HOW THE MONTHS GOT THEIR NAMES

This is a very interesting exercise in that many of us forgot that grade school Latin class when we learned the names of the months, or when we studied History, English, and Mythology in school, the stories of  Roman Gods were told. 


In Art, Literature, and History, western Civilization went by the Roman Julian Calendar for over 1500 years.  We can accurately convert Roman dates after 58 BC relative to the start of the Julian calendar, precursor to the Gregorian calendar (1582) that we use today.


We can start getting comfortable with dialog about Metaphysics by talking about something as mundane as the names of months.  No one can argue that beliefs in Pagan Gods/Goddesses are wicked or negatively label the subject, when they themselves use these words in the Western World everyday.


We can accurately convert Roman dates after 58 BC relative to the start of the Julian calendar, precursor to the Gregorian calendar (1582) that we use today.


Enjoy- Mimi

JANUARY
Named for the Roman God Janus, he was considered protector of gates and doorways. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other facing the future. Janus is the God of new beginnings.


FEBRUARY
From the Latin word februa, meaning "to cleanse." The Roman Februalia was a month of purification and atonement.

MARCH
Named for the Roman God of war, Mars. This was the time of year to resume military campaigns that had been interrupted by winter.

APRIL
From the Latin word aperio, "to open (bud)," because plants begin to grow in this month.

MAY
Named for the Roman Goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants. Also from the Latin word maiores, "elders," who were celebrated during this month.

JUNE
Named for the Roman Goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the general well-being of women. The word is also derived from the Latin word juvenis, meaning young people.

JULY
Named to honor Julius Caesar (100 B.C.– 44 B.C.). In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar made one of his greatest contributions to history with the development of the Julian calendar, the precursor to the Gregorian calendar we use today.

AUGUST
Named to honor the First Roman emperor,(and grandnephew of Julius Caesar), Augustus Caesar lived from(63 B.C.– A.D. 14).

SEPTEMBER
From the Latin word septem, "seven," because this had been the seventh month of the early Roman calendar before Julius Caesar's calendar reform.

OCTOBER
From the Latin word octo, "eight," because this had been the eighth month of the early Roman calendar.

NOVEMBER
From the Latin word novem, "nine," because this had been the ninth month of the early Roman calendar.

DECEMBER
From the Latin word decem, "ten," because this had been the tenth month of the early Roman calendar.