The Baby New Year personifies the start of the New Year and is one of
the most popular symbol of New Year Eve celebrations. The Baby New Year
is a cute and chubby baby who wears nothing more than a diaper and a
sash across his torso that shows the year he is representing. This Baby
New Year quickly grows up into a elderly bearded man or
Father Time
(represents the year which is coming to an end) at the end of his year.
At this time, he hands over his duties to the next Baby New Year.
The image of Baby New Year is very much popular in China. Besides,
depicting the beginning of the New Year, here Baby New Year represents
happiness, strength, good luck and prosperity.
History of Baby New Year
It is said that the custom of using a baby to depict the beginning of
New Year began in Greece around 600 BC. At that time, the Greeks honored
their God of Wine - Dionysus, by parading a baby in a basket. This
ritual represent the annual rebirth of Dionysus as the spirit of
fertility. Besides, early Egyptians are also said to have used the baby
as a symbol of rebirth.
Early Christians denounced the practice of using a baby as they felt
that the custom was Pagan in nature. But the significance of baby as a
personification of rebirth later forced the Church to reevaluate its
position. Eventually, it was decreed that Church members would be
permitted to celebrate the New Year using a symbolic baby, provided it
illustrated the birth of the baby Jesus.
The use of a baby's image as a banner for New Year celebrations was
brought to America by the Germans, who had used the effigy since the
14th Century.
Commercial Use of Baby New Year
In recent times, Baby New Year is being widely used for commercial
purpose. One can find the colourful image of Baby New Year being used in
various types of banners, posters and New Year Cards. Banners and
posters with Baby New Year image has become an important part of New
Year decorations.
