French republican calendar: Difference between revisions

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imported>Petréa Mitchell
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===Months and days===
===Months and days===


A normal year was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, with five [[epagomenal day]]s to bring it to 365 days. Each month consisted of three ''décades'', or 10-day weeks, with days named ''Primdi'', ''Duodi'', ''Tridi'', ''Quartidi'', ''Quintidi'', ''Sextidi'', ''Septidi'', ''Octidi'', ''Nonidi'', and ''Decadi'' ("First Day", "Second Day", etc.). Every ''Decadi'' was to be a rest day. Fabre d'Églantine named the days and months as follows<ref>Richards, E G (1998) ''Mapping Time: The Calendar and its History''. New York: Oxford University Press. pp 398-399. </ref>:
A year was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, with five [[epagomenal day]]s, six in leap years. Each month consisted of three ''décades'', or 10-day weeks, with days named ''Primdi'', ''Duodi'', ''Tridi'', ''Quartidi'', ''Quintidi'', ''Sextidi'', ''Septidi'', ''Octidi'', ''Nonidi'', and ''Decadi'' ("First Day", "Second Day", etc.). Every ''Decadi'' was to be a rest day. Fabre d'Églantine named the days and months as follows<ref>French day names from: Richards, E G (1998) ''Mapping Time: The Calendar and its History''. New York: Oxford University Press. pp 398-399. </ref>. Note that every ''Quintidi'' was named for an animal, and every ''Decadi'' for a farming tool.


