by Joan Collins

Created on: December 28, 2009   Last Updated: January 26, 2010

Six hundred years ago, the Greeks had a similar symbol to the New Year's baby.  Dionysus, son of the Greek god, Zeus and a mortal woman, Semele survived an attempt of the jealous goddess, Hera.  She caused the death of Semele but Zeus managed to save the babe, still in her womb, by implanting the child into his own thigh. Dionysus was considered twice born because of Zeus's actions.  To honor this god of wine and fertility and to celebrate his renewal, the Greeks presented a baby boy placed in a basket.  The baby, carried by an older man was paraded around at their festivities as a symbol of fertility.  The baby was to signify a new beginning, a rebirth and the old man was his protector.   Together they formed a union.  Though today they represent the end and the beginning, they are still an important part of our New Year traditions.

The baby almost faded into history when the early church shunned the practice of having a New Year baby as a means to separate themselves from pagan celebrations. The history of using a baby during this time can be found in ancient history from Greece to Egypt.  The common man was strongly attracted to the baby as a symbol. 

In 487 A.D., New Year's Day, January first, became a religious day, the Feast of the Circumcision.  Celebrations were also forbidden because they were an important element in the pagan celebrations.  Over time the church began to change its point of view.  The beliefs in the church founded on the birth of a child, Jesus.  It was determined that a baby could be used as a symbol to represent the New Year.  One stipulation was placed on the baby; it was required that the baby be Jesus Christ and the use represent his birth.  Celebrations, though still observed by the pagans, were also allowed.

How did the tiny New Year symbol end up in America?   He had come along with the Germans, just like the Christmas tree.  Germans had used the baby as a symbol since the fourteenth century.  He soon became a banner for the New Year in the United States as well.

Americans have embraced this tiny little diapered symbol.  The Saturday Evening Post ran covers of the New Year baby from 1908 through 1943.  Every New Year's will find the baby being  featured on everything from party plans to advertisements.  Every year, pregnant mothers vie for the role of New Year's baby for their community.  Some even have labor induced or plan C-sections if their doctors are willing.  The local hospital showers them with gifts, something they don't do for other babies born even thirty seconds later!  The role of the New Year baby is firmly entrenched in America culture.

Today the New Year's baby represents renewal.  Though the circumstances are different than the beliefs in ancient Greece, the baby really hasn't changed that much. 

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