© Duane A. Cline 1999
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DUAL DATES
The dates in Pilgrim books, diaries and letters can be deceptively misleading. This confusion stems from the use of two calendar systems during the 17th century.
The Julian Calendar was begun in the time of Julius Caesar establishing January 1 as the first day of the year. However, the number of days in a year were figured incorrectly, which meant there was a lap in the timing of the vernal equinox of about 3 days every four years.
In 1582 Pope Gregory found a deviation of 10 days. The Gregorian Calendar was adopted by some countries at that time. However, not all countries applied the Gregorian reform simultaneously. France and the Netherlands adopted it in December 1582, but England and its colonies did not adopt it until 1752, by which time 11 days had to be eliminated rather than 10.
Being English colonists, the Pilgrims used the Old Style (Julian) dates, while Holland was already using the New Style (Gregorian) dates. The Pilgrim letters and diaries are recorded with the Old Style dating. In order to establish the correct date for anniversaries of certain events, such as the signing of the Mayflower Compact, we must add 10 days.
Another chronological point has to be considered concerning the first day of the year. For instance, in Holland during the 17th century, the year began on January first: but, in England, the legal year began on March 25th. That meant the 83 days between January 1 and March 24 were regarded as the last days of the previous year.
Throughout this study guide, a double date will be given for various events, expressing both the Old Style/New Style Dating. As an example, the dates will be given as: 11/21 November 1620 gives the correct date for the anniversary. In another example where the new year is not expressed by the given date: 2/12 February 1608/1609. Here the correct date is expressed by the second sets of numbers, i.e., 12 February 1609.
Last modified November 7, 1999
by
Webmaster Dave Lossos