people decorate New Year table with grapes, pomegranates and mistletoes. Grapes are symbolic to prosperity, pomegranates are symbolic to abundance and mistletoes are considered as good luck.

Bonfires and Fireworks:

Bonfires are symbolic to warmth and many people sing and dance around the bonfires. People burst noise making fire works as it is believed to eliminate evil spirits.