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Show MEANING OF NAME DECEMBER Twelfth Month's Title Derived From Latin Word "Decern," When There Were Only Ten Period. The name of December is no longer appropriate, for it is derived from "decern," "de-cern," the Latin word meaning "ten," declares a writer. The name was first applied by the Romans when the year was divided Into ten months, with the addition of supplementary days to complete the period required for a revolution of the earth around the sun. When the calendar of Komulus was amended in 718 il c by Hans i'om- plllus and the year was divided Into twelve months December became the twelfth mouth, but retained Its original nana. The Bnpsroi Oosanodna, who reigned in the second century, attempted attempt-ed to change the name uf December to Amaonius, in honor of a fair favorite of that name, whom he had painted to resemble an Amazon. This innovation was not popular, and when ('oinmodlus tiled from poison administered by au-olhcr au-olhcr Iciuinine favorite the uiiiiie of Auia.nuUis died with liliu. The ancient Saxons called the last month Winter-uioout, which was after-. after-. ward changed to HsUlg-Uonati or holy nioiiiii, when they WON convened to i Christianity. The modem (ierinans again changed the nana to Chrisfc inonat, because the month contains the uiailv eisnry of the birth of Christ. |
