The Fascinating Origins of the Names of Months in English

Have you ever wondered why the months of the year have the names they do? Where did these names come from, and what do they mean? In this blog post, we'll explore the intriguing origins of the names of months in English.

1. January - A Roman God and a New Beginning

January, the first month of the year, 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, symbolizing the transition from the old year to the new.

2. February - A Month of Purification

The name February comes from the Latin word 'februare,' which means 'to purify.' In ancient Rome, this month was dedicated to purification rituals, including the Februa festival.

3. March - Honoring the God of War

March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war. In ancient Rome, this month marked the beginning of the military campaign season.

4. April - Springtime and Aphrodite

The name April is derived from the Latin word 'aperire,' which means 'to open.' It signifies the opening of the buds and flowers in spring. In addition, April is associated with Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty.

5. May - Maia, the Goddess of Spring

May is named after Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. She was believed to have nurtured the plants and trees during this time of the year.

6. June - A Month Dedicated to Juno

June gets its name from Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. This month was considered auspicious for weddings and fertility.

7. July - Julius Caesar's Legacy

July is named in honor of Julius Caesar, the Roman general and statesman who introduced the Julian calendar. This month was previously known as Quintilis, meaning the fifth month in the Roman calendar.

8. August - The Emperor's Month

August was originally called Sextilis, meaning the sixth month. It was later renamed in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.

9. September - The Seventh Month?

September, derived from the Latin word 'septem,' meaning seven, seems out of place as the ninth month. However, it was originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar before January and February were added.

10. October - The Eighth Month?

Similarly, October, from the Latin word 'octo,' meaning eight, was the eighth month in the original Roman calendar. The addition of January and February pushed it to the tenth position.

11. November - The Ninth Month?

November, derived from the Latin word 'novem,' meaning nine, was once the ninth month in the Roman calendar. Like September and October, it was displaced when January and February were inserted.

12. December - The Tenth Month?

Finally, December, from the Latin word 'decem,' meaning ten, was the tenth month in the original Roman calendar. With the addition of January and February, it became the twelfth and final month.

Now that you know the fascinating origins of the names of the months in English, you can appreciate the rich history and mythology associated with each one. From the Roman gods and goddesses to the changing seasons, these names reflect the ancient cultures and beliefs that have shaped our calendar.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Are the names of the months the same in other languages?

A: No, the names of the months vary across different languages and cultures. For example, in Spanish, January is called 'enero,' and February is 'febrero.'

Q: Were there any changes to the calendar over time?

A: Yes, the calendar has undergone several reforms and adjustments throughout history. The most significant change was the introduction of the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar in 45 BCE.

Q: Do all countries follow the Gregorian calendar?

A: No, while the Gregorian calendar is widely used, some countries and cultures still follow different calendars, such as the Islamic or Chinese calendar.

Q: Can I find toys related to the months of the year at Toys R Us India?

A: Yes, at Toys R Us India, we offer a variety of toys and games that encourage learning and exploration. You can find toys related to seasons, holidays, and even specific months, allowing children to engage with the concept of time.