Round-Up: December 30

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). I'll be taking a week off for the New Year to get my classes ready for spring semester (for those of you who don't know, my real job has nothing to do with Latin - I teach online courses in Myth-Folklore, World Literature and Indian Epics at the University of Oklahoma). So, I'll see you back online a week from today. For now: Happy New Year!

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Annus producit, non ager. In English: The year brings the yield, not the field. Listen to the audio, and ponder the meaning of this proverb for the new year to come!

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 14, and it includes a good saying about the role of proverbs in our lives: Verba sapientium sicut stimuli.

Latin Holiday Songs. This is the last holiday song that I'll be posting at the eClassics ning. For the New Year, I've chosen Auld Lang Syne, a Latin translation of the famous Scottish song by Robert Burns.

So, HAPPY NEW YEAR, and here is a Scottish drinking cup or "quaich" featuring the words Auld Lang Syne:

Round-Up: December 29

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about the Latin Bible phrase Num custos fratris mei sum, the words spoken by Cain to God when questioned about Abel's whereabouts. You can read here about some of the extra-Biblical legends about Cain and Abel, including the version of this story found in the Koran.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes a great saying about teaching and learning: Bis discit qui docet. In fact, you could say that this saying explains the main reason why I publish these blogs! :-)

RomanSudoku.com: For your numerical amusement - Roman Sudoku. Yes, it's Sudoku played with Roman numerals: enjoy! You can visit the blog for a larger version, easier to print out and play. Here's a small image of the puzzle:

Round-Up: December 28

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). To keep up with the latest posts, you can use the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm working away on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 158, a group of proverbs including a Latin "early to bed, early to rise" saying: Sanat, sanctificat, ditat te surgere mane.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes this famous Bible quote from Pontius Pilate: Ecce, homo.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Conditor Alme Siderum, "Bountiful Creator of the Stars," a lovely medieval hymn dating back to the sixth or seventh century.

As an illustration, here is an early medieval mosaic depicting Jesus.

Round-Up: December 27

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). To keep up with the latest posts, you can use the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about the Latin Bible phrase ubi est victima holocausti, the words spoken by Isaac to his father. I wanted to explore the Biblical word "holocaust," as I just finished watching the huge miniseries, War and Remembrance, which contains staggering depictions of the Nazi death camps.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes that great observation from Horace: Caelum non animum mutant qui trans mare currunt.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Dormi Jesu, a beautiful little Latin lullaby that was copied by the English poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge from a print that he saw in a German village, and which he then published in Sibylline Leaves in 1817.

Meanwhile, here is a medieval image of the infant Jesus asleep in the manger.

Round-Up: December 26

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). For keeping up with the latest posts, there is the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

I hope everybody has had a nice Christmas!

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Improbe Neptunum accusat qui iterum naufragium facit. In English: The man who shipwrecks a second time unjustly accuses Neptune. Listen to the audio, and see how a form of this proverb surfaces in the old TV show Star Trek. :-)

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes this nice verse for the holiday season: Pax in caelo et gloria in excelsis.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning, and I'll carry on with that until the New Year. Today's holiday song is Sanctus Wenceslaus Rex, a Latin translation of the popular English Christmas carol, "Good King Wenceslas." The story of King Wenceslas has become connected with the Christmas holiday season because the feast of Saint Stephen, mentioned in the carol, falls on December 26.

For an image today, I wanted to use this lovely photo of a Neptune statue, taken by my friend Neal Rattican; the statue is located in Virginia Beach, where they hold an annual Neptune Festival! You can find many more views of this wonderful statue with this Google Image Search.

Round-Up: December 25

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (plus there is a page listing previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). You can keep up with the latest posts but using the RSS feed in a feedreader (e.g. Bloglines), or you can subscribe by email. MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 13, and it includes a good verse about the oxen and their manger, although it's not about the nativity: Ubi non sunt boves, praesepe vacuum est.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes a good saying for Christmas Day and its frenzy of presents: Dare melius est quam accipere.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is O Parve Vice Bethlehem, which is actually three different translations of the carol "O Little Town of Bethlehem" into Latin.

And here is a fifteenth-century nativity scene by Antoniazzo Romano:

Round-Up: December 24

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). For the latest posts, there is the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email. Merry Christmas!

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm working away on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 157, a group of proverbs including one of my favorite proverbs about futile efforts: Qui lavat asinum, perdit aquam et saponem.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes a great saying about fools and their foolishness: Praecordia fatui quasi rota carri.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is En, Nocte Venit Media, a Latin translation of the English carol, "It Came Upon A Midnight Clear."

