How the names of the months of the year were obtained

The names of the months we use today have a rich history that dates back thousands of years. They were obtained from various sources, including ancient civilizations, Roman emperors, and religious figures. So, let us take a fascinating journey through time to discover the origins of the names of the months.

January, the first month of the year, was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Depicted with two faces looking into the past and future, Janus represents the transition from the old year to the new.

Next comes February, derived from the Latin word “Februare,” meaning “to purify.” This month was traditionally associated with purification rituals held in ancient Rome. Romans believed that by purifying themselves, they could banish evil spirits and ward off bad luck.

March, the third month, gets its name from Mars, the Roman god of war. As March marked the beginning of the military campaign season, it was seen as a fitting tribute to the god representing battle and conflict.

April, the fourth month, has its roots in the Latin word “Aprilis” or “aperire,” meaning “to open.” It symbolizes the budding of flowers and trees in the Northern Hemisphere, signifying the arrival of spring.

May takes its name from Maia, a Roman goddess associated with fertility, growth, and the earth. In ancient Rome, May was a month dedicated to cultivating the land and honoring the fruits of Mother Nature.

June was named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. This month was considered auspicious for weddings and the beginning of new life, making it a fitting tribute to Juno.

July, the seventh month, was originally called Quintilis, meaning “fifth” in Latin. However, it was later renamed in honor of Julius Caesar, the famous Roman general and statesman. Caesar granted his own name to this month to celebrate his many victories.

August, previously known as Sextilis, meaning “sixth” in Latin, underwent the same fate as July. It was renamed after the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. Augustus chose this month since it marked various important events in his life, such as his first consularship and the annexation of Egypt.

September, meaning “seventh” in Latin, originally marked the seventh month in the Roman calendar. However, it later became the ninth month when January and February were added to the start of the year. October, November, and December followed suit, initially being the eighth, ninth, and tenth months, respectively.

October, November, and December derive their names from the Latin words “octo” (eight), “novem” (nine), and “decem” (ten). These were their rightful places in the Roman calendar before the changes we made.

Now that we know the origins of the first ten months, it should be noted that January and February were added later by the Romans. Previously, the Roman calendar consisted of only ten months and totaled 304 days. However, Julius Caesar introduced the Julian calendar, which included 12 months and 365 days, giving us the calendar we currently follow.

In conclusion, the names of the months represent a rich tapestry of history, mythology, and cultural significance. From deities and emperors to concepts of war, fertility, and purification, each month’s name tells a story of its origin. So, the next time you glance at your calendar, remember the fascinating tales behind the names of the months we use today.