Again, Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!

Tomorrow is another New Year's Day so-called "Chinese New Year," according to the Lunar Calendar which was used in many Asian countries for a long time.  On the other hand, current popular calendar system was first introduced in 1583 by the Pope Gregory XIII.   We call it "Western Calendar" or "Christian Calendar,"  but "Gregorian Calendar" is probably most widely used after the Pope's name at that time.

It's very interesting that Eastern countries paid attention to the cycles of the phases of the moon.  On the other hand, western countries focused on the position of Earth on its revolution around the Sun or, equivalently, the apparent position of the sun moving on the celestial sphere.

Japan used to follow its own lunar calendar, which was of course, originally imported from China, but was replaced by the Gregorian Calendar in 1873.  Since then, many seasonal events including New Year events were started to observe according to the Gregorian Calendar or we call it Shin-reki (New Calendar.)  No more Lunar New Year in Japan.  But as you may know, O-Bon observed in August is actually according to the Lunar Calendar, called "Kyu-reki (old Calendar.)

Anyway, I feel...how wonderful we have another chance to celebrate a new year.  In case we couldn't start a good new year, this day shall be another new start for the year and at the same time, I truly wish you and your family have a great new year!