Meanwhile, here is a Russian icon of the nativity by the great painter Andrei Rublev.

Round-Up: December 23

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). You can keep up with the latest posts by using the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Nulla sine sole umbra. In English: There is no shadow without the sun. Listen to the audio, and read some other Latin sayings about light and shadow found on sundials!

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 12, which contains the lovely verse: Timor non est in caritate.

RomanSudoku.com: For your numerical amusement - Roman Sudoku. Yes, it's Sudoku played with Roman numerals: enjoy! You can visit the blog for a larger version, easier to print out and play. Here's a small image of the puzzle:

Round-Up: December 22

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about the Latin Bible phrase Deus lux est, a simple statement of the light symbolism that is so important in Biblical language.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this great saying about the wisdom of second thoughts: Sapit qui reputat.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Corde Natus Ex Parentis, a hymn with lyrics from the poet Prudentius.

For the image today, here is the motto of Oxford University, Dominus illuminatio mea, which I use in the post about Deus lux est - but it also seems a good thought to keep in mind on the occasion of the solstice! :-)

Round-Up: December 21

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). To keep up with the latest posts, you can use the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

On a side note, I've revamped my Latin Proverb of the Day widget - it is new and improved, because I've now written over 300 little proverb essays! That means the "random" Latin proverb option is much more random, with about twice as many proverbs in the randomizer. You can add the Latin Proverb of the Day, or a Random Latin Proverb, to your website, blog, etc., using the javascript provided here at SchoolhouseWidgets.com (and you can also see the script in action there). Have fun!

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Endymionis somnum dormit In English: He's sleeping the sleep of Endymion. Listen to the audio, and read a lovely passage from Thoreau in which he refers to the myth of Endymion.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes this holiday season refrain: Gloria in excelsis.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Silens Nox, not just one but five different translations of "Silent Night" into Latin.

As an illustration, here is a stained glass window showing the nativity at the Grace Episcopal Church in Westwood NJ.

Round-Up: December 20

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). For keeping up with the latest posts, there is the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm started back to work on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 156, a group of proverbs more third conjugation verbs. This group includes a great saying about falling leaves and, even worse, falling trees: Post folia cadunt in te arbores.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes the famous declaration of Mary at the annunciation: Ecce, ancilla Domini.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Lapsi Caelo Super Gentes, a Latin version of the English carol "Angels We Have Heard On High."

Meanwhile, here are some lovely angels by Giotto:

Round-Up: December 19

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). You can keep up with the latest posts using the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about a Latin Bible phrase stella matutina, the "morning star," also known in Latin as lucifer. After the recent dust-up with Mike Huckabee and Mormon traditions about Jesus and Lucifer, I thought it would be interesting to look at the tangle of vocabulary in the Latin Bible itself.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes a famous based on the Bible: Si caecum caecus ducit, ambo in foveam cadunt.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Orientis Reges Tres, a Latin translation of the English carol, "We Three Kings of Orient Are" (a good song to keep in mind with the stella matutina and lucifer material from the Vulgate Bible!).

Meanwhile, here is a medieval image of the adoration of the Magi, also showing the star!

Round-Up: December 18

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). For the latest posts, there is the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm working away on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 155, a group of proverbs including the Latin equivalent of "set a thief to catch a thief," as follows: Callidus est latro qui tollit furta latroni.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes this famous item from the Beatitudes: Beati pacifici..

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Quem Pastores Laudavere, a medieval Latin carol often known by the name "Quempas."

Meanwhile, here is a depiction by Giotto of the nativity, showing the annunciation to the shepherds in the background, with the adoration of the Magi in the foreground.

Round-Up: December 17

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (plus there is a page listing previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). You can keep up with the latest posts but using the RSS feed in a feedreader (e.g. Bloglines), or you can subscribe by email.

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 11.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this great little saying about sleeping cats: Dum stertit cattus, numquam sibi currit in os mus.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Gaudete, "Rejoice," a 16th-century Latin carol that became a hit single in the 1970s for the band Steeleye Span.

Meanwhile, here is a medieval image of the Madonna and Child.

Round-Up: December 16

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Quasi nix tabescit dies. In English: Like snow, the day melts away.Listen to the audio, and read some other Latin sayings about the melting of snow and ice.

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 10.

