The English month names we use today carry rich cultural heritage from ancient Rome. These twelve months bear witness to the evolution of European civilization, encompassing everything from mythological legends to imperial politics, from religious beliefs to astronomical calendars.
January
January derives its name from Janus, the two-faced deity in Roman mythology. As the god of doorways, Janus possessed unique dual features: one face looking toward the future, the other reflecting on the past. This perfectly symbolizes the meaning of the new year: a time to bid farewell to the old year while anticipating the new. In ancient Rome, people would make sacrifices to Janus in January, praying for prosperity in the coming year.
February
February takes its name from Februa, an ancient Roman purification festival. In Roman tradition, this month was dedicated to important cleansing rituals. During Februa, people would perform various purification ceremonies, including fasting and sacrificial offerings, seeking purity for the new year. Notably, in the earliest Roman calendar, February was originally the last month of the year.
March
March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In the original Roman calendar, March marked the beginning of the year, closely tied to both agricultural and military activities. Spring's revival of nature made it the ideal time to commence military campaigns. Mars wasn't solely a war deity; he also governed agriculture and fertility, symbolizing spring's vitality and power.
April
April's name relates to the Latin word "aperire" (to open) and possibly to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. This name resonates with spring's revival: flowers blooming and earth awakening. Some scholars suggest it might also honor Venus, the Roman goddess of love and beauty.
May
May is named after the goddess Maia. She was one of the Seven Sisters (Pleiades) and mother of Mercury. As the guardian of earth and growth, Maia symbolized spring's abundance and vitality. Romans celebrated several important festivals in May, including ceremonies honoring Maia.
June
June is named for Juno, wife of Jupiter, the chief Roman god. As the goddess of marriage, fertility, and family, Juno was especially revered by Roman women. Traditionally, June was considered the most auspicious month for weddings, a belief that continues today.
July and August: The Imperial Months
These two months reflect the transition of Roman political power:
- July was originally called Quintilis (fifth month) but was renamed to honor Julius Caesar, commemorating both his birth month and his significant calendar reforms.
- August, formerly Sextilis (sixth month), was renamed to honor Augustus, Rome's first emperor. Legend has it that Augustus borrowed a day from February to make his month as long as July.
September through December: The Numerical Months
These months derive their names from Latin numbers:
- September: from septem (seven)
- October: from octo (eight)
- November: from novem (nine)
- December: from decem (ten)
These numerical names reflect the original Roman calendar order, when March was the first month. Though January and February were later added at the year's beginning, and July and August were renamed, these months retained their numerical meanings despite shifting position.
Evolution of the Calendar
The Roman calendar underwent several major reforms:
- The earliest version had only ten months, starting with March
- During King Numa's reign (circa 713 BCE), January and February were added
- Julius Caesar implemented the Julian calendar reform (45 BCE), establishing the twelve-month system
- The Augustan era completed the month renaming, establishing our familiar month names
The naming system of southeast, northwest and northwest not only reflects the mythological tradition of ancient Rome, but also records the political changes of Rome from republic to empire. It is an important witness to the development of Western civilization.
Global Impact of the Roman Calendar
Why does it persist today?
- Imperial Influence
- The Roman Empire ruled most of Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East
- Cultural systems spread through conquest and trade
- Roman law and administration became the foundation of European civilization
- Christian Propagation
- The Roman Empire's later adoption of Christianity as state religion
- Church adoption of the Roman calendar for religious festivals
- Calendar spread alongside Christian expansion
- Practical and Scientific Value
- Julian calendar incorporated Egyptian astronomical knowledge
- More accurate solar year calculation than other calendars
- Later Gregorian calendar refinements maintain high accuracy
- Colonial Expansion
- European colonization spread the calendar system worldwide
- International trade required unified time measurement
- Modern globalization universalized the system
Modern Applications of Numerical Roots
September (7) Related Words
- Septet: a group of seven performers
- Septuple: sevenfold
- September: ninth month
October (8) Related Words
- Octagon: eight-sided figure
- Octave: eight notes
- Octopus: eight-armed sea creature
- October: tenth month
- Octet: group of eight
November (9) Related Words
- November: eleventh month
- Nonet: group of nine
December (10) Related Words
- Decimal: based on ten
- December: twelfth month
- Decade: ten years
- Decagon: ten-sided figure
These Latin numerical roots persist not only in month names but have been widely integrated into English and other European languages, becoming vital components of modern language. Their presence demonstrates the profound influence of Roman culture on modern Western civilization and illustrates the historical trajectory of language evolution.
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