Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Names of the months

The names of the months in English came from Latin words.


January

Januarius – this month was dedicated to janus. The roman god of doors. Janus had two faces, one looking back at the old year and the other looking to the new year.

July

Julius – after Julius Caesar. This month was named in caeser’s honour by mark antony in 44 BC. Previously this month was called Quintilis from the word quintus, five, as it was the fifth month in the roman calendar.

February

Februarius - Februa was the roman purification festival, which took place at this time of year.

August

Augustus – named in 8 BC in honour of Emperor Augustus.

March

Martius - from mars, The roman god of war

September

Septem – means seven, as it was the seventh month in the roman calendar.

April

Aprilis – from aperire, latin for open, because plants begin to open during this month.

October

Octo – eight (as in octopus, which has eight legs) the eighth month of the roman calendar.

May

Malius – probably comes from mala, the roman goddess of growth and increase.

November

Novem – nine,the ninth month of the roman calendar.

June

Junius – either from a roman family name junius, or perhaps after the goddess juno.

December

Decem – ten, the tenth month of the roman calendar.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

It recalled me of my history class notes. I had a chapter on calendar. But all things are out of my mindbox now

Krish said...

Quite interesting!