Why Is December Named December? Origins and History Explained

Discover why December is called December, rooted in ancient Roman calendar history and the meaning of 'decem' as ten.

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December is named after the Latin term 'decem,' meaning ten, because it was originally the tenth month of the year in the ancient Roman calendar, which started in March. The calendar was later reformed by Julius Caesar, leading to the addition of January and February at the beginning of the year. Despite this change, December retained its name, reflecting its roots in Roman tradition and history.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Why was December originally the tenth month? December was originally the tenth month in the ancient Roman calendar because the year started in March. The name 'December' comes from the Latin word 'decem,' meaning ten.
  2. Who reorganized the Roman calendar to add January and February? Julius Caesar reformed the Roman calendar by adding January and February at the start of the year, shifting December to the twelfth month.
  3. Why didn’t the name December change after calendar reform? Despite the addition of January and February, December retained its original name, preserving the historical legacy of its placement as the tenth month in the ancient Roman calendar.

Watch More

For more insights into the origins of other month names and the evolution of the calendar, explore our detailed videos and articles covering the Roman calendar, Julius Caesar's reforms, and the fascinating history behind our modern year.

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