Saturday, December 30, 2017

Ancient New Year Celebrations


Day 112 of My Italian Learning Journal*
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At history.com there is an article about five ancient new year's celebrations, going back 4000 years. Among the most ancient civilizations to celebrate a "new year" were the Babylonians, Romans, Egyptians, Chinese, and Persians. 

I have long thought that the Chinese custom of naming years after animals is interesting. The Chinese New Year is still based on a lunar calendar that dates back to the second millennium BC. Each year is associated with one of twelve zodiacal animals; they are, the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, goat, monkey, rooster, dog and pig. My birth month is that of the dragon -- the gold dragon to be precise.

Ascolta Questo:
  • I cinesi hanno festeggiato il Capodanno per migliaia di anni.
    The Chinese have celebrated the New Year for thousands of years.
  • Il Capodanno cinese è basato su un calendario lunare.
    The Chinese New Year is based on a lunar calendar.
  • Ogni anno cinese è associato con uno di dodici animali zodiacali.
    Each year is associated with one of twelve zodiacal animals.
  • L’anno 2018 per il calendario cinese sarà l’anno del cane.
    The Chinese 2018 New Year will be the Year of the Dog.
[ Gracie a Mith ]

Alla prossima!

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*Note: This is my personal journal of daily practice in learning Italian. I welcome Italian grammar corrections. Grazie.

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