The Etymology of December: From Roman Calendar to Modern Usage
Do you wonder how December got its name? This fascinating month has a rich history that dates back to ancient Rome. To fully understand the origins of December, it's crucial to delve into the intricacies of the Roman calendar and the evolution of the month's name over time.
From Decem to December: The Latin Origins
December derives its name from the Latin word decem, which means 'ten.' This etymology is rooted in the early Roman calendar that was implemented around the 7th century BC by the legendary king Romulus. The Roman year consisted of only ten months, each lasting approximately 30 days, with the winter months of January and February not being part of any month at all.
According to historical records, the months of the year were named as follows:
March (Martius) April (Aprilis) May (Maius) June (Junius) Quintilis (Quintus) Sextilis (Sextus) September (September) October (October) November (November) December (December)December was the tenth month, while September, October, and November were actually the seventh, eighth, and ninth months, respectively. This numbering differs significantly from the modern calendar we use today.
The Addition of January and February
The ten-month Roman calendar was quite different from what we know now. It began in March, the first month of the year, and ended in December. The addition of January and February brought the calendar to 12 months, changing the significance of December to the twelfth month.
This adjustment was made during the reign of Julius Caesar, who added two new months to the beginning of the calendar. The Roman calendar was further refined by Sulla, and eventually, two additional months were added, changing the name of Quintilis to July and Sextilis to August in honor of the Roman emperors Julius Caesar and Augustus.
The Incorporation of Julian and Gregorian Calendars
The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, standardized the length of a year to 365 days and added a leap day every four years. However, the calendar still had inaccuracies that were later rectified by the Gregorian calendar established by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. The Gregorian calendar is the one we use today, ensuring that the seasons align correctly with the calendar months.
The transition from the Julian to the Gregorian calendar also affected the naming and positioning of the months. By the time the Gregorian calendar was adopted, December had become the twelfth month of the year, a position it has held ever since.
Other Calendar Systems and December
It's worth noting that other calendar systems have their own unique approaches to naming and organizing months. For example, in the Indian solar calendar, the month of Dakshinayana (Southern Solstice) corresponds to December. This month is characterized by the sun being in its southernmost position and is often associated with the Hindu festival of Pongal.
Similarly, in the lunar calendar used by many Islamic communities, the start of each month is determined by the sighting of the new moon. The month of Ramadan, for instance, occurs several times each year and may start in any given month, including December.
December's etymology and historical significance make it a month of interdisciplinary interest, touching on history, language, and cultural practices. Understanding the origins of December not only provides linguistic insights but also a window into the complex systems that have shaped our modern world.