Summary

The web content reflects on the historical, cultural, and future significance of January 3rd, intertwining past events, present observances, and future predictions, while also exploring personal and global prospects for the year.

Abstract

The article "THIS DAY — THE PAST AND 'WHAT MAY BE'" delves into the multifaceted nature of January 3rd, highlighting historical events such as the Annunciation of Guadalupe in 1531 and the founding of the University of Oxford. It contrasts the quiet start of the New Year in many places with the vibrant cultural celebrations in Japan, Korea, and India. The author, Merticaru Dorin Nicolae, uses AI-generated imagery to complement the narrative, which also touches on future global events, including major elections, the Paris Olympics, and Japan's lunar exploration. The piece speculates on predictions by Nostradamus and zodiac forecasts for 2024, suggesting a year of conflict and prosperity, and concludes with a personal note encouraging readers to focus on their individual paths amidst global uncertainties.

Opinions

The author suggests that despite the sleepy inertia of the New Year, there are significant cultural observances and historical remembrances on January 3rd.
There is an optimistic view of personal achievements and milestones that individuals may reach in the coming year.
The article implies a sense of anticipation for global events such as elections and the Olympics, which are seen as highlights of the year.
The author seems skeptical about the usefulness of esoteric predictions, including those attributed to Nostradamus, while acknowledging their prevalence in public discourse.
There is a note of caution regarding the challenges the world may face, such as economic stagnation, price increases, energy crises, wars, and climate change.
The piece conveys a hopeful message that individual endeavors can thrive despite broader global instabilities, emphasizing resilience and personal agency.

THIS DAY — THE PAST AND “WHAT MAY BE”

January 3: A little something about this day

Awakening! Or continue our dream?

Author: Merticaru Dorin Nicolae

(Romanian version) (Content)

Hint: For “atmosphere,” you can listen to the music of this clip while reading...

Created by the Author with AI — Microsoft Bing Image Creator

If time passed but we remained the same, carefree, enjoying the tranquility of the "beginnings," would it be now?

Imagining, with eyes open to history, experiences “received” from the ancient Thebes of Boeotia, ancient Greece... In our days... What would it be like?

Present — What is…

It is a day when many of us start work today… Consciously or not, voluntarily or imposed...

But there are still enough to continue their vacations and to be with their loved ones until everyday life forces them into activity, which...

Not many events, traditions, and customs stand out today; not even too many “memorable” days... The New Year is still sleepy, in the inertia of relaxation and the melancholy of the holidays.

In Japan, January 3rd is known as San-ganichi, the third day of Shōgatsu, the Japanese New Year, when people visit relatives and friends, participate in traditional games, and eat specific dishes such as mochi (glutinous rice). and ozoni (mochi soup).

In Korea, this day is called Samiljeol, or Independence Movement Day, commemorating the anti-Japanese protests of 1919, when millions of Koreans took to the streets to demand freedom from Japanese occupation. On this day, people show their patriotism by waving the national flag, participating in parades and ceremonies, and visiting historical sites.

In India, the day is known as Surya Puja, a holiday that marks the beginning of the Hindu New Year, a day when it is customary to worship the sun and make good wishes for the new year.

Past — What was

Historically, the 7 most famous historical events related to January 3rd would make up this list:

1531: In Spain, the Franciscan friar Juan Diego saw the Virgin Mary on Tepeyac Hill near Mexico City. This apparition became known as the Annunciation of Guadalupe and is one of the most important religious holidays in Mexico.
1536: The University of Oxford, one of the oldest universities in the world, was founded.
1848: In the United States, the Texas Declaration of Independence was adopted, which proclaimed the independence of the Republic of Texas from Mexico.
1958: The Soviet space probe Luna 2 was launched, the first man-made object to touch the surface of the Moon.
1961: The United States National Space Agency (NASA) was established.
1965: The American space probe Mariner 4 was launched, the first probe to take pictures of the planet Mars.
1968: The Apollo 8 space probe was launched, the first manned mission to orbit the moon.

Future: What will be

I think that any of us has made all kinds of plans for the future, even by simply making wishes to the symbols of the winter holidays or the New Year.

Thus, those who have made this effort, consciously or not, have a vague idea of what the future will be…

I will fix something, complete the construction of something, the child will graduate something, I will get a raise or move to another job if I don’t get it, etc.

The world seems to be entering the year of major elections... USA, Russia, European Union, Mexico, etc. Hopes…

Then there is the year of great Olympic victories to come through the Paris Olympics. Thus, Paris will be next to London, the three-time organizer of these sports games.

Japan will become the fifth country to place an explorer on the moon, following the US, Russia, China, and India (which did so as late as last year).

And there would be something else, here and there.

Otherwise, the world economy stagnates, at best, price increases continue, the energy crisis continues, wars continue and even tend to swell your muscles (let’s hope they don’t get out of control), and the global temperature continues to rise…

Nah, we better see to our affairs that have more chances to give us good news...

Yes, it looks better… Even the appeal to esoteric “stuff” doesn’t help us.

The information, “entertaining” or not, informs us that it will be a year marked by conflicts and instability, Nostradamus is even “talking” about a “storm of fire” that will devastate a large part of the planet.

According to some press articles, Nostradamus would have predicted 2024 wars, famines, earthquakes, changes in the Vatican, and a new king of the islands. For example, he would have written, “Seven months of the Great War, people killed by evil deeds” or “A king of the islands will be removed by force”.

According to another press article, Nostradamus predicted in 2024 an imminent conflict with China, a mysterious virus that will affect people’s sleep, and a strange epidemic in the year of the dragon. For example, he reportedly wrote: “A red adversary will turn white with fear; terror will cover the Great Ocean” or “Shortly after a disastrous war, a new king will be born, who will quiet the Earth for a long time”.

But if we focus on the little ones, the zodiac horoscope shows that the year 2024 will be favorable for three signs: Cancer, Leo, and Virgo. These signs will have substantial financial gains, great professional opportunities, strong relationships, and personal fulfillment. For example, Cancers will experience a radical career change, Leos will be the center of attention and receive recognition, and Virgos will experience passionate love.

Or, 2024 is a year of power, luck, and success, but also transitions of change, creativity, innovation, and expansion.

Nah! We hope to see you in our business!

Really? Can the particular survive the general? And not in the sense that the “private entrepreneur” can survive the “army general”! In the sense of the common man, the individual, he can survive independently of the global, of the general!

Nah! We hope to see you in our business!

Merticaru Dorin Nicolae