The Origin of the Baby New Year

Every year it's the same thing. Some diapered little baby is paraded around wearing a sash with the new year written on it. Who hasn't been to a New Year's Party that ended that way, huh? Okay, me neither. But the Baby New Year is still an iconic image that even popped up in a really bad sequel to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Baby. Usually in concert with the Baby New Year there is also a wizened old man with a ZZ Top beard. But this article isn't about that. It's about that naked baby.

 

 

The use of an infant as a symbol of the start of the new cycle that begins with the passage of the year dates back to ancient Greece. The festival of Dionysus, who was the god of wine, song and merriment let us not forget, was a big thing for the Greeks. No doubt the festival of Dionysus often ended long after the womenfolk had been sent to bed and each male reveler had left his male Greek friends behind to unsteadily walk home to the little woman.

Before these parties got down to the good stuff, however, it was the custom of the time to parade a newborn baby around in a basket. The baby was a symbol and a herald for fertility of the crops. (Probably just the crops since Greek style doesn't produce much in the way of offspring.

None so's you want to keep, anyway.) Across that big lake, the Egyptians were also fond of holding a ceremony of rebirth that involved the use of a young baby. In fact, there was a specific ceremonial ritual involving a young man and an older bearded man carrying a baby inside a basket that was discovered on the lid of a sarcophagus that is now on display in a museum.

The symbol of a Baby New Year was ubiquitous throughout the pagan religions so it should come as no surprise that the Catholic Church disallowed it for centuries. Finally, thanks to a fact that Bush seems incapable of grasping---that it is next to impossible to kill an idea that people cleave to with all their might---the Catholic Church gave in and allowed infants to be used in New Year celebrations. Okay, they made one adjustment. The Baby New Year was transformed from a pagan symbol into a symbol of the Baby Christ.

The contemporary image of the Baby New Year comes to us, like the Christmas tree, courtesy of those fun-loving, always-with-the-joke Germans. It was the Germans, you see, who first slapped a diaper on the Baby New Year. The newly diapered Baby New Year first cropped up in German woodcarving illustrations in the 1300s. When the German immigrants poured into Pennsylvania they brought with them the Christmas tree, Groundhog Day and our current image of the Baby New Year.

 

Celebrity Baby Boy Names

Are you looking for some inspiration for a baby boy name? If so, you may want to think about the names of some of your favorite celebrities. There are a number of celebrities with first names that could make a perfect name for your baby boy. Here are some of the celebrity names that you may want to take into consideration!

 

Simple Celebrity Names For Boys

There are a number of celebrities who have very simple baby names. If you are looking for something that is easy and perhaps traditional, one of these celebrity baby names may be a great choice for you. Some celebrities with simple baby names that you may want to consider include Adam Sandler,Matt Damon, Paul Walker, Patrick Dempsey, and Will Smith are some examples of celebrities with very short names. A trend among celebrity names is to use a shortened version of a name, such as Tom Cruise instead of Thomas Cruise.

Trendy Celebrity Names For Boys

Are you thinking about choosing a somewhat more trendy baby name for your baby boy? There are some celebrities who have names which are somewhat more trendy, and may be a suitable choice for your baby boy. Ashton Kutcher,Brad Pitt, Shane West, Jake Gyllenhaal, Zac Efron, and Taylor Lautner all have baby names which are very trendy.

Unisex Celebrity Names For Boys

If you don't know the sex of your baby, don't worry! There are a number of celebrities who have names which can be used for both boys and girls. Taylor Lautner, Jaden Smith, and Peyton Manning all are male celebrities who have unisex names. Hayden Panettiere, Jordin Sparks, Dakota Fanning, Jamie Lynn Spears, and Mackenzie Phillips all are female celebrities who have unisex names. The good thing about unisex baby names is that they are very trendy!

Female Celeb Last Names For Boys

There are a few celebrity last names which have become somewhat popular among baby boy name trends. The name Hudson, for example, which comes from Kate Hudson is an option that you may want to consider. Parker, which comes from Sarah Jessica Parker, is also a very trendy name among boys. Be sure to consider last names of female celebrities that you would like your baby to have.

Unique Celebrity Names For Boys

If you are looking for a more unique baby name for boys, there are a few celebrities who have names which may be suiting to your needs. Keanu Reeves, Forrest Whitaker, Channing Tatum, Jude Law, and Jules Asner are some of the celebrities who have more unique names. Since baby boy names are less likely to change over the years due to familial naming traditions, it is not surprising that there are only a few celebrities with unique names.

As you can see, there are a number of male celebrities who have names which could be ideal for your baby boy. Whether you want a more unique baby name, a unisex baby name, a simple baby name or a trendy baby name, one of your favorite celebs may have a name which is suitable for your son!

Super Stylish Bathrooms from Delpha

Delpha brings a collection of ultra stylish bathroom interiors for you. The designs are inspired by nature, pop culture, baroque and urban interiors.

Each bath area runs on a central theme where the fixtures and accessories are thoughtfully arranged. Most of the designs sport brightly coloured walls with rich use of textures. Some walls have mosaic tiles which are like jewels studded in a luxurious haven of purity. Going by the images, it looks as though this Delpha collection is targeting the luxury end of the market meant for people willing to pay the extra dollar.

Browse through for more inspiration.

