January. Month of Janus. In Roman mythology, custodian of the universe, god of beginnings. The guardian of gates and doors, he held sacred the first hour of the day, first day of the month, and first month of the year, which bears his name. He is represented with two bearded heads set back to back.

February. Februa, Roman goddess of purification. Februus, God of purification who dwells in the underworld.

March. Roman god of war and of the state, originally an agricultural god. The martial Romans considered him second in importance only to Jupiter. His festivals were held in March and October. Greek- Ares.

April. Aphrodite, Greek goddess of love and beauty. Roman- Venus. Lat. aperire, to open.

May. Maia, Greek goddess, the eldest of the Pleiades. Italic goddess of spring. GK. good mother, nurse.

June. Juno, principal Roman goddess of the state, protectress of women, patroness of marriage and the well-being of women.

July. Named after Julius Caesar in 44 BC. Prior to that time its name was Quintilis from the word QUINTUS, fifth, because it was the 5th month in the old Roman calendar.

August. Augustus. Named after emperor Augustus in 8 BC. Prior to that time the name was Sextilis from the word SEXTUS, sixth, because it was the 6th month in the old Roman calendar.

September. Latin. From the word SEPTEM, seven, because it was the 7th month in the old Roman calendar.

October. Latin. From the word OCTO, eight, because it was the 8th month in the old Roman calendar.

November. Latin. From the word NOVEM, nine, because it was the 9th month in the old Roman calendar.

December. Latin. From the word DECEM, ten, because it was the 10th month in the old Roman calendar.