A Proposed World Calendar

Abstract

THE World Calendar Association, Inc., New York, has published details for a proposed new calendar to commence in 1945 (“The World Calendar-A New Calendar for a New World.” Pp. 32. World Calendar Association, Inc., 630 Fifth Avenue, New York). On the basis of a 364-day year, the year is divided into four quarters, each of 91 days. The first month of each quarter contains 31 days and each of the others 30 days, and January, April, July and October contain each 31 days. Every year and in consequence every quarter begins on a Sunday, and it is suggested that the national holidays of every country can be arranged to come on Mondays, if the people wish it, thus producing long week-ends. Christmas Day falls on Monday every year, and it is suggested that Easter should be the second Sunday in April, that is, April 8. As a result of fixing Easter for this date, the other movable Christian festivals, Ash Wednesday, Good Friday Ascension Day, Whitsunday, etc., would occur on the same date every year. Such a stabilization of the hitherto movable festivals would place Advent Sunday on December 3 and Trinity Sunday on June 3-exactly six months apart. The 365th day will be at the end of December and it is recommended that it should be designated as a World Holiday by all countries accepting the new calendar. This World Holiday is an extra Saturday, called the Year-End Day. Leap Year Day is placed at the end of June, in the middle of the year, and it is also an extra Saturday and a World Holiday. The beneficial effects of the reform are explained in connexion with the various phases of life-industry, labour, Government, law, finance, science, etc. ; and an appeal is made to the citizens of different countries to lend their support to the scheme.