Common Era (also known as Christian Era an Current Era; abbreviated CE) is a designation for the period of time beginning with year 1 of the proleptic Gregorian calendar. An earlier date is then designated BCE, described as "Before the Common, Christian, or Current Era". The numbering of years is identical to the numbering in the Anno Domini system, neither system using a year zero. The only difference between Common Era, Christian Era, and Anno Domini notation is in the names themselves. Originating among Christians in Europe at least as early as 1615 (at first in Latin), Common Era notation has been adopted in several non-Christian cultures, by many scholars in religious studies and other academic fields, and by others wishing to be sensitive to non-Christians. The use of BCE and CE has been criticized by some (who favor the BC/AD system) as being in their view "the result of secularization" and "political correctness".