<table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4">
<table border="2" cellspacing="0" cellpadding="4">
<tr><th colspan=4>Fall months
<tr><th colspan=8>Fall months
<tr><th>Vendemaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Vintage<th>Brumaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Foggy
<tr><td><td><th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)
<tr><th>Months<td><th>Vendemaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Vintage<th>Brumaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Foggy<th>Frimaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Frosty
<tr><th>Primdi<th>1<td>Raisin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Raisin]]<td>Pomme<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Apple]]<td>Raiponce<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Rampion]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>2<td>Safran<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Crocus]]<td>Céleri<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Celery]]<td>Turneps<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Field-turnips]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>3<td>Châtaignes<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[chestnut|Chestnut tree]]<td>Poire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pear]]<td>Chicorée<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Chicory]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>4<td>Colchiques<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Autumn crocus]]<td>Bettrave<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Beet]]root<td>Nèfle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Medlar]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>5<td>Cheval<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Horse]]<td>Oie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Goose]]<td>Cochon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pig]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>6<td>Balsamine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Balsam]]<td>Héliotrope<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Heliotrope]]<td>Mâche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Lamb's lettuce]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>7<td>Carottes<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Carrots]]<td>Figue<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Fig]]<td>Chou-fleur<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cauliflower]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>8<td>Amarante<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Amaranth]]<td>Scorsonère<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Black salsify]]<td>Miel<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Honey]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>9<td>Panais<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Parsnip]]<td>Alisier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sorb]]<td>Genièvre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Juniper]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>10<td>Cuve<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Tank]]<td>Charrue<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Plow]]<td>Pioche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Mattock]]
<tr><th>Primdi<th>11<td>Pome-de-Terre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Potato]]<td>Salsifis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Salsify]]<td>Cire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Wax]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>12<td>Immortelle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Immortelle]]<td>Macre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Water chestnut]]<td>Raifort<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Horseradish]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>13<td>Potiron<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Winter [[squash]]<td>Topinambour<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Jerusalem artichoke]]<td>Cèdre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cedar]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>14<td>Réséda<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Mingnonette]]<td>Endive<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Endive]]<td>Sapin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Fir]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>15<td>Ane<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Donkey]]<td>Dindon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Turkey]]<td>Chevreuil<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Deer]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>16<td>Belle-de-nuit<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pretty-by-night]]<td>Chervis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Caraway]]<td>Ajonc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Gorse]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>17<td>Citrouille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pumpkin]]<td>Cresson<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Watercress]]<td>Cyprès<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cypress]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>18<td>Sarrasin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Buckwheat]]<td>Dentelaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Leadwort]]<td>Lierre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Ivy]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>19<td>Tournesol<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sunflower]]<td>Grenade<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pomegranate]]<td>Sabine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Savin]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>20<td>Pressoir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pressing shed<td>Herse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Harrow]]<td>Hoyau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hoe]]
<tr><th>Primdi<th>21<td>Chanvre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hemp]]<td>Bacchante<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Bacchante]]<td>Erable-sucre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Maple syrup]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>22<td>Pêche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Peach]]<td>Azerole<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Azarole]]<td>Bruyère<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Heather]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>23<td>Navet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Turnip]]<td>Garance<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Madder]]<td>Roseau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Reed]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>24<td>Amaryllis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Amaryllis]]<td>Orange<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Orange]]<td>Oseille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sorrel]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>25<td>Boeuf<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Steer]]<td>Faisan<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pheasant]]<td>Grillon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cricket]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>26<td>Aubergine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Eggplant]]<td>Pistache<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pistachio]]<td>Pingon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pine nut]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>27<td>Piment<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Red [[pepper]]<td>Macjonc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Liége<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cork]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>28<td>Tomate<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Tomato]]<td>Coing<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Quince]]<td>Truffe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Truffle]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>29<td>Orge<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Barley]]<td>Cormier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sorb tree]]<td>Olive<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Olive]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>30<td>Tonneau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Barrel]]<td>Rouleau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Rolling pin]]<td>Pelle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Shovel]]
<tr><th colspan=8>Winter months
<tr><td><td><th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)
<tr><th>Months<td><th>Nivôse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Snowy<th>Pluviôse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Rainy<th>Ventôse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Windy
<tr><th>Primdi<th>1<td>Tourbe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Peat]]<td>Lauréole<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Daphne]]<td>Tussilage<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Coltsfoot]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>2<td>Houile<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Coal]]<td>Mousse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Moss]]<td>Cornouiller<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Dogwood]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>3<td>Bitume<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Bitumen]]<td>Fragon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Butcher's broom]]<td>Violier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Wallflower]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>4<td>Soufre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sulfur]]<td>Perce-neige<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Snowdrop]]<td>Troëne<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Privet]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>5<td>Chien<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Dog]]<td>Taureau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Bull]]<td>Bouc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[goat|Billygoat]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>6<td>Lave<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Lava]]<td>Laurier-thym<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Viburnum]]<td>Asaret<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Azarum]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>7<td>Terre végétale<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Topsoil]]<td>Amadouvier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Tinder agaric]]<td>Alaterne<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Buckthorn]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>8<td>Fumier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Manure]]<td>Mèzéréon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Mezereon]]<td>Violette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Violet]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>9<td>Salpêtre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Saltpeter]]<td>Peuplier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Poplar]]<td>Marceau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Goat willow]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>10<td>Fléa<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Flail]]<td>Coignée<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Axe]]<td>Beche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Garden fork]]
<tr><th>Primdi<th>11<td>Granit<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Granite]]<td>Ellebore<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hellebore]]<td>Narcisse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Narcissus]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>12<td>Argile<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Clay]]<td>Brocoli<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Broccoli]]<td>Orme<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Elm]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>13<td>Ardoise<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Slate]]<td>Laurier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Laurel]]<td>Fumeterre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Fumus terrae]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>14<td>Grès<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sandstone]]<td>Avelinier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Filbert tree]]<td>Vélard<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hedge-mustard]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>15<td>Lapin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Rabbit]]<td>Vache<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cow]]<td>Chèvre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[goat|Nanny goat]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>16<td>Silex<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Flint]]<td>Buis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Box tree]]<td>Epinards<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Spinach]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>17<td>Marne<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Marl]]<td>Lichen<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Lichen]]<td>Doronic<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Leopard's bane]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>18<td>Pierre à chaux<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Limestone]]<td>If<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Yew]]<td>Mouron<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pimpernel]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>19<td>Marbre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Marble]]<td>Pulmonaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Lungwort]]<td>Cerfeuil<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Chervil]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>20<td>Van<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Winnowing basket]]<td>Serpette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Pruning knife<td>Cordeau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cord]]
<tr><th>Primdi<th>21<td>Pierre à plâtre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Gypsum]]<td>Thlaspi<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Pennycress]]<td>Mandragore<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Mandrake]]
