Ancient New Year Celebrations

Day 112 of My Italian Learning Journal*

_____________________

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!

- - - - - - - - - -

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