In Ancient Egypt, the New Year celebration was called Wepet Renpet.

[Dawn]

Wepet Renpet' directly translates to 'the opener of the year.' Unlike the New Year's holiday we know, which happens on January 1st every year, Wepet Renpet was different from year to year. It took place during the annual flooding of the Nile River, which usually happened in July. The Ancient Egyptians tracked Sirius, the brightest star in the sky, to determine when Wepet Renpet would happen. After they couldn't see Sirius for 70 days, they knew that the flood, and the holiday, would arrive soon.

 

[Mikha_Red]

Fascinating stuff! ‘Wepet Renpet’ means ‘the opener of the year’ and was tied to the Nile’s annual flooding. Unlike our fixed New Year’s date, this Ancient Egyptian festival shifted each year and was timed by tracking Sirius, the brightest star. After not seeing Sirius for 70 days, they knew the flood—and the celebration—was on its way!

 

[alexalbon23]

Fascinating! The way Ancient Egyptians used the rise of Sirius to track the annual flooding of the Nile and determine Wepet Renpet is incredible. It’s amazing how they integrated astronomy and natural events into their calendar and celebrations. It’s a great reminder of how deeply connected ancient cultures were with their environment.