Submitted by Rona_Gura on

It's That Time of Year Again

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Lifestyle

As today is New Year’s Day, I thought it would be interesting to learn how we developed the tradition of making New Year’s resolutions. Using Google as my research tool, I learned the Babylonians made promises to their deities at the start of each year that they would return borrowed objects and pay their debts. The Romans began each year by making promises to the deity Janus, for whom the month of January is named. In the Medieval era, the knights took the "peacock vow" at the end of the Christmas season each year to re-affirm their commitment to chivalry

Apparently, and a little surprising to me, the tradition of making resolutions has its genesis in religion. But it has become a mainstream tradition. And, again this year, I will  resolve to lose ten pounds. And you?

 

Happy New Year Gotham!!!

Comments

Submitted by ArtLizza on Sun, 12/31/2017 - 21:53

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Art Lizza

In 1726, and remarkably, at the age of 20, Benjamin Franklin devised a system of 13 virtues or guiding principles, to develop his moral and ethical character and to live by. I remember reading somewhere that Ben found that it was far more difficult than he had anticipated, though one imagines that if anyone ever strove to do so, it was certainly he. I guess the moral is that every day is an opportunity to try to be a better and more caring, less selfish person.
Daniel Schwartz

Interesting history. I was never very good at sticking to resolutions. Maybe this year I will commit to completing a resolution.
Gideon Schein

Sad.how the good in religion can be so easily co-opted by its own institutions. Here's to resolve.

Submitted by NeilHollander on Mon, 01/01/2018 - 05:39

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Neil Hollander

How did the Brazil flights go ?


Hollander sends
Nancy Schess

Instead of the lose ten pounds resolution, I decided to resolve to spending more time in the gym. I always fil when I commit to going more days -- so this time, my resolution is to extend the duration of each visit. So far so good, but ask me in a month. Happy new year.
Ellyn Finkelstein

Interesting history of resolutions! I gotta move in 2018!!! We need a yard! - me and my fur babies

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