Dezember

Dezember is the twelfth and final month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days. The name comes from Latin December, from decem “ten,” reflecting its original position as the tenth month in the early Roman calendar; after January and February were added, it became the twelfth month.

In the northern hemisphere, Dezember is part of winter with cold weather and often snow; in the southern hemisphere it is summer. The winter solstice falls around December 21 or 22. The zodiac signs for December span Sagittarius and Capricorn, shifting around the solstice.

In German-speaking regions, Dezember is marked by the Advent season and Christmas preparations. Nikolaustag on December 6 is commonly observed. Christmas Eve on December 24 and Christmas Day on December 25 are central, with St. Stephen’s Day on December 26 celebrated in many places.

International observances in Dezember include World AIDS Day on December 1, the International Day of Persons with Disabilities on December 3, Human Rights Day on December 10, and International Mountain Day on December 11. The month also commonly features year-end events, religious and secular celebrations, and holiday markets in many cultures.