Astronomical systems are sketch at best. We travel millions of miles a day. 10,000 years from now, when we look at the sky, nothing is where we left it.
I like very much what I did with the layout of today’s strip, but you just know I can’t be the first one to play with space like that. Indeed, I’m probably the boob who took what somebody else did and altered it just enough to take credit for it. But that’s not really theft, that’s standing on the shoulders of, um, really really big people. There. Now it’s my quote instead of Isaac Newton’s.
Frazz by Jef Mallett for Dec 31, 2017 | GoComics.com
Except that isn’t what happened. The ancestral line of the Gregorian Calendar, going back at least to about 731 BC, never had January 1 at the solstice.
Jeff, I just wish I could give you a hug, and look into your eyes, and say, “Thank you for doing such a great job as a comic artist/philosopher.” I really like your work. May you enjoy it even more in 2018. Happy New Year!
2000 years ago, the solstice fell about January 1, and was celebrated as the beginning of the astronomical/civil new year. The agricultural new year was celebrated on March 25. Precession of the equinoxes backwards through the zodiac has moved the date of the solstice backwards about 11 days, so it now falls between the 20th and 22nd of December, depending mostly on leap years.
The longest night of the year has been celebrated for thousands of years, often by building large bonfires on the hills or at the ocean and staying up to greet the newborn sun by telling stories of the Old Ones. Of course Christianity Incorporated such a major festival into their ecclesiastical calendar, as they did with Easter (Ostara), Candlemas (Brigid, Imbolc) and others.
PoodleGroomer over 6 years ago
Astronomical systems are sketch at best. We travel millions of miles a day. 10,000 years from now, when we look at the sky, nothing is where we left it.
magicwalnut Premium Member over 6 years ago
Wouldn’t what is now January 1st be the day Jesus was circumcised?
Masterskrain Premium Member over 6 years ago
Well, the Military LIVES by the “That’s the way we’ve always done it” system!
Ignatz Premium Member over 6 years ago
“It’s close to the solstice, but not on the solstice. Therefore it must be stolen.” That almost defines Internet Logic, right there.
mourdac Premium Member over 6 years ago
“Pompous boob culture” may be the buzzphrase for 2018.
Lenavid over 6 years ago
Fine tuning the date/time grid to accommodate more production from the workers required a few sacrifices from the shamans…
Fido (aka Felix Rex) Premium Member over 6 years ago
Of course, under the old Julian Calendar the New Year began in late March, close to the Spring Equinox.
Night-Gaunt49[Bozo is Boffo] over 6 years ago
Frazz
I like very much what I did with the layout of today’s strip, but you just know I can’t be the first one to play with space like that. Indeed, I’m probably the boob who took what somebody else did and altered it just enough to take credit for it. But that’s not really theft, that’s standing on the shoulders of, um, really really big people. There. Now it’s my quote instead of Isaac Newton’s.
Frazz by Jef Mallett for Dec 31, 2017 | GoComics.com
John W Kennedy Premium Member over 6 years ago
Except that isn’t what happened. The ancestral line of the Gregorian Calendar, going back at least to about 731 BC, never had January 1 at the solstice.
Stephen Gilberg over 6 years ago
I want to see them crash the sled. Both as a tribute and because they deserve it.
soaringblocks over 6 years ago
Jeff, I just wish I could give you a hug, and look into your eyes, and say, “Thank you for doing such a great job as a comic artist/philosopher.” I really like your work. May you enjoy it even more in 2018. Happy New Year!
Bysshe over 6 years ago
2000 years ago, the solstice fell about January 1, and was celebrated as the beginning of the astronomical/civil new year. The agricultural new year was celebrated on March 25. Precession of the equinoxes backwards through the zodiac has moved the date of the solstice backwards about 11 days, so it now falls between the 20th and 22nd of December, depending mostly on leap years.
The longest night of the year has been celebrated for thousands of years, often by building large bonfires on the hills or at the ocean and staying up to greet the newborn sun by telling stories of the Old Ones. Of course Christianity Incorporated such a major festival into their ecclesiastical calendar, as they did with Easter (Ostara), Candlemas (Brigid, Imbolc) and others.