Um, November and December "literally" mean ninth and tenth (from novem and decem). The Roman year started in March. Mark Dodge is correct about September and October, septem and octem.
Also, I believe the word you were looking for is "etymology"; entomology is the study of insects. If "candidate" means "whitened", it probably derives from the fact that Roman candidates for office would rub chalk dust into their togas to make them pure white, thereby standing out before the public in the Forum.
Ha - you're both right and I'm wrong. And I knew the history!
If I recall correctly - November and December were originally the nineth and tenth months but two other months were inserted and moved them to 111th and 12th.
Thanks also for the etymology vs entomology correction. Going to blame that one on spell check and laziness. But no excuse.
Um, November and December "literally" mean ninth and tenth (from novem and decem). The Roman year started in March. Mark Dodge is correct about September and October, septem and octem.
Also, I believe the word you were looking for is "etymology"; entomology is the study of insects. If "candidate" means "whitened", it probably derives from the fact that Roman candidates for office would rub chalk dust into their togas to make them pure white, thereby standing out before the public in the Forum.
Ha - you're both right and I'm wrong. And I knew the history!
If I recall correctly - November and December were originally the nineth and tenth months but two other months were inserted and moved them to 111th and 12th.
Thanks also for the etymology vs entomology correction. Going to blame that one on spell check and laziness. But no excuse.
Thanks for setting me straight.
Don't forget September and October - the seventh and eighth months for the Romans.
And July after Julius Caesar and August after Augustus Caesar.
To be fair I think the initial idea of a 365 day / 12 month calendar came from Alexandria bit it was Julius Caesar that made it happen.