According to the modern-day Gregorian calendar, December is considered the twelfth month of the year and contains 31 days. But until the time of 153 BCE, of the Roman calendar, it was originally the tenth month of the year.
In the Southern Hemisphere, it is the summer solstice in the month of December, and in the Northern Hemisphere, it is the winter solstice and the December solstice which is also known as the shortest day of the year. However, the seasons of December are the seasonal equivalent of June in both Hemispheres.
History of December
In the Roman calendar, since winter was the month that was not assigned, December was originally the last month of the year consisting of 30 days. However, in around 700 BCE when January and February were added to the calendar it was also shortened to 29 days but again two more days were added in December during the reform of the Julian calendar and make it 31 days long.
The Naming of December
In the Ancient Roman calendar, the calendar consisted of ten months only and the year began with March. Hence, December was the tenth month at that period of time and that’s why, In the Julian and Gregorian calendar, it no longer corresponds with the placements.
The Early names of December are as follows:
- In Old English, it is known as Geol-Monap which means the month before Yule.
- In Middle English, it is called Decembre.
- & in Latin, it is called December which means the tenth month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What are the birth flowers and birthstones of the month of December?
Ans. The birthstone of the month of December is the zircon or blue turquoise and the birth flowers vary according to the location as in the US it is the Paperwhite Narcissus, and in the English system, it is either holly or the poinsettia and both flowers indicates of hope.
Q2. Which date is considered the shortest day of the year?
Ans. 21st December is considered as the shortest day of the year which is also celebrated as the Winter Solstice in many parts of the world.
Q3. Which important days are celebrated in the month of December?
Ans. The important days which are celebrated in the month of December are listed below:
- 1st December: World Aids Day.
- 2nd December: National Pollution Control Day.
- 3rd December: International Day of the Handicapped.
- 4th December: Indian Navy Day.
- 5th December: International Volunteer Day & World Soil Day.
- 7th December: Armed Forces Flag Day.
- 10th December: Human Rights Day.
- 18th December: International Migrant Day.
- 20th December: International Human Solidarity Day.
- 21ST December: Winter Solstice.
- 22nd December: National Mathematics Day.
- 23rd December: Kisan Diwas.
- 24th December: National Consumer Right Day.
- 25th December: Christmas Day.
- 31st December: New Year’s Eve.
