The Roman calendar is perhaps one of the most well-known timekeeping systems in history. Originating in ancient Rome, this calendar has influenced countless other calendars throughout the centuries. But what many people do not know is that the Roman calendar has deep mythological origins, with each month named after a significant deity or event in Roman mythology.
The Roman calendar was originally based on the lunar calendar, with each month corresponding to the phases of the moon. However, in 46 BC, Julius Caesar reformed the calendar to create the Julian calendar, which more closely aligned with the solar year. This calendar was then further modified in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to create the Gregorian calendar, which is still in use today.
But how did the months of the Roman calendar get their names? To answer this question, we must delve into the rich tapestry of Roman mythology and explore the stories of the gods and goddesses that inspired the names of the months.
January:
The first month of the Roman calendar is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, transitions, and doorways. Janus is often depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future. January is a time for reflection on the past year and setting goals for the future, making it a fitting choice for the beginning of the year.
February:
February is named after Februa, an ancient Roman festival of purification and fertility. The festival was held on February 15th and involved rituals to cleanse and purify the city. This month was also associated with the goddess Juno Februata, who protected women and children.
March:
March is named after Mars, the Roman god of war and agriculture. This month was traditionally the beginning of the military campaign season, as the weather became more favorable for warfare. March was also a time for celebrating the renewal of life and growth in agriculture, making it an appropriate name for the month.
April:
April is derived from the Latin word “aperire,” meaning “to open,” which symbolizes the blooming of flowers and the return of life in spring. This month is associated with the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love and beauty. April was a time for celebrating fertility and new beginnings.
May:
May is named after Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth. Maia was also the mother of Mercury, the messenger of the gods. May was a time for honoring fertility and abundance, as plants and crops began to flourish in the spring.
June:
June is named after Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and goddesses. Juno was the protector of women and marriage, making June a popular month for weddings. June was also associated with the Roman goddess Juno Moneta, the goddess of memory and money.
July:
July was originally known as Quintilis, meaning “fifth month” in Latin. However, in 44 BC, it was renamed in honor of Julius Caesar, who was born in July. July is associated with the Roman god Jupiter, the king of the gods and the god of thunder and lightning.
August:
August was originally known as Sextilis, meaning “sixth month” in Latin. In 8 BC, it was renamed in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar. August is associated with the Roman goddess Diana, the goddess of the hunt and the moon.
September:
September is derived from the Latin word “septem,” meaning “seven,” as it was originally the seventh month in the Roman calendar. September is associated with the Roman god Vulcan, the god of fire and craftsmanship.
October:
October is derived from the Latin word “octo,” meaning “eight,” as it was originally the eighth month in the Roman calendar. October is associated with the Roman goddess Venus, the goddess of love and beauty.
November:
November is derived from the Latin word “novem,” meaning “nine,” as it was originally the ninth month in the Roman calendar. November is associated with the Roman goddess Ceres, the goddess of agriculture and fertility.
December:
December is derived from the Latin word “decem,” meaning “ten,” as it was originally the tenth month in the Roman calendar. December is associated with the Roman god Saturn, the god of agriculture and time.
Overall, the Roman calendar and its months are steeped in mythology and history, with each month reflecting the beliefs and values of the ancient Romans. Through the stories of the gods and goddesses that inspired the names of the months, we can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and society of ancient Rome. The Roman calendar may have evolved over time, but its mythological origins continue to fascinate and captivate us to this day.
