calendar with months and days of the week coming from ancient romans

How Did the Months Get Their Names? The Roman Origins of Our Calendar

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by

Made of Rome
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Have you ever wondered why the months of the year are named the way they are? From January to December, each month has a name steeped in history, mythology, and Roman tradition. The story of how these names came to be is a fascinating journey through the evolution of the calendar, shaped largely by the influence of the Roman Empire.

The Roman Calendar: A Brief Overview

The calendar we use today traces its roots to the Roman calendar, originally a 10-month lunar calendar attributed to Romulus, the legendary founder of Rome. This early calendar started in March and ended in December, leaving roughly 60 winter days unaccounted for.

It was later reformed by Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, who added the months of January and February, making it a 12-month calendar. Further adjustments came with Julius Caesar’s introduction of the Julian calendar in 46 BCE, which solidified the structure and names we largely use today.

The Names of the Months

1. January (Januarius)
Named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, endings, and transitions, January is appropriately the first month of the year. Janus is often depicted with two faces, looking to the past and the future, symbolizing the transition from one year to the next.

2. February (Februarius)
The name February comes from Februa, an ancient Roman festival of purification and atonement held on the 15th of the month. This month was seen as a time for cleansing, both physically and spiritually, making it the perfect choice for a period dedicated to rituals and preparation.

3. March (Martius)
March was the first month of the original Roman calendar and was named after Mars, the god of war. This was fitting, as March marked the start of the campaign season for Roman armies. It was a time of renewal and action after the dormant winter months.

4. April (Aprilis)
The origin of April’s name is debated, but many believe it comes from the Latin word aperire, meaning “to open,” symbolizing the blossoming of flowers and trees in spring. Others suggest it may be derived from Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love, whose Roman equivalent was Venus.

5. May (Maius)
May was named after Maia, an earth goddess associated with growth and fertility. In Roman mythology, Maia was considered the mother of Mercury and a nurturing figure tied to the abundance of spring.

6. June (Iunius)
June was named after Juno, the queen of the Roman gods and the goddess of marriage and childbirth. As a result, this month was considered auspicious for weddings and family-related celebrations.

7. July (Julius)
Originally called Quintilis (the fifth month in the early Roman calendar), it was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar after his assassination in 44 BCE. Caesar played a significant role in reforming the Roman calendar into the Julian calendar.

8. August (Augustus)
Similarly, August was originally known as Sextilis (the sixth month) and was renamed in 8 BCE in honor of Emperor Augustus. Augustus chose this month because it marked several of his victories and significant achievements.

9. September (September)
The name September comes from septem, the Latin word for “seven.” It was the seventh month in the original Roman calendar. Even after becoming the ninth month, the name remained unchanged.

10. October (October)
October comes from octo, the Latin word for “eight.” Like September, its name reflects its position in the original 10-month calendar.

11. November (November)
November’s name derives from novem, the Latin word for “nine.” Despite its current position as the eleventh month, its name still reflects the old calendar.

12. December (December)
Finally, December comes from decem, the Latin word for “ten.” As with the other later months, its name stayed the same even after the calendar reformation.

Fun Facts About the Months

  • July vs. August Rivalry: To honor Augustus, the Roman Senate ensured August had 31 days, equal to July, which had been dedicated to Julius Caesar. This may explain why February has only 28 days!
  • January and February Were Late Additions: Before Numa Pompilius’ reforms, the year started in March and ended in December. January and February were added to cover the winter period, making February the last month of the year in the older calendar.
  • Why Didn’t the Names Change? The names of the months from September to December no longer align with their numerical origins because of the calendar reform, but the Romans simply didn’t bother renaming them.

The Legacy of Roman Ingenuity

The names of the months are a lasting reminder of the Roman Empire’s profound influence on the world. Each name carries with it a piece of Roman history, mythology, or culture, connecting us to a civilization that shaped much of the modern world.

So, the next time you flip your calendar, take a moment to appreciate the Roman origins of the months and the stories behind their names. It’s a testament to how the past continues to shape our daily lives, one month at a time.