RomanSudoku.com: For your numerical amusement - Roman Sudoku. Yes, it's Sudoku played with Roman numerals: enjoy! You can visit the blog for a larger version, easier to print out and play. Here's a small image of the puzzle:

Round-Up: December 15

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about the Latin Bible phrase Alpha et Omega, a famous symbol in Christian art derived from the Book of Revelation.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this great saying about quality versus quantity: Sola apis excellit muscarum milia quinque.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'm posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is XII (Duodecim) Dies Natalis, a Latin translation of the 12 days of Christmas song!

Here is a lovely image of the 12 Days of Christmas done by "Paula" at the ukexpert website.

Round-Up: December 14

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm started back to work on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 154, a group of proverbs more third conjugation verbs. This group includes a great saying about the wisdom of the mouse: Mus non uni fidit antro.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes the lamb of God: Ecce, agnus Dei.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is In Dulci Iubilo, a 14th century as a macaronic song, mixing German together with Latin. The composition is attributed to the German mysic Heinrich Suso who is supposed to have had a vision of angels and to have heard them singing. He joined in the dance of the angels and then recorded the experience in this mixed German and Latin song.

Meanwhile, here is a Russian icon of an angel:

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Round-Up: December 13

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

On a side note, I had a little article about teaching mythology online appear in Bolchazy-Carducci's eLitterae newsletter. There's not a direct URL I can link to, but here's a screenshot. You can sign up for this monthly newsletter at the Bolchazy-Carducci site.

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Nulla dies sine linea. In English: No day without a line. Listen to the audio, and see both the positive and negative variations on this famous Latin saying.

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 9.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Primum Noel Cecinit Angelus, a Latin translation of the popular English carol "The First Noel."

Meanwhile, here is another image by Giotto, this time showing the annunciation to the shepherds in the right-hand portion of the image, with a large flock of sheep.

Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

Round-Up: December 12

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about a Latin Bible phrase sanctus sanctus sanctus, a powerful element in Christian prayer. Find out just what this Bible saying has in common with the Beach Boys! (Hint: epizeuxis!)

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this "zero-sum" saying: Nemo ditescit nisi malo alterius.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Dum Servant Pecus Pastores, a Latin translation (actually, two Latin translations) of the popular English carol "While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks By Night."

Mere is a medieval image, this time showing the annunciation to the shepherd in the right-hand portion of the image, with the angel's words displayed on a banner.

Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

Round-Up: December 11

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm started back to work on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 153, a group of proverbs more third conjugation verbs. This group includes a saying worth pondering vis-a-vis the so-called war on terror, Bellum se ipsum alit.

AudioLatin.com: Verses: Here is some more audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes the thrice-holy, or trisagion: Sanctus sanctus sanctus Dominus Deus.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Christe, Redemptor Omnium, "Christ, Redeemer of All." This is an ancient Latin hymn, dating back to the 6th century and sometimes attributed to Saint Ambrose.

Here is a painting by Giotto of Jesus's entry into Jerusalem:

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Round-Up: December 10

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

AudioLatin.com: Verses: I've decided to start posting audio for the Vulgate Verses book also - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English notes and commentary on these verses also. Today's group includes Jesus's famous rebuke to Martha: Martha, Martha, sollicita es.

AudioLatin.com: Proverbs: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this very intriguing proverb: Lacrima nihil citius arescit (clue: lacrima is in the ablative case).

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Adeste Fideles, "O Come All Ye Faithful" - a carol that often circulates under its Latin title even when it is sung in English.

Here is a painting by Giotto of the adoration of the Magi:

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Round-Up: December 9

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is In idem flumen bis non descendimus. In English: We do not go down into the same river twice. Listen to the audio, and learn about this famous saying from the Greek philosopher Heraclitus, via the Roman philosopher Seneca.

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 8.

RomanSudoku.com: For your numerical amusement - Roman Sudoku. Yes, it's Sudoku played with Roman numerals: enjoy! You can visit the blog for a larger version, easier to print out and play. Here's a small image of the puzzle:

Keep up with the latest posts... Get the RSS feed, or you can subscribe by email.

Round-Up: December 8

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

ReligiousReading.com. In conjunction with the Vulgate Verses book, I've posted about a Latin Bible phrase gloria in excelsis Deo which you might find yourself singing at this time of year as part of the Christmas carol, "Angels We Have Heard On High."

