Lunar Eclipse falls on the Solstice, 1638, 1703 and 2010

At 2:41 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, December 21, 2010 a lunar eclipse  started. December 21 is also the Solstice.  What was the world like, centuries ago, when this phenomena occurred in the past?

I could copy and paste a list of the large political events that occurred in specific areas in 1638 and 1703.  However, certain of the larger events caught my interest.

In the 1630s

The great migration from England to New England occurred in the 1630s, the first settlers were a mixed company of fortune seekers and Puritans.

New England Earth Quake

Anne Hutchinsonin 1638, the First Church in Boston conducted a religious trial, accusing Hutchinson of blasphemy.

In 1703

The city of Saint Petersburg is founded in Russia.

The Great Storm of 1703, an Atlantic hurricane, ravages southern England and the English Channel, killing nearly 8,000, mostly at sea.

Poet Chiyo born, haiku poet of the classical period, became a Buddhist nun which gave her freedom to travel the country.

After both working today, Attila and I are busy with our Christmas preparations. Wrapping our modest presents, baking and beginning to tidy things up around the house. As we putter along, A Christmas Carol entertains us, starring Alastair Sim. This movie was released the during my early childhood, I’ve been watching it every Christmas for most of my life. I have never tired of it.

After all, “mankind” is our business.

Wishing every one a very peaceful holiday. Remember a smile is the greatest gift you can give.