Happening once every 12 years or lasting for 12 years.
From Latin 'duodecim' (twelve) + '-ennial' (from annus, year). Similar to 'biennial' (two years) and 'centennial' (100 years), this combines the Latin number with the suffix indicating yearly cycles.
The Olympics happens every four years, but some events and commemorations follow the duodecennial cycle—it's a human rhythm that feels less common but still meaningful! The number 12 has always been special in human culture, appearing in dozens of our timekeeping systems from hours to months.
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