Our Aberdeen: Say cheers to city’s whisky heritage By Phil Astley, City Archivist 14/05/2021, 2:54 pm
Updated: 14/05/2021, 5:02 pm
May 15 is World Whisky Day when I, along with many others, will be indulging in a dram or two…responsibly, of course!
Aberdeen has a remarkably long connection with whisky. Indeed, the earliest documented reference to a still for making “aqua vite” appears in an entry dated 20th June 1505 in volume 8 of the Aberdeen Burgh Registers. “Aqua vite” in Latin means “water of life” and is the Middle Scots word for whisky. The entry was discovered by a researcher from the University of Aberdeen in 2019.
Our Aberdeen: Ox-some objects for Chinese New Year by Margaret Sweetnam, marketing manager 18/02/2021, 2:21 pm
The Chinese or Lunar New Year which began last Friday and continues for 15 days is welcoming the Year of the Ox.
The Chinese zodiac (or shengxiao – meaning “born resembling”) is a continuous cycle of 12 years, with each year represented by an animal. The 12 Chinese horoscope animals are (in order): Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog and Pig.
The Ox is a valued animal in Chinese culture and many positive characteristics are attributed to it. People born under the sign of the Ox are considered to be strong, reliable, fair and conscientious (even a little boring, it has been suggested). They inspire confidence in others and can make great leaders. Although they say very little, they can be very opinionated! They believe strongly in themselves and hate to fail. Does this description remind you of anyone you know?