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New Year Symbols have their own significance and importance all over the world.

New Year Symbols

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.