Quaternary Meaning in Tamil
Quaternary, a term borrowed from Latin, is primarily associated with the field of geology and refers to the last geological period in the Earth’s history. However, in the context of Tamil language, quaternary holds a different meaning altogether.
In Tamil, quaternary is translated as நான்காம் பருவம் (Nānkām paruvam), where நான்காம் (Nānkām) represents “fourth” and பருவம் (Paruvam) means “season”. Thus, நான்காம் பருவம் denotes the fourth season.
Tamil Nadu, a southern state in India, experiences distinct climatic changes throughout the year. The traditional Tamil calendar recognizes six seasons: இளவேந்தம் (Ilaveṉṭam) or spring, சித்திரை (Cittirai) or summer, ஆடை (Āṭai) or monsoon, புசே (Pućē) or harvest, மார்கழி (Mārkaḻi) or winter, and finally, நான்காம் பருவம் (Nānkām paruvam) or quaternary.
During the quaternary season, which typically spans from December to January, Tamil Nadu witnesses a pleasant climate with mild temperatures and occasional rains. It serves as a transition period from the cold winter to the warmth of the upcoming seasons. Farmers begin preparing their fields for the upcoming agricultural activities, while nature enthusiasts cherish the blooming flowers and lush green landscapes.
In conclusion, the term quaternary in Tamil refers to the fourth season, known as நான்காம் பருவம் (Nānkām paruvam). It is a cherished time in Tamil Nadu, marking the transition from winter to the upcoming seasons and symbolizing hope and new beginnings.
