Why the Calendar Makes No Sense | Dave Gorman
It’s time for an intermission or two…
Why the Calendar Makes No Sense – Nov 2020 | Dave Gorman
Dave Gorman rediscovers humanity’s natural calendar.
Informative and very funny, Dave Gorman explains why the Gregorian calendar makes no sense at all so he makes everything right.
Reconnecting with the Cosmos
Embracing a Lunar Calendar for a Harmonious Future
Exploring the subversive nature of the Gregorian calendar and the transformative power of aligning human life with the natural rhythm of the Moon.
The Gregorian calendar, established in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII, is widely used today, yet it has several aspects considered arbitrary and misaligned with natural cycles. This calendar consists of 12 months, varying in length from 28 to 31 days, totalling 365 days in a common year, with an additional leap day every four years to account for the extra quarter day in the solar year. However, this system is criticised for its complexity and historical inconsistencies, particularly regarding the names and order of the months, which reflect Roman influences rather than a natural alignment with lunar or solar cycles.
Critique of the Gregorian Calendar
- Arbitrary Structure: The Gregorian calendar‘s structure is seen as arbitrary, with months of differing lengths that do not correspond neatly to natural phenomena. For instance, the months of September, October, November, and December (originally the 7th to 10th months) are now the 9th to 12th months, a remnant of the calendar‘s evolution influenced by Roman emperors who renamed months after themselvesโJuly (Julius Caesar) and August (Augustus Caesar).
- Misalignment with Natural Cycles: The calendar does not align with the lunar cycle, which is approximately 29.5 days. This misalignment leads to a disconnect between the calendar and natural rhythms, such as the moon‘s phases, which have been historically significant for various cultures.
- Complex Leap Year Rules: The rules governing leap years add another layer of complexity. The Gregorian calendar introduces a leap year every four years, with exceptions for century years unless they are divisible by 400. This system, while more accurate than the Julian calendar, still complicates the calendar without a clear rationaleย .
A Natural Calendar Proposal
Advocates for a more natural calendar suggest a system based on the lunar cycle, proposing 13 months of 28 days each, with an additional day (or two in leap years) serving as an intermission. This structure would yield a total of 364 days, with the extra day(s) allowing for seasonal adjustments without the complexities of leap years.
Benefits of a Lunar-Based Calendar
- Simplicity: A calendar with 13 months of 28 days each would be straightforward, with each month having exactly four weeks. This would eliminate confusion and the need for complex calculations regarding month lengths and leap years.
- Alignment with Natural Rhythms: Such a calendar would better align with the lunar cycle, allowing humans to synchronise their activities with natural phenomena, potentially leading to improved mental and physical well-being. Cultures that utilise lunar calendars, such as the Islamic calendar, often find that their festivals and agricultural practices are closely tied to the moon‘s phases.
- Cultural Reconnection: Transitioning to a lunar-based calendar could foster a deeper connection to natural cycles, enhancing cultural practices that celebrate the moon and its phases, which have been significant in many societies throughout history.
While the Gregorian calendar serves its purpose in organising time, its arbitrary structure and misalignment with natural cycles prompt calls for a reevaluation. A 13-month lunar calendar could provide a simpler, more harmonious framework for organising human activity in sync with the natural world.
Subverted Species
The Subversive Nature of the Gregorian Calendar
The Gregorian calendar, with its complex structure and misalignment with natural cycles, can be seen as a form of subversion that has disconnected humanity from the natural rhythms of the moon. By imposing an arbitrary system that does not correspond to the lunar cycle, the Gregorian calendar has subtly influenced human behaviour and our relationship with the natural world.
- Disconnection from Nature: The Gregorian calendar‘s lack of synchronisation with the moon‘s phases has led to a gradual disconnection from natural cycles. This disconnect has contributed to a sense of alienation from the natural world, as our daily lives and activities are organised around an artificial construct rather than the rhythms of the earth and moon.
- Disruption of Circadian Rhythms: The inconsistent lengths of the Gregorian months and the introduction of daylight saving time have disrupted our natural circadian rhythms. This disruption can lead to sleep disturbances, fatigue, and other health issues, further contributing to a sense of disconnection from our innate biological cycles.
- Suppression of Traditional Practices: The dominance of the Gregorian calendar has led to the suppression of traditional practices and festivals that were once closely tied to the lunar cycle. This loss of cultural heritage and connection to the natural world has had a profound impact on human behaviour and our sense of belonging to a larger cosmic order.
Potential Benefits of a Lunar-Based Calendar
If humanity were to adopt a lunar-based calendar, such as the proposed 13-month system with 28 days per month, the potential benefits could be far-reaching:
- Reconnection with Nature: By aligning our calendar with the moon‘s cycle, we would be able to reestablish a deep connection with the natural world. This connection could foster a greater appreciation for the rhythms of the earth and a sense of belonging to a larger cosmic order.
- Improved Mental and Physical Well-being: Studies have shown that exposure to natural light and the moon‘s phases can have a positive impact on mental health and overall well-being. By synchronising our activities with the lunar cycle, we may experience improved sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.
- Cultural Revitalisation: A lunar-based calendar could lead to a revitalisation of traditional practices and festivals that celebrate the moon and its phases. This could foster a sense of cultural identity and belonging, as well as a deeper understanding of our place in the universe.
- Increased Harmony and Cooperation: By aligning our activities with the natural rhythm of the moon, we may experience a greater sense of harmony and cooperation within our communities. This alignment could lead to more synchronous activities, such as communal farming, fishing, and celebrations, fostering a stronger sense of social cohesion and collective well-being.
The Gregorian calendar has disconnected humanity from the natural rhythm of the moon cycle. By adopting a lunar-based calendar, we could potentially experience a profound shift in human behaviour and connection, leading to a greater appreciation for the natural world, improved mental and physical well-being, cultural revitalisation, and increased harmony and cooperation within our communities.
Source: Dave Gorman: Why the Calendar Makes No Sense
