Understanding the Estonian Calendar System
Estonia uses the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar internationally. This calendar divides the year into 12 months, each with its unique characteristics and cultural associations. Learning the names of these months in Estonian not only helps in language acquisition but also provides insight into Estonian traditions, weather patterns, and seasonal changes.
The Estonian months are:
- Jaanuar (January)
- Veebruar (February)
- Märts (March)
- Aprill (April)
- Mai (May)
- Juuni (June)
- Juuli (July)
- August (August)
- September (September)
- Oktoober (October)
- November (November)
- Detsember (December)
Let's explore each of these months in detail.
January – Jaanuar
Name and Pronunciation
The first month of the year in Estonian is Jaanuar, pronounced as "YAHN-oo-ar". The name is derived from the name "Janus," the Roman god of beginnings and transitions, reflecting the start of a new year.
Cultural and Seasonal Significance
January marks the heart of winter in Estonia, characterized by cold temperatures, snow-covered landscapes, and long nights. It is a time for traditional winter festivities, including:
- New Year celebrations (Uusaasta)
- Winter sports like skiing and ice skating
- Lantern festivals and light displays to combat the dark days
Estonians also celebrate "Tulede Püha" (Festival of Lights) in January, symbolizing hope and warmth during the darkest part of winter.
February – Veebruar
Name and Pronunciation
The second month is Veebruar, pronounced as "VEY-broo-ar". The name is related to the word "veeb" meaning "web," possibly referring to the winter's icy patterns resembling web-like structures.
Key Events and Traditions
February continues the winter theme and features several cultural events:
- "Vastlapäev" (Shrove Tuesday), a traditional pre-Lenten festival involving sledging, singing, and eating pea pancakes
- Valentine's Day (Sõbrapäev), gaining popularity among young Estonians
The cold weather encourages indoor activities, but also outdoor winter festivals that celebrate Estonian folklore.
March – Märts
Name and Pronunciation
Spring Awakening and Cultural Highlights
In March, signs of spring start to appear:
- Melting snow and longer daylight hours
- The celebration of "Kadripäev" (October 25), which is dedicated to Kadrina, the patron saint of farmers
- Preparations for the upcoming "Vabaõhumuuseum" (Open Air Museum) events
Weather varies greatly, and people begin to look forward to the warmer months.
April – Aprill
Name and Pronunciation
The name Aprill is pronounced as "AH-prill," closely resembling the English "April."
Spring Activities and Traditions
April is characterized by:
- Blooming flowers and the start of gardening season
- Traditional "Jaanipäev" preparations (though Jaanipäev is in June)
- April showers bringing May flowers
Estonians enjoy outdoor festivals and countryside walks as the weather warms.
May – Mai
Name and Pronunciation
The month Mai, pronounced as "MY," symbolizes full spring and early summer.
Festivals and Celebrations
May is a lively month with:
- "Lihavõtted" (Easter), often celebrated with family gatherings and egg rolling
- "Kevadpüha" (Spring Festival)
- The start of the "Suvi" (summer) mood, with outdoor concerts and fairs
Flowers bloom abundantly, and Estonians rejoice in the return of longer days.
June – Juuni
Name and Pronunciation
Juuni, pronounced as "YOO-nee," marks the beginning of summer.
Summer in Estonia
June is renowned for:
- Midsummer celebrations, or "Jaanipäev" (St. John's Day), on June 23-24, which is one of the biggest holidays in Estonia
- Warm weather, long daylight hours, and the midnight sun in the north
- Outdoor festivals, barbecue parties, and beach visits
Estonians cherish the summer months for their warmth and outdoor activities.
July – Juuli
Name and Pronunciation
Juuli, pronounced as "YOO-lee," continues the summer season.
Vacation and Leisure
July is typically the hottest month, with activities such as:
- Beach outings to the Baltic Sea
- Camping and hiking in national parks
- Cultural festivals and music events
Many Estonians take their summer holidays during this time.
August – August
Name and Pronunciation
The month is called August, pronounced as "OW-goost," similar to the English.
End of Summer and Harvest
August signifies the late summer season, with traditions like:
- Harvest festivals
- Preparing for the upcoming autumn
- Enjoying the remaining warm days at lakes and forests
It's a time of abundance and reflection before the transition to fall.
September – September
Name and Pronunciation
The Estonian name September, pronounced as "SEP-tem-ber," marks the start of autumn.
Autumnal Changes and Cultural Events
September features:
- The changing colors of leaves
- "Sügisene töö" (autumn work) in the fields
- Harvest festivals and food fairs
School and academic life resumes, and Estonians prepare for the colder months ahead.
October – Oktoober
Name and Pronunciation
Oktoober, pronounced as "OK-toh-ber," continues autumn.
Weather and Traditions
Significant features of October include:
- Cooler temperatures
- Autumn forest walks and mushroom picking
- Halloween celebrations, increasingly popular among youth
The landscape turns into a mosaic of warm colors, making it a picturesque month.
November – November
Name and Pronunciation
The name November, pronounced as "NOH-vem-ber," signals the late autumn period.
Preparing for Winter
In November, Estonians:
- Focus on indoor activities
- Decorate homes with autumn motifs
- Celebrate All Saints' Day (Kaljapäev) with visits to cemeteries
The days grow shorter, and the mood turns cozy.
December – Detsember
Name and Pronunciation
The final month, Detsember, pronounced as "DET-sem-ber," is associated with winter festivities.
Festive Season and Traditions
December is a month of celebration, including:
- Christmas (Jõulud) preparations and markets
- New Year's Eve (Uusaasta) celebrations
- Traditional Estonian Christmas foods and customs
The year concludes with a sense of joy, family gatherings, and reflection on the past year.
Summary of the 12 Months in Estonian
Learning the months of the year in Estonian provides not only linguistic knowledge but also cultural insight. Each month reflects Estonia's natural rhythms, from the snowy winter in January to the lively summer in June and July, and the cozy festive season in December. Familiarity with these months enhances travel experiences, helps in understanding local traditions, and deepens appreciation for Estonian heritage.
- Jaanuar – January
- Veebruar – February
- Märts – March
- Aprill – April
- Mai – May
- Juuni – June
- Juuli – July
- August – August
- September – September
- Oktoober – October
- November – November
- Detsember – December
Whether
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you say the months of the year in Estonian?
The months in Estonian are: jaanuar (January), veebruar (February), märts (March), aprill (April), mai (May), juuni (June), juuli (July), august (August), september (September), oktoober (October), november (November), detsember (December).
What is the Estonian word for '12 months'?
The phrase '12 months' in Estonian is '12 kuud'.
How do Estonians refer to the fiscal or calendar year in terms of months?
Estonians refer to the full year as 'aasta', and specify months by their names, for example, 'esimene kuu' for the first month (January) or simply use the month names in context.
Are there any cultural or traditional events in Estonia associated with specific months?
Yes, for example, Midsummer (Jaanipäev) is celebrated in June, and the Estonian Independence Day is on February 24th. Many festivals and traditions are tied to specific months throughout the year.
How is the concept of months used in Estonian language and daily life?
Months are commonly used for planning, holidays, and seasonal activities. They are also important in agricultural calendars and are referenced in expressions related to time and weather in Estonian culture.
