In Ancient Rome, the New Year began with March. To celebrate the end of the old year—and to honor the god Mars—Romans marked 27 February as Equirria, a day of horse racing in the Campus Martius (“Field of Mars”). In a sense, every New Year was a “Year of the Horse.”
Mars—the God of War and protector of agriculture—was the father of twin brothers Romulus & Remus, founders of Rome and from who all Romans descended. Romulus, himself, founded the celebration, in honor of his father.
The horse, pictured above, has (probably) never been to Rome. But he did come from Denmark. Alas, he's already galloped-on to live with a nice customer.
LEO Design's Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed. While we contemplate our next shop location, please visit our on-line store which continues to operate (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
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