There is a debate regarding whether 2019 is actually the end of the 2010’s decade. More experts state that 2021 is the beginning of the new decade. Nevertheless, as Steve Miller sang “..time keeps on slippin’ into the future.”
Santa may have given you a calendar for the holiday. Given the beauty of a hanging calendar that features multitudes of amazing pictures, no doubt you are pleased with your present!
The word “calendar” originates from the Latin “calendarium” meaning “account book.” The Romans called the first day of each month “Kalendae,” or “calends.” Debts were due on this day, so books to track payments were called “calendarium” from which we get our modern day word — “calendar.”
Of course, this leads to the meat of this post that shares the derivations of the name of each month. So, you’ll need to understand the key for the letters presented. ME = Middle English, OE = Old English, OF = Old French and OHG = Old High German. Note: these represent the way that people used to talk. Know that our language is very fluid and is changing still with thanks to the use of social media and popular culture.
| January – ME Januari(us), OE Januarius, translation of Latin Januarius, named after JANUS, god of beginnings. February – ME OE Februarius from Latin Februarius, named for Februa, the feast of purification. March – ME March(e), from Latin Martius, (month of) Mars. April – ME Averil, OF Avril, Latin Aprilis mensis (month). The name may derive from the Greek goddess of love, Aphrodite. May – ME OE Maius, Latin Maius mensis (month), from the Greek Maia, goddess of spring (growth). June – ME Jun(e), OE Iunius, from Latin mensis Junius, named after the goddess Juno, Queen of the gods. July – ME Julie, OE Julius, from Latin Julius (Caesar) after whom it was named in 44 BC. The original name was quintilis, fifth month in the early Roman calendar. August – ME OE Agustus from Latin Augustus (Caesar) 8 BC. The original name was sextilis, sixth month in the early Roman calendar. September – ME Septembre from Latin September, seventh month in the early Roman calendar October – ME OE from Latin October, eighth month in the early Roman calendar November – ME OE from Latin November, ninth month of the early Roman calendar, from novem NINE December – ME Decembre from OF and Latin December, tenth month of the early Roman calendar (decem TEN + membri from mens MONTH + ri suffix).You now have a better appreciation of each month. An interesting side fact is that here in America we say “December 31, 2019” while a good portion of the western world states “31 December 2019.” |
NATURE NUGGET:
Schuylkill On the Move is a project of Schuylkill County’s VISION and promotes health and wellness through walking and hiking. The new 2020 schedule just “hit the streets” and includes many diverse hikes from easy to challenging and led by volunteer hikers who know the natural and cultural heritage of the hike location. There is a “first day” hike offered — of course — on January 1st. The January to June schedule will be available by the end of December at www.schuylkill.org (Note: there is a hike going to the D & L in Jessup….nice!) Or, you can email: www.porcupinepat@yahoo.com
NATURE QUOTE:
“Porcupine Pat” McKinney is environmental education coordinator for the Schuylkill Conservation District and provides programming for people of all ages with an emphasis on schools, public programming and nature center development. “Porcupine Pat” hails from Marion, Ohio and has a BS with Distinction in Natural Resources – Environmental Interpretation from Ohio State. He is a recipient of the prestigious Sandy Cochran Award for Excellence in Natural Resources Education from the PA Forestry Association, the Schuylkill Pride Award, and the PAEE “Outstanding Environmental Educator Award.”
