The “tenth” month
December is the twelfth month of the year. It has thirty-one days. In
ancient Roman times, when the year began in March, December was the
tenth month of the year. This month got its name from decern, the
Latin word for \”ten.”
When the Romans made January the first month of the year, December
became the twelfth month. But it kept its old name.
In the northern half of the world, winter begins on December 21 or 22.
There, it is the shortest day of the year. At the same time, summer
begins in the southern half of the world. There, it is the longest day
of the year.
People living in England long ago called this month Winter-monath, or
\”winter month.” Later, many of the people became Christians. They
called this month Halig- monath, or \”holy month,” because Christ was
born on December 25.
