New Year’s Resolutions are hard to hold to, but how about ‘turning over a new leaf’?
Leaves are what we find on trees, plants, shrubs and flowers, etc. But around the 15th or 16th century when the publication of books began, this word also referred to the pages in a book. Thus, the expression ‘to turn over a new leaf’ means to make a significant change in your life, such as when you turn the page of a book and read something completely new. You have (figuratively speaking) a blank page to start something fresh.
Interestingly, the month name January originated from the Roman god of new beginnings – Janus. So, I guess that’s why people always talk about this sort of thing at the beginning of a new year. I’m not really one for new year’s resolutions, but it’s a good thing at any point in the year to make changes and try new things. So, if you’re looking for something new to try, what about learning a new language?
Happy New Year!