Historical Overview of the Gregorian Calendar
Approximately 750 years before the birth of Jesus Christ (peace be upon him), the Romans had developed a keen understanding of history, utilizing a lunar calendar that consisted of only ten months. This system was modified by King Numa Pompilius, who introduced the months of January and February. This adjustment extended the year to 355 days. The calendar underwent significant reform in 46 BC when Roman Emperor Julius Caesar mandated a reliable, computable system based on the solar year. As a result, this system became known as the Julian calendar, marking a transition from the lunar to the solar calendar.
This calendar system persisted in Europe and other nations both before and after the birth of Jesus Christ. However, in the sixth to eighth centuries, a new calendar system emerged, which designated January 1st as the beginning of the year. This system ultimately became known as the Gregorian calendar. The twelve months were named either after Roman deities, notable leaders, or in chronological order.
Origins of Month Names in the Gregorian Calendar
The following is an explanation for the names of each month in the Gregorian calendar:
January
The month of January derives its name from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking forward and the other looking backward.
February
February gets its name from Februarius, related to the Latin word Februa, which signifies purification. This month was historically marked by the Roman festival of Februa, dedicated to rites of purification and atonement.
March
The month of March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture. March signifies the conclusion of winter and the onset of spring.
April
The etymology of April is not entirely clear, but it is believed to stem from either Aphrodite, the Roman goddess of love, or the Latin term Aperire, which means “to open,” referring to the blooming flowers and the onset of agricultural activities during this period.
May
Initially known as Maius, the month of May is associated with the Roman deities of growth, honor, and fertility.
June
June is named after Juno, the principal goddess among the Romans. Some scholars also attribute the name to Juno as the wife of Jupiter.
July
Originally called Quintilis, meaning “fifth,” July was the fifth month of the early Roman calendar. It was later renamed in honor of Julius Caesar, celebrating his birth month.
August
August was initially referred to as Sextilis, meaning “sixth,” as it was the sixth month in the early Roman calendar. It was renamed to honor Emperor Augustus Caesar.
September
September was the seventh month in the earlier Roman calendar, and its name derives from the Latin word Septem, meaning “seven.”
October
October retained its role as the eighth month in the Roman calendar. Its name comes from the Latin word Octo, translating to “eight.”
November
November was the ninth month in the old Roman calendar, named after the Latin word Novem, which means “nine.”
December
Similarly, December was the tenth month, derived from the Latin term Decem, meaning “ten.” This arrangement was based on the original ten-month calendar before the addition of January and February.