Introduction
English month names are a fascinating blend of history, mythology, and linguistic evolution. Each month carries with it a story, often rooted in ancient cultures and languages. This article delves into the origins and peculiarities behind the English month names, offering a quirky journey through time and culture.
January: The First Month
January gets its name from the Roman god Janus, who was believed to have two faces, allowing him to look back at the past and forward to the future. In Latin, January was known as “Ianuarius.” The month begins with the winter solstice, marking the shortest day of the year and the start of the new year in the Gregorian calendar.
February: Love and Purification
February is named after the Roman god Februum, who was associated with purification. The month was originally a time for celebrating the purification festival of Februa, which was held on February 15th. In Roman times, February was the second month of the year and was known as “Mercedonius.” It was later extended to its current length to make the calendar year more accurate.
March: Spring and Growth
March is derived from the Latin word “Martius,” which is associated with Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, March was the start of the campaigning season, and the month was named after Mars as a symbol of the warrior god’s protection. As spring begins, the name also signifies growth and renewal.
April: The Nameless Month
April is thought to be named after the Etruscan goddess Apru, who was associated with the springtime. However, the exact origin of the name is unclear, and it has been a subject of debate among etymologists. April is the month when the earth begins to awaken from its winter slumber, and it is traditionally associated with love and marriage.
May: Flowering and Fertility
May is named after the Greek goddess Maia, who was the mother of Hermes and the goddess of fertility and spring. The month is characterized by blooming flowers and the onset of summer. In ancient Rome, May was a time for fertility rituals and the celebration of the festival of Maia.
June: Juno and Marriage
June is named after the Roman goddess Juno, the queen of the gods and goddess of marriage. The month is often associated with weddings, and it is believed that marriages in June bring happiness and prosperity. The name “June” comes from the Latin word “Iunius,” which is derived from the name of the goddess.
July: Julius Caesar
July is named after the Roman general and statesman Julius Caesar. It was originally the fifth month of the Roman calendar and was named after the Roman god Julius. After Caesar’s death, the Roman Senate named the month in his honor, making it the seventh month of the year.
August: The Julian Calendar
August is named after the Roman emperor Augustus, who was the grandnephew and adoptive son of Julius Caesar. The month was originally called Sextilis, the sixth month of the Roman calendar. However, after Augustus became the first Roman emperor, the Senate renamed it in his honor.
September: The Return of Summer
September is derived from the Latin word “septem,” meaning seven. It was the seventh month of the Roman calendar and was named after the number of the month. September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.
October: The Elixir of Life
October is named after the Latin word “octo,” meaning eight. It was the eighth month of the Roman calendar and was named after the number of the month. The month is also associated with the Etruscan goddess of the moon and life, whose name is Octavia.
November: The Giving of Thanks
November is named after the Latin word “novem,” meaning nine. It was the ninth month of the Roman calendar and was named after the number of the month. The month is traditionally associated with giving thanks, particularly in the United States and Canada, where Thanksgiving is celebrated in November.
December: The Shortest Month
December is named after the Latin word “decem,” meaning ten. It was the tenth month of the Roman calendar and was named after the number of the month. December is the shortest month of the year and marks the end of the calendar year.
Conclusion
The English month names offer a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and linguistic evolution. From the ancient Roman gods and goddesses to the Roman emperors, each month name carries with it a story that reflects the cultural and historical context of the time. By exploring the origins of these names, we gain a deeper understanding of the past and the enduring legacy of the ancient world.