SAXON NAMES OF THE MONTHS.

_(For the Mirror.)_

December, which stood first, was styled "Mid-winter monath." January was

"Aefter-yule," or after Christmas. February "Sol-monath," from the

returning sun. March "Rhede, or Rhede monath," rough, or rugged month.

April "Easter monath," from a favourite Saxon goddess, whose name we

still preserve. May was "Trimilchi," from the cows being then milked

thrice in the day. June "Sere monath," dry month. July "Maed monath,"

the meads being then in their bloom. August was "Weod monath," from the

luxuriance of weeds. September "Haerfest monath." October they called

"Winter fylleth," from winter approaching with the full moon of that

month. And lastly, November was styled "Blot monath," from the blood of

the cattle slain that month, and stored for winter provision. Verstegan

names the months somewhat differently.

The Mirror of Literature, Amusement, and Instruction. Volume 14, No. 393, October 10, 1829 · 第 16 / 47 题