The English language is rich with history, culture, and linguistic nuances. One of the most fascinating aspects of the English calendar is the unique names given to each month. These names, derived from a variety of sources, offer a glimpse into the past and can be both quirky and unforgettable. In this article, we will explore the origins, meanings, and interesting facts behind the names of the months in the English calendar.

January

January is the first month of the year and gets its name from the Roman god Janus, who was depicted with two faces looking back and forth. This is appropriate because January marks the beginning of the new year and the end of the old. The month is named after Janus’ ability to look at both the future and the past.

February

February is named after the Roman goddess Februus, who was associated with purification. The month was originally the shortest month in the Roman calendar and was dedicated to the Roman festival of purification. The name “February” comes from the Latin word “Februarius,” meaning “of Februus.”

March

March is named after the god Mars, the Roman god of war. This is fitting since spring is a time of renewal and sometimes conflict. The month’s name is derived from the Latin word “Martius,” which was the name of the first month of the Roman calendar.

April

April gets its name from the Latin word “Aprilis,” which is derived from the Greek word “Avrilia,” meaning “to open.” This is a reference to the time when plants begin to sprout and the earth opens up to the new growth. In Roman times, April was the month of new beginnings.

May

May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, who was the mother of the god Hermes. Maia was also the goddess of fertility, and May was a time of celebrating new life. The name “May” is derived from the Latin word “Maius,” which is related to the Greek “Maia.”

June

June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, who was the queen of the gods and goddesses. She was the goddess of marriage and childbirth, and June was the month when many weddings were celebrated. The name “June” comes from the Latin word “Iunius,” which is related to the Greek “Io,” the name of Juno’s Roman counterpart.

July

July is named after the Roman general Julius Caesar. After Caesar’s death, the Roman Senate named the month in his honor, as a tribute to his military achievements. The name “July” is derived from the Latin word “Iulius,” which is related to Caesar’s name.

August

August is named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor. The month was named in his honor as well, to recognize his contributions to the Roman Empire. The name “August” is derived from the Latin word “Augustus,” which means “venerable” or “respectable.”

September

September is the seventh month of the year and gets its name from the Latin word “septem,” meaning “seven.” This is because the month was the seventh month in the Roman calendar. It was named after the number of its position in the calendar.

October

October is named after the Latin word “octo,” meaning “eight.” Like September, October was named for its position in the Roman calendar. It is the eighth month and is often associated with autumn and the harvest season.

November

November is named after the Latin word “novem,” meaning “nine.” It is the ninth month of the year in the Roman calendar. November is often associated with the transition from autumn to winter and the celebration of Thanksgiving in the United States.

December

December is named after the Latin word “decem,” meaning “ten.” It is the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar. December is the time of year when many cultures celebrate the winter solstice and the beginning of the holiday season.

Conclusion

The names of the months in the English calendar are a fascinating mix of history, mythology, and linguistic evolution. From the ancient Roman gods and goddesses to the numeral-based names, each month’s name tells a story that enriches our understanding of the calendar and the world around us.