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Julius Caesar introduces solar-based calendar to mark the new year
By Kathy Antoniotti
Beacon Journal staff writer
Published on Saturday, Dec 27, 2008
For almost 2,000 years, the new year was celebrated at the time of the vernal equinox in mid-March. But in ancient times, the date might have been different from one culture to another. Some celebrated with the fall equinox and others with the winter solstice.
It wasn't until 153 B.C. that the Romans tied the date to Jan. 1 because it was the beginning of the civil year, the month that the highest officials in the Roman republic took office.
Julius Caesar introduced the new, solar-based calendar that took his name in 46 B.C. The Julian calendar named Jan. 1 as the new year, and within the massive Roman Empire, it became the start of the new year.
So, it is a long-standing tradition that we celebrate the first night of the new year. And for the past 13 years, people in Akron and surrounding areas have been invited to celebrate First Night Akron with a family-friendly, alcohol-free celebration on New Year's Eve.
This year, more than 18 venues will offer entertainment with interactive arts, music, dance and theater by more than 100 performers. Admission buttons are available at Acme Fresh Markets, FirstMerit Bank branches, the Beacon Journal Customer Service Desk and other locations. Children younger than 10 will be admitted for free. For more information, go to http://www.firstnightakron.org.
This First Night party hat is sure to bring clear skies on New Year's Eve. Make one to wear on your First Night celebration. I found directions for this craft at http.//www.familyfun.go.com on the Web.
Supplies you will need:
• 9-inch plate.
• 101/2-inch paper plate.
• Ruler.
• Pencil.
• Scissors.
• Hole punch.
• Yellow and blue acrylic paint and brushes.
• Narrow ribbons.
• Glue.
• Cotton balls.
• Old newspaper.
Place the smaller plate in the center of the larger paper plate. Trace around the smaller one to make a circle.
Divide the circle into eight equal sections using a ruler and a pencil. Working from the center to the outer edges, cut the lines, but do not cut the outer edge. Leave at least 2 to 3 inches intact.
At the outside edge of the plate, punch eight holes around the plate just opposite the lines.
Put the plate right-side-up on top of the newspaper and paint the center sections yellow.
When dry, paint the outside edge of the paper plate blue.
When dry, fold the ribbons in half, slip the loop through the hole and draw the ribbon ends through the loop and let hang.
Push the center yellow triangles up from the bottom to look like the sun's rays.
For clouds, glue cotton balls around the rim.
You can finish the hat by decorating it with glitter.
Kathy Antoniotti writes a craft column for the Beacon Journal. If you have a craft idea or question, contact Kathy Antoniotti, Akron Beacon Journal, P.O. Box 640, Akron OH 44309-0640; 330-996-3565; or via e-mail at kantoniotti@thebeaconjournal.com.
Get the full article here.
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