In Croatia, the names of the months are a beautiful testament to the nation’s history and relationship with nature.
Unlike much of Europe, where months are derived from Latin, Croatian month names offer an intriguing connection to the environment, weather patterns, and traditional agricultural practices.
Take Siječanj (January), from “sjeći” (to cut), referencing the need to chop wood for warmth in the harsh winter months.
Similarly, Veljača (February), derived from “velja,” meaning “great” or “changing,” reflects the unpredictable weather that bridges winter and spring.
From the first growth of grass in Travanj (April) to the harvest time in Srpanj (July), these names paint a vivid picture of life tied closely to nature’s rhythms.
The months are not just a way to mark time—they are rooted in centuries of Croatian culture, offering a glimpse into a world where each season had its own distinct role to play.