The term Ides is common in the Roman calendar, which was by no means easy to follow. Ides is a phrase used for one of three days, each of which served as a reference point for counting the other days in a month. Kalends was always the first day of each month and also the root of the word calendar (Kalendrium was an account book, and bills had to be paid on the first of the month—so Kalends). Nones was the fifth or seventh day (depending on the month), and Ides was the 13th or 15th (again, depending on the month). All unnamed days were known by counting backward from the named day. I am writing this on March 12, or three before Ides as the Romans would call it (III Ides, if I am being specific). So, 12 Ides a year—do we really need to be more wary of the one in March? Of course not.
As with so many things, we can thank Shakespeare for placing something in the popular consciousness. In Julius Caesar, the protagonist is stopped by a soothsayer on his way to the Theatre of Pompey and warned, “Beware the Ides of March.” He could have said, “Beware March 15.” As it was, it turned out to be the day JC was assassinated. “Beware the Ides of March” becomes one of many quotes that have travelled with us through the ages. We hear it, recognise it and, although it seems unlikely, use it.
A quick Wiki of March 15 confirms it has been a less than portentous date through the ages. It is the anniversary of Maine becoming the 23rd state (1820) and the birthday of Will.i.am—it just gets less scary by the minute.
So, what was the point of rambling on about the Ides? Well, if nothing else, it allows me to share my wife’s favourite (and, quite possibly, best) joke: A dyslexic Roman went to a toga party dressed as a goat … they sacrificed him.
I am off to pack. I’ll be back in England on VIII Kalends.