<tr><th>Duodi<th>22<td>Sel<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Salt]]<td>Thimelé<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Persil<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Parsley]]
<tr><th>Tridi<th>23<td>Fer<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Iron]]<td>Chiendent<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Couch grass]]<td>Cochléaria<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cochlearia]]
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>24<td>Cuivre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Copper]]<td>Traînasse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Knotgrass]]<td>Pâquerette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Daisy]]
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>25<td>Chat<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cat]]<td>Lièvre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hare]]<td>Thon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Tuna]]
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>26<td>Etain<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Tin]]<td>Guède<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Woad]]<td>Pissenlit<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Dandelion]]
<tr><th>Septidi<th>27<td>Plomb<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Lead]]<td>Noisetier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Hazel]]<td>Silvie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Forest]]
<tr><th>Octidi<th>28<td>Zinc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>[[Zinc]]Cyclamen<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Cyclamen]]<td>Capillaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Maidenhair fern]]
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>29<td>Mercure<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Mercury]]<td>Chéledoine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Celandine]]<td>Frène<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Ash]]
<tr><th>Decadi<th>30<td>Crible<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Sifting screen<td>Traineau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Sleigh]]<td>Plantoir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">[[Dibble]]
<tr><th colspan=8>Spring months
<tr><td><td><th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)
<tr><th>Months<td><th>Germinal<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Seedtime<th>Floréal<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Flowery<th>Prairial<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Meadowy
<tr><th>Primdi<th>1<td>Primevère<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Rose<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Luzerne<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>2<td>Platane<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Chêne<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Hémérocale<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>3<td>Asperges<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fougère<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Trèfle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>4<td>Tulipes<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Aubépine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Angélique<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>5<td>Poule<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Rossignol<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Canard<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>6<td>Blette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Ancolie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Mélisse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>7<td>Bouleau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Muguet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fromental<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>8<td>Jonquille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Champignon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Martagon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>9<td>Aune<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Hyacinthe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Serpolet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>10<td>Couvoir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Rateau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Faux<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Primdi<th>11<td>Pervenche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Rhubarbe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fraise<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>12<td>Charme<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sainfoin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bétoine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>13<td>Morille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bâton-d'or<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Poix<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>14<td>Hêtre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Chamérisier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Acacia<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>15<td>Abeille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Ver-à-soie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Caille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>16<td>Laitue<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Consoude<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Oeillet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>17<td>Mélèze<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Pimprenelle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sureau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>18<td>Ciguë<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Corbeille-d'or<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Pavot<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>19<td>Radis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Arroche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Tilleul<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>20<td>Ruche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sarcloir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Rourche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Primdi<th>21<td>Gainier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Statice<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Barbeau<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>22<td>Romaine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fritillaire<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Camomille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>23<td>Maronnier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bourrache<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Chèvrefeuille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>24<td>Roquette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Valériane<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Caille-lait<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>25<td>Pigeon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Carpe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Tanche<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>26<td>Anémone<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fusain<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Jasmin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>27<td>Lilas<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Civette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Verveine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>28<td>Pensée<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Buglose<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Thym<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>29<td>Myrtille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sénevé<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Pivoine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>30<td>Greffoir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Loulette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Chariot<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th colspan=8>Summer months
<tr><td><td><th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)<th>Name<th bgcolor="#f9f9f9">(English name)
<tr><th>Months<td><th>Messidor<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Harvest<th>Thermidor<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Hot<th>Fructidor<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">Fruit
<tr><th>Primdi<th>1<td>Sigle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Epeautre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Prune<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>2<td>Avoine<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bouillon blanc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Millet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>3<td>Oignon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Melon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Lycoperde<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>4<td>Véronique<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Ivraie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Escourgen<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>5<td>Mulet<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bélier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Saumon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>6<td>Romarin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Prêle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Tubéreuse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>7<td>Concombre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Armoise<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sucrion<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>8<td>Echalottes<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Carthame<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Apocyn<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>9<td>Absynthe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Mûres<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Réglisse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>10<td>Faucille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Arrosoir<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Echelle<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Primdi<th>11<td>Coriandre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Panis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Pastrèque<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>12<td>Artichaut<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Salicot<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Fenouil<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>13<td>Giroflée<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Apricot<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Epine-vinette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>14<td>Lavande<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Basilic<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Noix<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>15<td>Chamois<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Brebis<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Truite<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>16<td>Tabac<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Guimauve<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Citron<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>17<td>Groseille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Lin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Cardière<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>18<td>Gesse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Amande<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Nerprun<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>19<td>Cerise<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Gentiane<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Tagette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>20<td>Parc<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Ecluse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Hotte<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Primdi<th>21<td>Menthe<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Carline<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Eglantier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Duodi<th>22<td>Cumin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Caprier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Noisette<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Tridi<th>23<td>Haricots<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Lentille<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Houblon<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quartidi<th>24<td>Orcanète<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Aunée<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Sorgho<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Quintidi<th>25<td>Pintade<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Loutre<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Écrivisse<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Sextidi<th>26<td>Sauge<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Myrte<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Bigarade<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Septidi<th>27<td>Ail<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Colza<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Verge d'or<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Octidi<th>28<td>Vesce<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Lupin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Maïs<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Nonidi<th>29<td>Blé<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Coton<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Marron<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
<tr><th>Decadi<th>30<td>Chalémie<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Moulin<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9"><td>Panier<td bgcolor="#f9f9f9">
</table>
</table>
The epagomenal days were originally called ''sanculotides'' ("days of the ''[[sans-culottes]]''"; modern spelling, ''sans-culottides''). They were named ''Fête du Vertu'' ("Festival of Virtue"), ''Fête du Génie'' ("Festival of Genius"), ''Fête du Travail'' ("Festival of Work"), ''Fête de l'Opinion'' ("Festival of Opinion"), ''Fête des Récompenses'' ("Festival of Rewards"), and ''Fête du Révolution'' ("Festival of the Revolution"). These were to be public holidays, and ''Fête du Révolution'', the leap day, was to be a day of games between competitors from all over France.


