Ridiculous History The Ridiculous Origin of the Modern Calendar
Aug 5, 2025
Join the hosts as they hilariously unravel the absurd history of our modern calendar. From ancient Egyptian timekeeping to the Gregorian system, every twist reveals how society's quirks have shaped our perception of time. Discover the odd origins of the seven-day week and the cultural ties behind the days that govern our lives today. With entertaining anecdotes and a laugh-out-loud approach, they highlight the ridiculousness of measuring time and the powerful figures who influenced these systems.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Calendars Are Social Conventions
- The calendar is an arbitrary but widely agreed-upon system for human convenience and coordination.
- Its imperfection mirrors other approximations like map projections, yet it is essential for civilization's function.
Calendars Coordinate Human Life
- Everyone on Earth experiences the same day, tied to the natural cycles of sunrise and sunset.
- The calendar's primary function is to coordinate activities in society and agriculture.
Seven Days Named After Gods
- The seven-day week is derived from Hellenistic astrology and names of planets.
- Germanic peoples adapted this system by substituting their gods’ names, shaping modern day names.