The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, was a reform of the Roman calendar and served as the standard calendar in most of Europe for more than 1,600 years. It replaced the Roman calendar, which had only ten months and did not account for the actual length of a year.
The Julian calendar had 12 months, with each month having either 30 or 31 days except for February, which had 28 days in common years and 29 in leap years. The months in the Julian calendar were named after various gods, rulers, and numbers.
Months In Julian Calendar
The 12 Months in the Julian Calendar
1. January – Named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, January was the first month of the year in the Julian calendar.
2. February – Named after Februus, the Roman god of purification, February was the shortest month in the Julian calendar with 28 days in common years and 29 days in leap years.
3. March – Named after Mars, the Roman god of war, March was originally the first month of the Roman calendar and retained its position as the third month in the Julian calendar.
4. April – The name of April is believed to be derived from the Latin word “aperire,” meaning to open, as April marked the opening of the growing season.
5. May – Named after Maia, the Roman goddess of spring and growth, May was considered a month of fertility and abundance.
6. June – Named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage and queen of the gods, June was associated with marriage and family.
7. July – Originally named Quintilis, meaning fifth month in Latin, July was renamed in honor of Julius Caesar, who was born in this month.
8. August – Originally named Sextilis, meaning sixth month in Latin, August was renamed in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor.
9. September – Latin for seventh month, September was the ninth month in the Julian calendar.
10. October – Latin for eighth month, October was the tenth month in the Julian calendar.
11. November – Latin for ninth month, November was the eleventh month in the Julian calendar.
12. December – Latin for tenth month, December was the twelfth month in the Julian calendar.