===Leap years===
===Leap years===

Revision as of 14:08, 15 April 2007

The French republican calendar was instituted by the National Convention after the French Revolution as a reform of the Gregorian calendar that would help to divorce the new republic from its Catholic predecessor.

The creation of the calendar

In 1793, the National Convention's Committee of Public Instruction created a subcommitte, chaired by the mathematician Charles Gilbert Romme, to create a new calendar. Other members were Louis Lagrange and Gaspard Monge, also mathematicians; the scientists Antoine François Fourcroy, Guyton de Morveau, Joseph Jérôme le François de Lelande, and Joseph Lakanal; and the poets Marie-Joseph de Chénier and Philip François Nazaire Fabre d'Églantine.

Romme presented the results, first to the Committee of Public Instruction and then to the full Convention, in September of 1793, and the Convention issued a decree on October 5th that made the calendar official. The names of days and months were finalized by a decree on November 24th.

Its structure

Start of the year

Year I was deemed to have on September 22, 1792 Gregorian, the date of the founding of the Republic, and also the fall equinox of that year. Each following year was to start at midnight of the day of the fall equinox, as observed at the Paris Observatory.

Months and days

A year was divided into 12 months of 30 days each, with five epagomenal days, six in leap years. Each month consisted of three décades, or 10-day weeks, with days named Primdi, Duodi, Tridi, Quartidi, Quintidi, Sextidi, Septidi, Octidi, Nonidi, and Decadi ("First Day", "Second Day", etc.). Every Decadi was to be a rest day. Fabre d'Églantine named the days and months as follows[1]. Note that every Quintidi was named for an animal, and every Decadi for a farming tool.

