The Etrean Standard Calendar
Created in 4978 EA, the Etrean Standard Calendar is the brainchild of a group of academics from one of the major universities in Kaien. It was originally created to facilitate diplomatic arrangements, but quickly grew popular in mercantile enterprises and from there spread across the world. The calendar is comprised of thirteen months of twenty-eight days each, and is predominantly based on the movements and phases of the moon.
HistoryBefore the existance of the Standard Calendar, time was measured in a variety of ways by different cultures and peoples. It was measured by the changing of the moon, or the movement of stars in the night sky. It was measured by the passing of the seasons, or the migration patterns of animals. There was no cohesion from one country to the next, and this proved time and again to make international relations difficult. The Etrean Standard Calendar is the brainchild of Simon Cross, a Kaienese academic from the prestigious Marble Downs University. Alongside his colleage, David Milton, Cross assembled a group of academics from across the world to create a calendar that could be used and recognised internationally. It took the group of ten almost a year to create a system that all of them agreed on. The finished calendar was officially debuted in 4879 EA during the planning stages of diplomatic talks between the leaders of mainland Caia. These talks prevented a war between Zenra and Akerra, and some scholars believe that the Etrean Standard Calendar was instrumental to their success. In the years that followed, the Standard Calendar spread slowly across the world. Its adoption by merchants trading by sea meant that it was able to travel vast distances, beyond what Cross and Milton ever believed was possible. Whilst some cultures remain resitant to the Standard Calendar, it has become almost mandatory for both trade and diplomatic relations.
Criticism and Controversy
They say this calendar is meant to unify us, to bring the world closer together. But how can that be the case when it rides roughshod over the traditions and norms of the south?In the years following the introduction of the Etrean Standard Calendar, several criticisms emerged, especially from countries that had not been involved in its creation. The largest and most often cited criticism is that the naming of the months reflect the seasons of the northern hemisphere, and completely ignore the differences present in the southern hemisphere. For example, the month of Derlius, based on the Lurian word for 'harvest', reflects the harvest season for the north. In the south, this same month heralds the beginning of the planting season. Proponents of the Etrean Standard Calendar argue that the names of the months are just that - names. Their purpose is to differentiate the months from each other, not to define them. The other criticism levelled against the calendar is that it displaces traditional methods of timekeeping, and that it is a step on the slippery slope towards a homogenised, monotonous world. Whilst the loss of traditions is a genuine concern to many people, this argument is generally seen as fearmongering towards the idea of globalisation, something that scholars believe would not be viable for many years to come. In 5291 EA, a politician from Dryst created a southern-centric version of the Etrean Standard Calendar. This calendar used month names that reflected the southern hemisphere's experience of the seasons. However, by this point in time the Etrean Standard Calendar was in common use across the world, and his work never caught on.
Taken from the Eshuan word for 'first' or 'beginning', Primus is generally considered the first month of the year.
Moranus comes from an amalgamation of the Kaienese and Seruic words for 'forest' and 'hidden'.
Vernus is derived from the Bazuurine word for 'renewal' or 'rebirth', as well as the Eriasian word for 'frost'.
Thallus is derived from the most common name of the one true Coranish god, Thallase.
Ascalus is formed from a combination of the Kaienese and Seruic words for 'blooming' and 'warmth'.
Uneus comes from the Bazuurine word for 'heat' and 'sun'. Its pronunciation is often a point of contention.
Canus is named after the Caillan king, Cane II, who was in power when the calendar was being conceived.
Pallus is derived from both the Kaienese and Seruic words for 'peace', which echoes one of Cross's hopes for the calendar.
Vatrus come from the Zenran word for 'fire', 'heat', and 'the colour of the sun on the water'.
Derlius is derived from the Lurian word for 'harvest'. It is the month that most often draws the criticism from detractors.
Lanvus is taken from the Akerran word for 'change'. It refers to how the leaves change colour as the weather grows colder.
Scandus is derived from the Akerran words for 'slow' and 'calm', reflecting the winding down of the year.
Taken from the Eshuan word for 'ending', Terminus was chosen as a mirror to Primus. It is generally considered to be the last month of the year.