2 January 2014

a medieval date.

It's the new year. Except maybe it isn't. In the middle ages, it would still have been 2013. And we know this thanks to C.R. Cheney's classic Handbook of Dates for Students of British History.



Because the medieval year often began on March 25. The feast of the Annunciation.

Or on Christmas Day.

Or even on Easter. Which moves every year.

So what year are we in? Well, we would say 2014 anno domini but our medieval forebears would say anno gratiae. Remembering that they're looking forward to a party on March 24 because it's still 2013.

Or we could date by event and say, for example, that we're in the first year of the pontificate of Pope Francis. His pontifical year not beginning until March 13 when he was elected.

And though the calendar has moved forward to 2014, it remains the 62nd regnal year of Queen Elizabeth II. She didn't become queen until February 6. And that's only because we date from her ascension to the throne instead of her coronation.

All clear now?

By the way, according to the Romans today is IV pr. non. Ian in the year 2,767 ab urbe condita.

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