During the Han Dynasty in China, which occurred between 206 B.C. – 220 A.D., residents lit firecrackers and hung red banners to scare away the mythical beast Nian (pronounced “nee-awn”) whilst feasting and honoring the ancestors in an effort to mark renewal of life and good fortune. In the Egyptian New Kingdom, which occurred between 1550 B.C. – 1070 B.C., temples placed statues of gods in direct sunlight during Wepet Renpet (pronounced “weh-pet ren-pet”), which was considered the Opening of the Year, tied to the star system of Sirius and the annual flooding of the Nile River which symbolized rebirth and prosperity, with moonlight, starlight, and sunlight all treated as divine energy. In the Neo‑Babylonian Period which occurred between 626 B.C. – 539 B.C., the Akitu (pronounced “ah-key-too”) festival renewed cosmic order and the kingship of monarchs with grand spectacles of parades with deities, solemn ritualistic purification rites, and vows resembling the modern day tradition of New Year’s resolutions. In Ancient Rome after the Julian Reform in 46 B.C., January 1st was a time to exchange gifts and feast, recognized as New Year’s Day, in honor of Janus (pronounced “yah-noose”), the Roman god of beginnings, whose dual faces gazed both backward and forward simultaneously which embodied transition. Finally, amongst the Celtic Druids of the Iron Age which occurred from 800 B.C. – 100 A.D., solstice fires and feasts were held to celebrate the rebirth of the sun, with Samhain (pronounced “sow-in”) marking the threshold between harvest and winter and when it was believed that the spirit world and natural world were capable of overlapping and bleeding into eachother
Tag: Ancient Rome
The View of the Birthday Within Ancient Rome
In Ancient Rome, birthdays referred to as “dies natalis” which means “day of birth” in Latin, were deeply personal and spiritual occasions. Far from the cake and candle rituals of the modern day, the Ancient Romans viewed birthdays as a time to honor their genius, for men, or juno, for women. The genius and juno were guardian spirits believed to guide and protect a person throughout their life. These divine entities were believed to be intrinsically tied to one’s fate, character, and destiny which is why they were revered. The Ancient Romans made offerings on their birthday to their guardian spirit (e.g. wine, incense, small cakes etc.). These rituals were performed at home, sometimes accompanied by prayers or dedications at small residential shrines. For those with wealth or higher status, birthday observances could include more elaborate ceremonies (e.g. feasts with reclining guests, music, gift giving etc.). Even with these additions however, the spiritual aspect of the holiday remained central regardless of class