Fall months
Name(English name)Name(English name)Name(English name)
MonthsVendemaireVintageBrumaireFoggyFrimaireFrosty
Primdi1RaisinRaisinPommeAppleRaiponceRampion
Duodi2SafranCrocusCéleriCeleryTurnepsField-turnips
Tridi3ChâtaignesChestnut treePoirePearChicoréeChicory
Quartidi4ColchiquesAutumn crocusBettraveBeetrootNèfleMedlar
Quintidi5ChevalHorseOieGooseCochonPig
Sextidi6BalsamineBalsamHéliotropeHeliotropeMâcheLamb's lettuce
Septidi7CarottesCarrotsFigueFigChou-fleurCauliflower
Octidi8AmaranteAmaranthScorsonèreBlack salsifyMielHoney
Nonidi9PanaisParsnipAlisierSorbGenièvreJuniper
Decadi10CuveTankCharruePlowPiocheMattock
Primdi11Pome-de-TerrePotatoSalsifisSalsifyCireWax
Duodi12ImmortelleImmortelleMacreWater chestnutRaifortHorseradish
Tridi13PotironWinter squashTopinambourJerusalem artichokeCèdreCedar
Quartidi14RésédaMingnonetteEndiveEndiveSapinFir
Quintidi15AneDonkeyDindonTurkeyChevreuilDeer
Sextidi16Belle-de-nuitPretty-by-nightChervisCarawayAjoncGorse
Septidi17CitrouillePumpkinCressonWatercressCyprèsCypress
Octidi18SarrasinBuckwheatDentelaireLeadwortLierreIvy
Nonidi19TournesolSunflowerGrenadePomegranateSabineSavin
Decadi20PressoirPressing shedHerseHarrowHoyauHoe
Primdi21ChanvreHempBacchanteBacchanteErable-sucreMaple syrup
Duodi22PêchePeachAzeroleAzaroleBruyèreHeather
Tridi23NavetTurnipGaranceMadderRoseauReed
Quartidi24AmaryllisAmaryllisOrangeOrangeOseilleSorrel
Quintidi25BoeufSteerFaisanPheasantGrillonCricket
Sextidi26AubergineEggplantPistachePistachioPingonPine nut
Septidi27PimentRed pepperMacjoncLiégeCork
Octidi28TomateTomatoCoingQuinceTruffeTruffle
Nonidi29OrgeBarleyCormierSorb treeOliveOlive
Decadi30TonneauBarrelRouleauRolling pinPelleShovel
Winter months
Name(English name)Name(English name)Name(English name)
MonthsNivôseSnowyPluviôseRainyVentôseWindy
Primdi1TourbePeatLauréoleDaphneTussilageColtsfoot
Duodi2HouileCoalMousseMossCornouillerDogwood
Tridi3BitumeBitumenFragonButcher's broomViolierWallflower
Quartidi4SoufreSulfurPerce-neigeSnowdropTroënePrivet
Quintidi5ChienDogTaureauBullBoucBillygoat
Sextidi6LaveLavaLaurier-thymViburnumAsaretAzarum
Septidi7Terre végétaleTopsoilAmadouvierTinder agaricAlaterneBuckthorn
Octidi8FumierManureMèzéréonMezereonVioletteViolet
Nonidi9SalpêtreSaltpeterPeuplierPoplarMarceauGoat willow
Decadi10FléaFlailCoignéeAxeBecheGarden fork
Primdi11GranitGraniteElleboreHelleboreNarcisseNarcissus
Duodi12ArgileClayBrocoliBroccoliOrmeElm
Tridi13ArdoiseSlateLaurierLaurelFumeterreFumus terrae
Quartidi14GrèsSandstoneAvelinierFilbert treeVélardHedge-mustard
Quintidi15LapinRabbitVacheCowChèvreNanny goat
Sextidi16SilexFlintBuisBox treeEpinardsSpinach
Septidi17MarneMarlLichenLichenDoronicLeopard's bane
Octidi18Pierre à chauxLimestoneIfYewMouronPimpernel
Nonidi19MarbreMarblePulmonaireLungwortCerfeuilChervil
Decadi20VanWinnowing basketSerpettePruning knifeCordeauCord
Primdi21Pierre à plâtreGypsumThlaspiPennycressMandragoreMandrake
Duodi22SelSaltThimeléPersilParsley
Tridi23FerIronChiendentCouch grassCochléariaCochlearia
Quartidi24CuivreCopperTraînasseKnotgrassPâqueretteDaisy
Quintidi25ChatCatLièvreHareThonTuna
Sextidi26EtainTinGuèdeWoadPissenlitDandelion
Septidi27PlombLeadNoisetierHazelSilvieForest
Octidi28ZincZincCyclamenCyclamenCapillaireMaidenhair fern
Nonidi29MercureMercuryChéledoineCelandineFrèneAsh
Decadi30CribleSifting screenTraineauSleighPlantoirDibble
Spring months
Name(English name)Name(English name)Name(English name)
MonthsGerminalSeedtimeFloréalFloweryPrairialMeadowy
Primdi1PrimevèreRoseLuzerne
Duodi2PlataneChêneHémérocale
Tridi3AspergesFougèreTrèfle
Quartidi4TulipesAubépineAngélique
Quintidi5PouleRossignolCanard
Sextidi6BletteAncolieMélisse
Septidi7BouleauMuguetFromental
Octidi8JonquilleChampignonMartagon
Nonidi9AuneHyacintheSerpolet
Decadi10CouvoirRateauFaux
Primdi11PervencheRhubarbeFraise
Duodi12CharmeSainfoinBétoine
Tridi13MorilleBâton-d'orPoix
Quartidi14HêtreChamérisierAcacia
Quintidi15AbeilleVer-à-soieCaille
Sextidi16LaitueConsoudeOeillet
Septidi17MélèzePimprenelleSureau
Octidi18CiguëCorbeille-d'orPavot
Nonidi19RadisArrocheTilleul
Decadi20RucheSarcloirRourche
Primdi21GainierStaticeBarbeau
Duodi22RomaineFritillaireCamomille
Tridi23MaronnierBourracheChèvrefeuille
Quartidi24RoquetteValérianeCaille-lait
Quintidi25PigeonCarpeTanche
Sextidi26AnémoneFusainJasmin
Septidi27LilasCivetteVerveine
Octidi28PenséeBugloseThym
Nonidi29MyrtilleSénevéPivoine
Decadi30GreffoirLouletteChariot
Summer months
Name(English name)Name(English name)Name(English name)
MonthsMessidorHarvestThermidorHotFructidorFruit
Primdi1SigleEpeautrePrune
Duodi2AvoineBouillon blancMillet
Tridi3OignonMelonLycoperde
Quartidi4VéroniqueIvraieEscourgen
Quintidi5MuletBélierSaumon
Sextidi6RomarinPrêleTubéreuse
Septidi7ConcombreArmoiseSucrion
Octidi8EchalottesCarthameApocyn
Nonidi9AbsyntheMûresRéglisse
Decadi10FaucilleArrosoirEchelle
Primdi11CoriandrePanisPastrèque
Duodi12ArtichautSalicotFenouil
Tridi13GirofléeApricotEpine-vinette
Quartidi14LavandeBasilicNoix
Quintidi15ChamoisBrebisTruite
Sextidi16TabacGuimauveCitron
Septidi17GroseilleLinCardière
Octidi18GesseAmandeNerprun
Nonidi19CeriseGentianeTagette
Decadi20ParcEcluseHotte
Primdi21MentheCarlineEglantier
Duodi22CuminCaprierNoisette
Tridi23HaricotsLentilleHoublon
Quartidi24OrcanèteAunéeSorgho
Quintidi25PintadeLoutreÉcrivisse
Sextidi26SaugeMyrteBigarade
Septidi27AilColzaVerge d'or
Octidi28VesceLupinMaïs
Nonidi29BléCotonMarron
Decadi30ChalémieMoulinPanier

