The French Revolutionary Calendar
The French Revolutionary Calendar was introduced in 1793 during the French Revolution, replacing the Gregorian calendar. It was designed to be more rational and secular, with each month having three ten-day weeks, called décades. The calendar also had a new system for naming the days, with each day named after an object or concept related to nature.
The Months of the French Revolutionary Calendar 2024
2024 in the French Revolutionary Calendar starts on September 23, 2023, and ends on September 21, 2024. There are 12 months in the calendar, each with a unique name and meaning. Here are the months of 2024:
Vendémiaire
Vendémiaire is the first month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “grape harvest.” It starts on September 23 and ends on October 22. During this month, grapes are harvested for wine production.
Brumaire
Brumaire is the second month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “mist.” It starts on October 23 and ends on November 21. This month is characterized by the misty weather that often occurs during this time of year.
Frimaire
Frimaire is the third month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “frost.” It starts on November 22 and ends on December 21. This month is associated with the first frost of the winter season.
Nivôse
Nivôse is the fourth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “snowy.” It starts on December 22 and ends on January 20. This month is characterized by the snowy weather that often occurs during this time of year.
Pluviôse
Pluviôse is the fifth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “rainy.” It starts on January 21 and ends on February 19. This month is known for its rainy weather.
Ventôse
Ventôse is the sixth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “windy.” It starts on February 20 and ends on March 20. This month is characterized by strong winds.
Germinal
Germinal is the seventh month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “seed.” It starts on March 21 and ends on April 19. This month is associated with the planting of seeds for the upcoming harvest season.
Floréal
Floréal is the eighth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “floral.” It starts on April 20 and ends on May 19. This month is characterized by the blooming of flowers and trees.
Prairial
Prairial is the ninth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “meadow.” It starts on May 20 and ends on June 18. This month is associated with the blooming of meadow flowers.
Messidor
Messidor is the tenth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “harvest.” It starts on June 19 and ends on July 18. This month is characterized by the harvesting of crops.
Thermidor
Thermidor is the eleventh month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “heat.” It starts on July 19 and ends on August 17. This month is associated with the hottest time of the year.
Fructidor
Fructidor is the twelfth month of the French Revolutionary Calendar and means “fruit.” It starts on August 18 and ends on September 21. This month is characterized by the harvesting of fruit for the upcoming winter season.
Question and Answer
Q: Why was the French Revolutionary Calendar introduced?
A: The French Revolutionary Calendar was introduced during the French Revolution to replace the Gregorian calendar, which was associated with the Catholic Church. The new calendar was designed to be more secular and rational.
Q: How many months are there in the French Revolutionary Calendar?
A: There are 12 months in the French Revolutionary Calendar.
Q: What is the meaning of Vendémiaire?
A: Vendémiaire means “grape harvest.”
Q: What is the meaning of Thermidor?
A: Thermidor means “heat.”
Q: What is the meaning of Floréal?
A: Floréal means “floral.”
Q: What is the meaning of Fructidor?
A: Fructidor means “fruit.”
Q: What is the length of a month in the French Revolutionary Calendar?
A: Each month in the French Revolutionary Calendar has three ten-day weeks, called décades.