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SAXON NAMES OF THE MONTHS.

_(For the Mirror.)_


December, which stood first, was styled "Mid-winter monath." January was
"Aefter-yule," or after Christmas. February "Sol-monath," from the
returning sun. March "Rhede, or Rhede monath," rough, or rugged month.
April "Easter monath," from a favourite Saxon goddess, whose name we
still preserve. May was "Trimilchi," from the cows being then milked
thrice in the day. June "Sere monath," dry month. July "Maed monath,"
the meads being then in their bloom. August was "Weod monath," from the
luxuriance of weeds. September "Haerfest monath." October they called
"Winter fylleth," from winter approaching with the full moon of that
month. And lastly, November was styled "Blot monath," from the blood of
the cattle slain that month, and stored for winter provision. Verstegan
names the months somewhat differently.

P.T.W.

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CURIOUS BEQUEST.

_(For the Mirror.)_