by Max Barry

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Region: Forest

Hey everyone,

I'd like to mention that today is the Dies Natalis, the Day of Birth for the city of Rome, the Eternal City. The Romans always maintained that the city was founded on April 21st by Romulus, and although the year is disputed, what we would call 753 BC is the most commonly accepted year.

So today, the City of Rome celebrates the beginning of its 2774th year!!! The Romans had celebrations for it in ancient times, and it has been built into some prominent architecture, such as the Pantheon. On this day, at noon, the sun shines through the oculus in the dome (the largest unreinforced concrete dome in the world to this day, by the way) and lands directly on the door to the temple. Imagine the emperor coming through the doors in a shaft of sunlight into the otherwise dimly-lit temple to celebrate the birthday of the city, the state, and the entire civilization.

Here's a cool little video of that happening: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qGBWgkuvqlc

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Also, in regard to Chan island's idea of special use flags for a larger number of holidays, I would suggest having four flags for the Winter and Summer Solstices, along with the Spring and Fall Equinoxes (or since today is Rome's day, the Hibernal & Aestival Solstices, and the Vernal & Autumnal Equinoxes, if you like!). They'd be easy to make, because they could just be season-themed, or else simply play with the brightness or darkness of the flag in some way. But regardless of how they are done, the solstices and equinoxes are much more important than many people realize, because they mark the physical changes in the orbit of the Earth that drive the timing and symbolism of many of the other holidays and festivals.

If the special use flags only fly for one day each, we could in theory develop a beautiful repertoire of perhaps dozens of flags, and we could have a fantastic dispatch or something where they are all displayed in a gallery so that everyone can appreciate them. It could become one of our defining features as a region.

Also: I love many of the new flags proposals that I've seen so far! Whether we stick with the old flag or choose a new design, this is showcasing a very high level of talent and dedication in the regional community. I must admit that at first, I was skeptical that I would vote for a new design, but having seen the submissions, there are a number that will compete for my vote with the original. Time will tell!

Einswenn, Alcantaria, Chan island, Mount Seymour, and 11 othersAtsvea, Lord Dominator, Uan aa Boa, Palos heights, Terrabod, Northern Wood, Niyebe, Middle Barael, Hamyan, Nation of ecologists, and Garbelia

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