calends etymology

Etymology

  • Latin: calendae
  • Proto-Indo-European: *ḱal-, *ḱalH- ("to call")

Meaning

  • The first day of the month in the Roman calendar
  • A monthly festival or religious observance held on the calends

Origin

The word calends is believed to have the following origins:

  • Proto-Indo-European root: The Proto-Indo-European root *ḱal- or *ḱalH- meant "to call." This suggests that the calends may have originated as a day when the new moon was announced or proclaimed.

  • Roman custom: In ancient Rome, the calends marked the first day of each month. On this day, Roman priests would gather at the temple of Juno Moneta and announce the new moon and the dates for religious festivals and public events for the coming month.

  • Religious significance: The calends were also associated with religious observances and sacrifices. Farmers prayed for good crops, and offerings were made to the gods.

Over time, the word calends came to be used more generally to refer to the first day of the month or a monthly festival.

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