This was excellent! I learned some new things, like where the term “leap” actually comes from.
The only thing I would add is why we began with a 354 day calendar. Earlier calendars back to the time of the Mayans were lunar, and not Solar. Since the Moon’s period is exactly 29.5 days, it was easy: you just alternated 29- and 30-day months. But that required those early cultures to add a 13th month every 3 years to maintain pace with the Sun, which is where your article led off.
Thanks Jim for sharing this fascinating history. I've always been somewhat aware of much of this - my mother was born just two days short of being a leaping - on February 27, 1916, so it was an event of interest in our family!
This was excellent! I learned some new things, like where the term “leap” actually comes from.
The only thing I would add is why we began with a 354 day calendar. Earlier calendars back to the time of the Mayans were lunar, and not Solar. Since the Moon’s period is exactly 29.5 days, it was easy: you just alternated 29- and 30-day months. But that required those early cultures to add a 13th month every 3 years to maintain pace with the Sun, which is where your article led off.
Nicely done!
Absolutely fascinating, Jim. I knew none of this. Reading your columns is like taking a mini-college course! Thanks for the enlightenment!
It’s true that you’re never too old to learn something new. I enjoyed reading your column and learned something new too. Thank you.
Oh man did I like this one. Crazy how you can get a headache thinking about this stuff tho!!!!!
Thanks Jim for sharing this fascinating history. I've always been somewhat aware of much of this - my mother was born just two days short of being a leaping - on February 27, 1916, so it was an event of interest in our family!