April

April is the fourth month of both the Julian and Gregorian calendar. It was once the second month of the old Roman calendar until the Numa calendar was created in 700s BCE. Where does the name April come from?


There are many ideas. One is that is named for the Roman word aperire which means to open, as this it the first full month of spring and flowers begin to open. It could also be related the Greek goddess Aphrodite whose Roman equivalent Venus held the month sacred.


The zodiac constellations (according the pseudo-science astrology) are Aries (the ram) and Taurus (the bull). In actuality, the Sun is in the constellation Aries right now, but was in Pisces (the fish) up until April 19. The Sun won't be in Taurus until mid May. The original astrological signs were based on the Sun's position 2000 years ago and was covered on my post about the precession of the equinoxes. You can also revisit my post about the Zodiac, as well.


Next month, we'll talk about May...and a lot sooner than near the end of the month.