New Year symbols play a small, yet significant part in our lives. These symbols
are basically a representation of a significant event, idea or popular belief.
They are believed to usher in good luck and prosperity. New Year symbols also
help in understanding the celebrations of New Year through time. Most of the
symbols have been derived from the Chinese New Year, which influences people all
over the world. Some of the popular symbols and their significance have been
given below. Read on to know what meaning the New Year symbols carry.
Symbols of New Year
The Tray Of Togetherness
According to a very old Chinese belief, in the times bygone, families used to
keep a tray of eight compartments, each of which was filled with special food
items. This was offered to all guests who visited during the New Year. Even
today, this tradition is kept alive in many homes around the world, where a tray
is kept filled with sweets, candies and other goodies and is offered to all well
wishers. It symbolizes a family that stays together at all times.
The Water Narcissus Flower
The Chinese and even other people around the world consider the water narcissus
flower to be very auspicious. It signifies good luck and fortune. It is said
that if the flowers blossom on the day of the New Year, one shall have good luck
for the entire year and even be blessed with prosperity.
The Color RED
The color ‘red’ signifies life and prosperity, thus most of the decorations
around the New Year are usually in red color. Even if you are presenting someone
with a bouquet flowers as a New Year gift, red is considered to be the ideal
color that you should go for.
Janus - The Roman God
Romans dedicated the 1st of January to the Roman God Janus. Janus has a distinct
artistic appearance. He is a God with two faces, with one looking behind and the
other facing forward. The face that is looking backwards represents the gone
year and the face that is looking forward, represents the approaching year.
Janus is also known as the God of beginnings and endings.
Candles
In the early times, it was believed that the smoke from candles would rise and
reach the heavens above, ensuring that Gods answer the prayers. Thus, people
would light lots of candles on New Year, not only due to the popular belief, but
also to spread light, cheer and warmth around.
The Yule Log
The Yule Log is a noteworthy part of New Year celebrations. It symbolizes the
light coming back to conquer darkness. It is an important part of the
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 an 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 imperially.
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