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Don,

As we inherited our calendar from the ancient societies, with some minor modifications, 
one can also say that religion determines our own calendar to a large extent. 
On the other hand, ancient religious holidays were usually tied to seasons, and the ultimate reason
for their dates lays in astronomy.

Some most fundamental things (that the year is approximately 365 days, and approximately 12 months)
come from astronomy, and they must be similar in all calendars, modern and ancient.

Speaking of the beginning of the year, it seems that the original intention of 
the Romans (to begin it at or near the spring equinox)
was more scientific than our completely arbitrary beginning on January 1 
(which is probably related to the date of Christmas:-)

Alex.



In many (most?) ancient societies it was religion that dictated the calendar 
and most celebrations, and the lunar calendar was dominant.  So we see many 
celebrations that are fixed to the timing of the full or new moons closest to 
the equinoxes.

Don Seltzer

On Fri, Sep 22, 2017 at 9:28 PM, David C > wrote:

I am posting this message a few hours late but never mind..........     .

Several hours ago the sun's dec was 0� 0'. Now it is about 5' south. Down here 
in  41S  175 E it is an exciting day. First, as I  have mentioned, it is the 
spring equinox. Secondly, in the early hours of tomorrow morning daylight 
saving time starts. Thirdly today is election day.

It must be "couples day" because as we walked hand in hand to the polling 
booth we noticed large numbers of other couples doing the same thing.  The 
sun is behind cloud so sights are not possible but the temperature is 
increasing and I am considering changing into short sleeve shirts. I am part 
way through mowing the lawns.

Did the ancients celebrate the equinox or was it just the solstice?

   

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