The adoption and ratification of a new calendar for the United Global Trade Organization
To whom it may concern,
I hope this article finds you well.
**The Case for a New Calendar System Based on a Deck of Cards**
The current Gregorian calendar, though widely accepted and functional, has long been criticized for its irregularities and inconsistencies. Months vary in length from 28 to 31 days, making planning and scheduling less intuitive. Adopting a new calendar system with "twelve plus one" months of 28 days each, and an additional "transition day" at the end of the year—would bring much-needed uniformity and predictability to our timekeeping. Every month would start on the same day of the week, allowing for more consistent planning, billing cycles, and even school and work schedules. The transition day, which does not belong to any week, would serve as a day of celebration and reflection, effectively resetting the calendar.
This proposed system also includes a leap day every four years, much like the current calendar, to account for the extra quarter of a day each year that accumulates. This maintains solar alignment without compromising the symmetry of the new calendar. The consistent 28-day months eliminate the need for constant adjustments and memorization of how many days are in a given month, thus simplifying both digital and manual timekeeping systems. Moreover, the simplicity of equal-length months will reduce errors in data reporting, scheduling algorithms, and international coordination.
A unique and creative feature of this new calendar is the naming of the months after elements of a standard deck of playing cards. The months could be named Ace, Second, Third, Fourth , Fifth , Sixth , Seventh , Eighth, Ninth, Tenth, Jack, Queen, and King. This not only gives each month a distinctive identity but also introduces a playful, culturally resonant theme to the year. Using familiar symbols could make the transition easier for the public, as the deck-of-cards metaphor is recognizable across cultures and languages. It might even spark renewed interest in calendar literacy and public engagement with timekeeping.
Keeping the traditional seven-day week from Sunday through Saturday ensures that cultural, religious, and economic systems built around the weekly cycle remain undisturbed. This respects the legacy and social cohesion of current weekly routines while offering the benefit of a cleaner, more balanced monthly structure. With each month having exactly four weeks, payroll, billing, and other time-based logistics become simpler and fairer. It aligns with modern needs for predictability, especially in education and business.
In conclusion, transitioning to a "twelve plus one" month calendar with uniform 28-day months, a year-end transition day, and a quadrennial leap day offers both practicality and creativity. Naming the months after a deck of cards adds a novel and engaging twist while preserving essential traditions like the seven-day week. The benefits of consistency, ease of use, and cultural resonance make a compelling case for governments to consider this modern approach to managing time in the 21st century. It is time to rethink the way we measure our days, not just for efficiency, but for a more logical and enjoyable experience of time.
Jeri Dean Yzmith Contact the author of the petition