5 jan 2006

Is it not funny how epiphany is listed with some definitions of "January" the month? I mean, a divine manifestation in bodily form? Januarius, the Latin god of the sun and year, to whom the month was sacred, was not noted for the manifestation in bodily form as we understand it to mean- don't forget. Unless early cultures considered the sun as a body. Not! Not a human formed god. Before the adoption of New Style, the commencement of the year usually began on 25 March. Yet, we celebrate 1 January every year. No matter what night of the week, we make arrangements to stay up late and "party" with our friends and loved ones. "Party- an occasion on which people can assemble for social interaction and celebration." Wow! As the [Dream] Dictionary defines January, "Dreaming of the month of January means loss of love and companionship." Still, we plan and align our schedules to enjoy social interaction and celebrate the "loss of love and/or companionship".

Auld Lang Syne (for time goes by), a gaelic folk song from about 1711, has become (nae, IS) a tradition during this celebration. Name one New Year "party" that is complete without singing this song. I know, some parties just seem to miss something without these words. "Should auld accaintenances be forgot?" Reply, "for auld lang syne." "Pou'd the gowans fine." "Wander'd mony a weary foot." Then, alas, we find the lost friend after wading streams and traveling from shore to shore. Whew, I know- "tak a right guid-willie waught" [We'll] take a goodwill drink, for time goes by.

How many friends, in this age, go through such a journey? With planes, trains, and automobiles (and of course- cell phones), do we extend our "extreme" behaviour to reach those lost friendships? I am forced to deduce the Scottish forefathers understood the term of "extreme", more than us. However, "reasoning is nothing but the faculty of deducing unkown truths from principles already known"-Locke. So, to Mr. Guy Lombardo, very much a trend setter, I, tak a right guid-willie waught and salute you. I, for one, this year stretched my time, calender, and even budget in making this sacrifice. It was worth it! To all my friends, if you ever read this, thank you.

Reach