The epagomenal days were originally called sanculotides ("days of the sans-culottes"; modern spelling, sans-culottides). They were named Fête du Vertu ("Festival of Virtue"), Fête du Génie ("Festival of Genius"), Fête du Travail ("Festival of Work"), Fête de l'Opinion ("Festival of Opinion"), Fête des Récompenses ("Festival of Rewards"), and Fête du Révolution ("Festival of the Revolution"). These were to be public holidays, and Fête du Révolution, the leap day, was to be a day of games between competitors from all over France.

Leap years

Leap years, called "sextile years" because of the six epagomenal days, were to occur every four years, with the first being year III. A group of four years was to be known as a Franciade. However, as was quickly pointed out by the astronomer Jean Baptiste Joseph Delambre, there was no way to reconcile this with the desire to begin every new year on the equinox. In response, Romme formed a new subcommittee to "perfect" the calendar. It ultimately proposed to follow the Gregorian pattern of leap years, with the exception of suppressing one leap day every 4000 years. Before the recommendation could be implemented, however, Romme was arrested and sentenced to death.

Its demise

The republican calendar was deeply unpopular both inside and outside France and its conquered territories for the difficulties it caused in communicating and doing business with the rest of Europe. The working people of France were also unhappy about having only one day of rest in every ten.

The décade was the first part of the calendar to go, in 1795. Also in that year, the sanculotides were renamed simply jours supplémentaires ("extra days").

Napoleon exempted Rome from the new calendar in 1799, to placate the Pope. In 1805, now emperor, he restored France to Catholicism and restored the old calendar. France officially rejoined the Gregorian world on January 1st, 1806.

References

  1. French day names from: Richards, E G (1998) Mapping Time: The Calendar and its History. New York: Oxford University Press. pp 398-399.