AudioLatin.com: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes one of my favorite self-reliance sayings in Latin: Sapiens fingit fortunam sibi.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Resonet in laudibus, a 14th-century hymn, widely popular in Germany and throughout Europe, in both Catholic and Protestant circles. I've provided the lyrics to two distinctly different Latin versions of the hymn.

Here is a painting by Giotto of the annuncitation to the shepherds.

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Round-Up: December 7

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guide I've added today is for Group 7.

AudioLatin.com: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this great saying about the "razor's edge" in Latin: In acie novaculae consistit.

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Angeli Canunt Praecones, a Latin translation (actually, two different Latin translations!) of the English carol, "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."

Here is a medieval illustration of the annuncitation to the shepherds.

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Round-Up: December 6

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guides I've added today are for Group 5 and Group 6.

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm started back to work on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 152, a group of proverbs featuring fifth declension nouns and third conjugation verbs. This group includes that great saying, Curae canitiem inducunt (I do indeed have not a few grey hairs myself!).

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Somnio Candidum Diem, a Latin translation of the English song, "White Christmas," made famous by Bing Crosby (although many other artists, too, have recorded the song).

Here is a movie poster for the film, "White Christmas," starring Bing Crosby and Danny Kaye:

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Round-Up: December 5

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives).

AudioLatinProverbs.com: Today's proverb is Semper Saturnalia agunt. In English: They are always celebrating Saturnalia. Listen to the audio, and learn about the Roman winter holiday festival of Saturnalia which, like Christmas, "comes but once a year."

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is O Viri, Este Hilares, a Latin translation of the English carol, "God Rest Ye, Merry Gentlemen."

Meanwhile, since this carol is famously cited by Charles Dickens in his novel A Christmas Carol, I thought I would post an image from an early illustrated edition of Dickens.

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Round-Up: December 4

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). I've also published a piece today on "The Good Thief" at the ReligiousReading.com blog, if you are interested.

AudioLatin.com: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes this fine rhyming proverb: Doctrinae cultus nemo spernit nisi stultus..

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is A Solis Ortus Cardine, a beautiful medieval carol based on an alphabetic hymn by the fifth-century Christian poet Sedulius.

Meanwhile, here is a medieval depiction of the nativity.

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Round-Up: December 3

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). As you can see, I'm bringing back some blogs that have been on hiatus while I was finishing the Vulgate Verses book.

In addition to the blog postings below, I also commented on the Harry Mount editorial about Latin in the New York Times today. The online discussion there is quite lively!

ReligiousReading.com: Drawing on material from the Vulgate Verses book, I'll be posting brief essays on some verses with a special relevance to religious literacy (the topic of the ReligiousReading.com blog). The verse I have commented on today is Luke 10:41: Martha Martha sollicita es et turbaris erga plurima.

LatinViaProverbs.com: I'm started back to work on the online guide to the Latin Via Proverbs book, with grammar notes and English translations, working through the book group by group. Today I've posted notes for Group 151, a group of proverbs featuring fifth declension nouns and third conjugation verbs. This group includes that great saying, Spes alit et fallit.

AudioLatin.com: Here is the audio for 10 more Latin proverbs - just the audio, but there is a link to a page where you can get English translations and commentary on the proverbs, too. Today's group includes the rhyming proverb: Ad primos ictus non corruit ardua quercus. I've also posted a statement about Why I Read Latin Out Loud. :-)

Latin Holiday Songs. For the holiday season, instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Aquifolia Ornate, a Latin translation (in fact, two Latin translations!) of the holiday favorite, "Deck the Halls."

Meanwhile, here is some pretty winter holly to get you in the holiday spirit!

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Round-Up: December 1

Here is a round-up of today's Bestiaria Latina blog posts (you can browse through previous round-ups at the Bestiaria Latina Blog archives). Updated earlier this week: Audio Latin Proverbs.

Vulgate Verses. The Vulgate Verses book is now available (from Lulu Publishers), and I'm adding Study Guides at the Vulgate Verses blog. The Study Guides I've added today are for Group 1, Group 2, Group 3 and Group 4.

Latin Holiday Songs. I've started again with the "holiday songs" for 2007, and instead of a Latin Fable of the Day, I'll be posting a "holiday song of the day" at the eClassics ning. Today's holiday song is Tinnitus, Tinnitus, a Latin translation (in fact, two Latin translations!) of the holiday favorite, "Jingle Bells."

Meanwhile, here is a picture of a one-horse open sleigh ride in Winter Park, Colorado:

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