Re: "Heavy Hitter of the Century"
Back in 16th-century France, before computers could mess with people's
lives, folks celebrated New Year's Day on March 25, the advent of spring
and the new GiantPumpkin season. It was a festive time. They partied
non-stop until April 1 (about the time their seeds would have germinated in
their peat pots).
In 1564, the Gregorian calendar came into being and French King Charles IX
proclaimed that New Year's Day should be celebrated on January 1 instead of
in the spring. Diehard conservatives resisted the change and continued to
celebrate New Year's from March 25 to April 1. During this period of spring
festivity, the more politically correct French mocked the revelers by
sending them foolish gifts and invitations to non-existent parties.
Although historically correct, the revelers were considered fools for not
conforming to popular opinion (read: that of the King).
Today, mass media is king. And they have declared that January 1, 2000 is
the beginning of the new millennium.
We could argue but, really, what's the point?
Paul Thompson
Armada, Michigan
At 04:57 PM 12/12/1999 -0800, you wrote:
> As you all know it is not close to the end of the century. We still
>have more than a year. Plus, what is up with milenium fever??? It is just
>another day, but seems to be the excuse to create silly surveys and to get
>drunk.
>
Paul Thompson
Armada, Michigan
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