Laura Meredith
Welcome to our guide on how to say “December” in Latin! Whether you’re a Latin language enthusiast, a student studying Latin, or simply curious about how to express this month in the classical language, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we will explore both the formal and informal ways of saying “December” in Latin, along with some tips, examples, and a touch of cultural insight. So let’s dive in and discover how to express the twelfth and final month of the year in Latin!
Formal Way: “December”
In formal Latin, the word for “December” is “December”. Yes, it might sound surprising, but the Latin language also adopted and adapted various words from other cultures. Much like our modern English word for December, the Romans borrowed the name from the Latin word “decem” meaning “ten”. However, it retained its position as the twelfth month, as the Romans initially used a ten-month calendar. Therefore, you can confidently use the word “December” in Latin to refer to the specific month.
Informal Way: “Decembris”
In informal Latin, you can also use the variation “Decembris” to refer to “December”. This form is derived from the genitive case of the Latin word “decem” (meaning “ten”). Although it is more commonly used in formal contexts, the genitive form can also be employed in less formal conversation or writing, without losing its correctness or accuracy.
Tips for Pronunciation
When it comes to pronouncing “December” in Latin, it’s crucial to keep in mind that Latin is a phonetic language. Some basic pronunciations can help you with sounding out the word effectively. Here’s a quick guideline:
- The first syllable “dec” sounds like “dehk”, with a short “e” sound and a “k” sound at the end.
- The second syllable “em” sounds like “em”, with a short “e” sound.
- The final syllable “ber” sounds like “bear”, with a short “e” sound followed by an “r” sound.
Overall, “December” in Latin is pronounced “dehk-em-bear” with equal emphasis on each syllable.
Examples: “December” in Latin Sentences
To help you understand how to use the word “December” in Latin, here are a few examples in sentences:
- “Natale Christi est in mense Decembris.” (The birth of Christ is in the month of December.)
- “Amici mei me ad convivium vocaverunt in mense Decembris.” (My friends invited me to a feast in the month of December.)
- “Decembris celebratio nobis gaudium et exspectationem afferat.” (May the celebration of December bring us joy and anticipation.)
Cultural Significance of December
December holds significant cultural and religious importance around the world. In Latin-speaking regions and during the time of the Roman Empire, December marked various festivities and celebrations, most notably Saturnalia. Saturnalia was a festival honoring the Roman god Saturn, which took place from December 17th to December 23rd. It was a time of feasting, gift-giving, and revelry, where social norms were temporarily suspended.
Additionally, with the spread of Christianity, December became associated with the celebration of Christmas, commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ. The traditions and customs surrounding Christmas have evolved over centuries and continue to be observed by millions of people worldwide. Latin-speaking Christians would have celebrated “Natale Christi” (the birth of Christ) during the month of December, as mentioned in the previous example sentence.
Conclusion
Congratulations! You’ve now learned how to say “December” in Latin. In formal Latin, you can use “December” itself, while in more informal contexts, the alternative “Decembris” can be employed. We also discussed some tips for correct pronunciation, shared examples of using “December” in Latin sentences, and explored the cultural significance of the month. Remember to embrace the rich history and cultural heritage behind Latin as you further delve into the language. So go ahead and confidently express the twelfth month of the year in Latin, whether you choose the formal or informal way!
