December

December is the twelfth and final month of the year in the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar, and is one of seven months with the length of 31 days.

Etymology

The name "December" comes from the Latin word decem for "ten", as it was the tenth month of the year in the Roman calendar before the addition of January and February at the beginning of the year.

Observances

December contains several significant observances in various cultures and religions. These include Christmas (a major holiday in Christianity), Hanukkah (a holiday in Judaism), and Kwanzaa (a celebration of African heritage in African-American culture).

Astrology

In astrology, people born from December 1 to 21 are said to be born under the sign of Sagittarius and those born from December 22 to 31 are said to be born under the sign of Capricorn.

Climate

In the Northern Hemisphere, December is the month with the shortest daylight hours of the year and marks the beginning of winter. In the Southern Hemisphere, December has the longest daylight hours of the year and marks the beginning of summer.

See also

• List of historical anniversaries
• Public holidays in December