Happy Chinese New Years! *throws red confetti!*
While New Years is often a time to look forward with hope for the future, I think it is wise to occasionally reflect on the past. Chinese New Years is wrapped up in ancient beliefs and the Chinese Zodiac. This is the year of the Horse, of course!
The second year of the Horse in the 19th century was, 1822. What happened then? How can we use this knowledge to prepare for the future?
- Tek Sing, a Chinese junk sinks in the South China Sea, killing all 1600 on board (sort of puts the Titanic to shame).
- St. David’s College (Now the University of Wales) was established.
- King George IV visited Scotland.
- Brazil declares independence from Portugal.
- Greek War of Independence ensues.
- Hieroglyphs translated via the Rosetta Stone.
- 24th Star added to Old Glory to represent Missouri.
- Graham Cracker created by Presbyterian minster, Sylvester Graham.
- Not to be confused with Charles Graham who patented artificial teeth.
- Boston incorporated as a City.
- Mexico official recognized as an independent nation.
- Fraz List debuts (11 years old).
- Women wore this! (Well, not all women, maybe not any woman. But gosh, it sure is pretty!)
- Frederick Law Olmstead born.
- Ulysses S. Grant born.
- John Jacob Astor III born.
- Princess Augusta of Cambridge born.
- Gregor Mendel born.
- Rutherford B. Hayes born.
- Matthew Arnold born.
- Louis Pasteur born.
So what can we conclude to prepare for the future? . . . . I have noooo idea. However, for followers of the Chinese Zodiac, it claims 2014 will be full of conflict, but lumber and agriculture departments are promising. Good to know.