When is Leap Day?
Di Dòmhnaich, 24 An Gearran 2008
164.9.4.18 Naghaid
2008 is what is known as a “bissextile” year (annus bissextilis). The reason for this comes from the ancient Roman system of dating by counting down to key points in the month called Kalends, Nones and Ides. In most months the Ides are the 13th and the Nones the 5th. In all months, however, the Kalends fall on the first day of the month, and dates following the Ides of the previous month are counted down towards the Kalends. Using this system therefore, the last few days in February are designated as follows:
24th Feb - 6th Kalends March
25th Feb …
Naghaid - “Stay at Home and Store” Moon
Di Ardaoin, 7 An Gearran 2008
164.9.4.1 Naghaid
Today the fourth lunar month of the Celtic year, Naghaid or “stay at home and store Moon”, began. It is cognate with the Gaulish month of Anagantios. In the Anglo-Saxon lunar calendar it is the Lenten Moon, originally meaning the time of lengthening days, but later coming to signify the beginning of period of Lent in the Christian calendar, the period of fasting leading up to Easter. Today is also the official start of the Chinese Year of the Rat, and celebration will begin in the Chinese communities and last for around two weeks. In the hebrew …