Calendar Months - How were they derived?

letsrollandplay

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How many of you know and how and from where the names were derived and does it have any meaning or just some random words and it become a 12 month calendar. Some of you might know reason behind it and many sure would be unaware. So thought of sharing some info which will help to gain knowledge and also its meaning and how it was kept. Essentially, there are three sources: Greek and Roman deities, Roman rulers, and numbers from where it was derived.

Months

January - Named for the Roman god Janus, protector of gates and doorways.

February - From the Latin word februa, “to cleanse.

March - Named for the Roman god of war, Mars.

April - From the Latin word aperio, “to open (bud).

May - Named for the Roman goddess Maia, who oversaw the growth of plants.

June - Named for the Roman goddess Juno, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women.

July - Named to honor Roman dictator Julius Caesar after his death.

August - Named to honor the first Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.

September - September comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.

October - Its name comes from octo, the Latin word for “eight.”

NOVEMBER - 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.

Source - www.britishmuseum.org
 
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