It’s
amazing how long some books have been around.
No, I’m not talking about The
Bible, the dictionary, or Romeo and
Juliet, but about The Farmer’s
Almanac and The Old Farmers’ Almanac. Both celebrate publishing milestones this
year.
The
Farmers’ Almanac is based out of Maine.
The 2017 edition, released just now, celebrates its bicentennial. The Old
Farmer’s Almanac, based out of New Hampshire, is up to its 225th
year.
Though
many generations have bought or at least heard of these almanacs, few own them
today. They used to be consulted for
important weather forecasts that could dictate farming patterns and
preparations. They also include tide tables
and other information relevant to some.
Perhaps
the best part of The Farmer’s Almanac
is that it always included recommendations to people. For instance, in the early 1800’s it
recommended abstention from tobacco and butter for health reasons. In 1869, it advised readers to live in the
sunniest room of one’s home. In 1876, it
recommended girls practice a “wholesome indifference towards suitors.” This year’s new edition features a 16-page
section highlighting its forward-thinking advice from the past two centuries.
What
might these almanacs advise us on the future?
Here are some suggestions:
·
Deal
with climate change now -- before the world ends.
·
Trump
may be bad for your health.
·
The
Internet may do more harm than good -- use in moderation.
·
Play
coy with your one-night stands that you find online.
·
Driverless
cars may still need drivers.
·
Visit
bookstores before they become extinct.
·
Get
a dog -- it will make you happier and healthier.
·
Take
a book wherever you go.
·
Eat
chocolate, drink coffee, consume popcorn.
Wouldn’t
it be nice if the almanac can just tell us how to live, warn us of bad things
and inform us of all things to come regarding weather, the environment, and
nature. Could the almanac predict Zika
or tell us at what point we shouldn’t drink the water? Humans can alter what may eventually need to
be reported in an almanac. – it’s up to us to steward the earth in a
responsible way.
Even
if you don’t plan to farm or go boating, check out the new almanacs. Who knows – you may just embrace some useful
advice or information.
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