Origins of the Name December
Oh, December, you sneaky month! Just when you thought it was the twelfth month of the year, surprise! It’s actually linked to the number ten. You’re probably scratching your head now, wondering how a month called “December” could be associated with the number ten. Well, let’s delve into the captivating origins of why December is named December.
So here’s the scoop – back in ancient Rome, when calendars were still getting all sorted out, December used to be the tenth month before January and February hitched a ride to bump it down a couple of spots. The name “December” is derived from the Latin word “decem,” which simply means ten. Evidently, someone along the way decided to keep the name even after its numerical position changed. Imagine being December – forever stuck with a name that hints at a different place in line!
Now that we’ve cracked the case of why December is called December (despite being month number twelve), let’s keep exploring this linguistic maze together! Who knows what other curious quirks and historical oddities we might uncover as we journey through words and time? Stay tuned for more mind-boggling revelations as we venture further into this fascinating world of etymology!
The Roman Calendar and Its Influence
December got its name from the Latin word “decem,” which means ten because it was originally the tenth month of the Roman calendar before January and February came along to shake things up. The Romans, being the trendsetters they were, added two extra months, January and February, nudging December from its cozy tenth position. Quintilis and Sextilis also decided to switch things up by becoming July and August in honor of emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus.
The Roman calendar was quite a fascinating maze of history and influence. Initially attributed to Romulus himself, it revolved around lunar cycles and agricultural seasons. The names of September, October, November, and December directly reflected their numerical order in the original Roman calendar as the seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth months.
Imagine being December back then – initially known as Decem or “ten” but then kicked down on the calendar pecking order! It’s like showing up for an exclusive party only to be told you’re not on the list anymore! But hey, at least December retained its name even after being demoted in position. That’s like keeping your title after a job reshuffle – Decem forever!
So here we are unraveling the mysteries of time when schedules were based on lunar patterns rather than just smartphone reminders! As we navigate through this intriguing historical labyrinth together, who knows what other linguistic gems we might unearth? Stay tuned for more tales from yesteryears and let’s continue our linguistic expedition through ancient calendars!
Why is December called December?
December got its name from the Latin word decem, meaning ten, as it used to be the tenth month of an early Roman calendar.
Does April have 30 days?
Yes, April is one of the four months in the Gregorian calendar with a length of 30 days.
Why is January named January?
January was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, by King Numa who revised the Roman calendar making January the first month instead of March.
Why is May called May?
May is named after Maia, a Roman goddess of growing plants, as it is a month when spring is in full bloom for the Romans.