The origin of December and the names of the twelve months on the Western calendar have been deeply rooted in history, mythology, and astronomical observations. December, the twelfth and final month of the year, holds a special place in the calendar and its name carries with it a rich tapestry of cultural and historical significance.
December: The Month of the Short Days
The name "December" itself comes from the Latin word "decem," meaning "ten." It was named after the ten days of the second month in the Roman calendar, which was originally a ten-day month. This month was later extended to last for the entire month of December, which is why the name stuck. December is also known as the "month of the short days" because it marks the time when the daylight hours are at their shortest in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Roman Origins of the Month Names
The names of the twelve months in the Western calendar have their roots in the Roman calendar, which was developed by Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome, around 753 BC. The Roman calendar was a lunar calendar, based on the phases of the moon, and it was later adjusted by Julius Caesar in 46 BC to better align with the solar year.
January: The Month of Janus
January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was depicted with two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward. Janus was the god of beginnings and transitions, and his dual nature made him the patron of January, the month that marks the beginning of the year.
February: The Month of Februarius
February gets its name from the Latin word "februalis," which means "purifying." This month was originally a purification festival in honor of the goddess Februa, who was associated with the spring cleaning and the beginning of new life. It was also the time when the Roman army would undergo purification rituals before going into battle.
March: The Month of Martius
March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. It was the month when the Roman army would begin its campaigns, and it was a time of preparation for battle. The name "Martius" is derived from the Latin word "martis," which is the genitive form of Mars.
April: The Month of Aprīlis
April gets its name from the Latin word "aprius," which means "to open." This month is associated with the blooming of flowers and the beginning of spring. It was a time of new growth and renewal, and the name reflects this theme.
May: The Month of Maius
May is named after the goddess Maia, who was the mother of the Roman god Mercury. Maia was also associated with fertility and the blooming of flowers, making May a month of celebration and joy.
June: The Month of Iunius
June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who was the queen of the gods and the goddess of marriage and childbirth. The name "Iunius" is derived from the Latin word "jovis," which is the genitive form of Jove, another name for Jupiter, Juno's husband.
July: The Month of Julius
July is named after Julius Caesar, who was the Roman dictator and statesman. Caesar reformed the Roman calendar in 46 BC, and in his honor, the month of July was renamed after him. The name "Julius" is derived from the Latin word "Julius," which is the genitive form of Julius Caesar.
August: The Month of Augustus
August is named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. It was originally called Sextilis, but in 8 BC, Augustus Caesar renamed it in his own honor. The name "Augustus" is derived from the Latin word "augustus," which means "venerable" or "honorable."
September: The Month of September
September is the seventh month of the year and gets its name from the Latin word "septem," meaning "seven." It was originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar, but it was later moved to the ninth position in the Gregorian calendar.
October: The Month of October
October is named after the Latin word "octo," which means "eight." It was the eighth month in the Roman calendar and remains the eighth month in the Gregorian calendar.
November: The Month of November
November is named after the Latin word "novem," which means "nine." It was the ninth month in the Roman calendar and remains the ninth month in the Gregorian calendar.
December: The Month of December
As previously mentioned, December is named after the ten days of the second month in the Roman calendar, which was originally a ten-day month. It is also the month of the short days and marks the beginning of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The names of the twelve months in the Western calendar are a testament to the rich history and cultural heritage of the Roman Empire. Each month carries with it a unique story, reflecting the gods, seasons, and rituals of ancient Rome. As we continue to use these names in our daily lives, we are reminded of the timeless traditions that have shaped our understanding of time and the passage of the seasons.