As we now know, September is the ninth month on the line. But most of us didn't know, the name itself indicates that it was seventh.
How come?
On the ancient Roman calendar, believed to be invented by Romulus, the first king of Rome, around 753 BC, March is the first month, that makes September the seventh in the count, with 30 days. This calendar only have 10 months named, thus December is the tenth.
September comes from the Latin root septem-, meaning “seven". From July, months were simply numbered. Their original names in Latin means the fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth, ninth, and tenth month.
When does September became the ninth month? And why does it is still named September, if it means seventh?
King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar around 700 BCE by adding the months of January (Ianuarius) and February (Februarius).
The addition of 2 months, resulted that some of the months' names no longer agreed with their position in the calendar (September - December). This made September its current position at ninth, but became 29 days. Despite of this, it kept its same name, most probably because it was already circulated and in popular use.
After then, more reforms to calendar have been made, like as we see now, it has 30 days again.
What are these reforms and what is the reason or reasons behind such adjustments on calendar?
God willing, hopefully I may write this on another short article.
Thank you. :)
wow, juicy article.. never thought there is or just 10 months were the only the originals. Thanks for this! Gain more knowledge again!