Explore the origins, meanings, and cultural significance of the phrase 'December, May and,' denoting marriages between young and older individuals, with historical references from Chaucer to Dekker.
The phrase “December, May and” refers to a marriage or romantic relationship between a significantly older individual and a much younger partner. This expression captures the contrast in age and life stages between the two individuals involved.
The origins of the phrase can be traced back to Geoffrey Chaucer’s The Merchant’s Tale from The Canterbury Tales, where the metaphor of “January and May” was employed to describe a marriage between an elderly man and a young woman. January symbolized the frosty, aged winter, while May represented the youthful, vibrant spring. This metaphor was adapted in the early 1600s to “December and May,” as evidenced by Thomas Dekker’s work The Seven Deadly Sinnes of London (1606), where he wrote, “You doe wrong to Time, enforcing May to embrace December.” The transition from “January” to “December” likely offered a more fitting analogy, as December is both cold and positioned at the end of the calendar year, symbolizing the later stages of life.
The phrase “December, May and” carries connotations of imbalance and disparity, often implying a power dynamic where the older individual holds more authority or experience. This expression can evoke notions of wisdom versus naivety, experience versus innocence, and stability versus vitality. It can also suggest societal judgments about the appropriateness and motivations behind such relationships.
In contemporary culture, the phrase is often used to describe relationships with a notable age gap, particularly in literature and media. It is sometimes employed pejoratively to critique or question the motives behind such unions. The phrase appears in various literary works, reflecting societal attitudes towards age-disparate relationships.
In professional settings, the phrase might be used to discuss demographic trends in marriage or to analyze relationship dynamics in social sciences. In literary contexts, it often serves as a motif to explore themes of love, power, and societal norms. Historically, it has been used to critique or satirize such unions.
The phrase “December, May and” remains relevant in discussions about relationships with significant age differences, particularly in cultural and literary analyses. Its durability is rated at ★★★★☆, reflecting its sustained use and adaptability over centuries.
“You doe wrong to Time, enforcing May to embrace December.” - Thomas Dekker, The Seven Deadly Sinnes of London (1606)
“For love is blind all day, and may not see.” - Geoffrey Chaucer, The Merchant’s Tale