MMXI Roman Numerals Google Doodle Rings in New Year's 2011

Google is celebrating New Year's Eve 2011 with the MMXI roman numerals. The search engine giant has replaced the normal Google logo with "GMMXIe", surrounded by a night sky drawing bursting with fireworks. Google often switches its logo to a colorful logo for celebratory or notable days.

What do MMXI roman numerals stand for?

MMXI stands for 2011, in roman numerals. A simple way for Google to have fun with its logo on New Years.

It also fits well enough to resemble some of the letters in "Google", which is a trick often employed in the search engines doodles. On Nov. 25, 2010, the logo was a Thanksgiving feast--from turkey to pumpkin pies--laid out to resemble the company's name.

On Veteran's Day 2010, the "L" was substituted for an American Flag. This doodle actually caused a bit of an uproar, as some people believe the portion of the "e" resembled a cresent under the flag. The 2011 doodle should prove to be infinitely less controversial.

What Happens If You Click the MMXI Doodle?

Mousing over the temporary logo makes the words "New Year's Eve!" appear. Likewise, clicking the MMXI Roman Numerals will take you to a Google web search for "New Year's Eve". There is nothing unusual about the search results.

In fact, since the "News" portion is currently topped by the Snooki New Year's ball drop, it would seem everything is Jersey Shore..er..business as usual. The rest of the search results include the typical Wikipedia, photo and video.

Relevant links to the Times Square New Year's Site and Earth Cam New Year's 2011 also show up on the first page.

Use the MMXI Roman Numerals for Updates

Now that Google has put the MMXI Roman Numerals for 2011 out for us to see, why not have a little fun with it? Include the numerals in your social media status updates and see if your friends catch on. Who knows? You may start the next Facebook or Twitter meme.

Try drawing or creating your own images including the numerals, to celebrate the New Year. Share your creativity with friends. Who knows? You may start the next Facebook or Twitter meme.