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Source : home-designing[dot]com

Ultra Luxury Bathroom Inspiration

Perhaps more than any other room in the house, the bathroom is a private retreat. It is a place where we perform important daily rituals and where we take the time to truly indulge ourselves with the wonderful luxury of solitude. The bathrooms collected here use their own design elements but have the luxury factor in common. The bathroom is not a place to skimp and none of these designs do.

An elevated platform puts this stunning marble tub on display while large windows fold open for the truly indulgent experience of bathing in the open ocean.

Wood paneling surrounding the bath are another important element that set the bath area apart from the rest of the bedroom in this ensuite design.

Double sinks nestled into a marble countertop that matches the marble tub are a simple luxurious feature.

And what better way to relax after a decadent bath than to dry off in the setting sun on this private deck.

One view is all it takes to experience the lovely luxury of this feminine bathroom. The floral wall design and curlicue light fixtures make this an ideal retreat for any time of day.

For a less flowery option that is no less luxurious, peek inside this more masculine bath. Dark gray, black, and white are the height of masculine chic while a soaking tub and deep bowl sink offer everything you might need.

The simplicity of this bathroom is the perfect contrast to the stunning views. By sinking the tub into the floor, the designer allows the bather to feel as if they are washing off in the still waters of a lake.

The wood features in this bathroom mesh well with its views, letting you feel at one with the surrounding woods.

Sticking with the theme of nature, this safari inspired bathroom features a zebra rug and mosquito netesque light fixtures for all the glamor of a safari with none of the danger or discomfort.

Sleek floors and shining countertops make this bathroom the perfect mirror for the decadent city below.

A large round tub is the focal point in this simple but inviting space.

While this bathroom, designed as a showcase for Artecasa, UAE, may be a bit over the top for most average homes, it does make it possible to indulge in the possibilities of true luxury.

With coppery tile and gilded accents, there is no question that this bathroom is fit for a queen.

Side by side sinks go glam with intricate mirrors and reflective walls.

This Moroccan inspired design creates plenty of glowing, flattering light with a combination of bare bulbs and hidden fixtures.

A countertop that mimics a lovely dresser gives this space a more feminine touch.

Suited for the most vain, this vanity area is clearly designed with one person who loves her privacy in mind.

This black and white bathroom, with multiple countertop options, has a distinctively 80s feel to it.

Black and white marble throughout is exactly what Gordon Gekko would have wanted.

The angular designs in the counter are a bit futuristic, while other options remain more traditional.

Storage space is always a concern in the bathroom, which is the room of sprays, creams, and salves.

Finally, a colorful addition to this list, where purple tiles and vaguely gothic mirrors give this bathroom a bit of a haunted house vibe, but in a fun way.

Source : home-designing[dot]com

Ultra Luxury Bathroom Inspiration

Perhaps more than any other room in the house, the bathroom is a private retreat. It is a place where we perform important daily rituals and where we take the time to truly indulge ourselves with the wonderful luxury of solitude. The bathrooms collected here use their own design elements but have the luxury factor in common. The bathroom is not a place to skimp and none of these designs do.

An elevated platform puts this stunning marble tub on display while large windows fold open for the truly indulgent experience of bathing in the open ocean.

Wood paneling surrounding the bath are another important element that set the bath area apart from the rest of the bedroom in this ensuite design.

Double sinks nestled into a marble countertop that matches the marble tub are a simple luxurious feature.

And what better way to relax after a decadent bath than to dry off in the setting sun on this private deck.

One view is all it takes to experience the lovely luxury of this feminine bathroom. The floral wall design and curlicue light fixtures make this an ideal retreat for any time of day.

For a less flowery option that is no less luxurious, peek inside this more masculine bath. Dark gray, black, and white are the height of masculine chic while a soaking tub and deep bowl sink offer everything you might need.

The simplicity of this bathroom is the perfect contrast to the stunning views. By sinking the tub into the floor, the designer allows the bather to feel as if they are washing off in the still waters of a lake.

The wood features in this bathroom mesh well with its views, letting you feel at one with the surrounding woods.

Sticking with the theme of nature, this safari inspired bathroom features a zebra rug and mosquito netesque light fixtures for all the glamor of a safari with none of the danger or discomfort.

Sleek floors and shining countertops make this bathroom the perfect mirror for the decadent city below.

A large round tub is the focal point in this simple but inviting space.

While this bathroom, designed as a showcase for Artecasa, UAE, may be a bit over the top for most average homes, it does make it possible to indulge in the possibilities of true luxury.

With coppery tile and gilded accents, there is no question that this bathroom is fit for a queen.

Side by side sinks go glam with intricate mirrors and reflective walls.

This Moroccan inspired design creates plenty of glowing, flattering light with a combination of bare bulbs and hidden fixtures.

A countertop that mimics a lovely dresser gives this space a more feminine touch.

Suited for the most vain, this vanity area is clearly designed with one person who loves her privacy in mind.

This black and white bathroom, with multiple countertop options, has a distinctively 80s feel to it.

Black and white marble throughout is exactly what Gordon Gekko would have wanted.

The angular designs in the counter are a bit futuristic, while other options remain more traditional.

Storage space is always a concern in the bathroom, which is the room of sprays, creams, and salves.

Finally, a colorful addition to this list, where purple tiles and vaguely gothic mirrors give this bathroom a bit of a haunted house vibe, but in a fun way.

Source : home-designing[dot]com