14 Fun Facts About August You Probably Didn’t Know
August is the eighth month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. Many major historical events have occurred during this summer month. August also has some unique holidays, birthstones, zodiac signs, and more.
Here are 14 fun facts about the month of August you probably didn’t know:
1. August was Once the Sixth Month of the Year
In the original Roman calendar created by Romulus around 700 BCE, August was the sixth month of the year and had 30 days. It was called Sextilis, which is Latin for “sixth month”. January and February were not added until around 450 BCE.
2. August is Named After Augustus Caesar
In 8 BCE, Sextilis was renamed August in honor of Augustus Caesar, the founder and first emperor of the Roman Empire. Augustus is Latin for “majestic” or “venerable”.
3. August Has 2 Zodiac Signs
Leos are born between July 23 and August 22.
They are represented by the lion and exhibit traits like creativity, passion, generosity, ambition, and loyalty. Leos loves attention and enjoys being dramatic
Virgos are born between August 23 and September 22. They are represented by the virgin/maiden and are known for being logical, practical, meticulous, and perfectionists. Virgos are systematic, loyal, kind, and helpful.
4. August’s Birthstones are Peridot, Sardonyx and Spinel
Peridot is August’s main birthstone. The vibrant light green gem represents strength. Sardonyx, which features white and red bands, symbolizes happiness in marriage. Spinel comes in pink, red, and orange shades and conveys hope and revitalization.
5. The August Birth Flower is the Gladiolus
The gladiolus, or ‘sword lily,’ stands for strength, moral integrity, and infatuation. Gladiolus comes in a wide range of vibrant colors, including pink, red, orange, yellow, white, and purple.
6. The Zodiac Constellation is Leo
The zodiac constellation visible in August is Leo. Leo is one of the 12 constellations that lie on the ecliptic plane, so the Sun, Moon, and planets move through it over the year.
7. Many Countries Have Holidays in August
Many European countries such as France, Italy, and Spain have a full holiday month in August. Schools are closed and families often take vacations. Paris is known to be relatively empty as residents leave the city.
8. Historical August Holidays and Events
- August 1 – Lughnasadh/Lammas (Celtic/English harvest festival)
- August 6, 1945 – Atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima
- August 15 – India’s Independence Day
- August 28, 1963 – Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech
9. Unique August Holidays
Some quirky and fun August holidays include:
- August 3 – National Watermelon Day (US)
- August 8 – International Cat Day
- August 16 – National Roller Coaster Day (US)
- August 26 – National Dog Day (US)
10. August Has Several Moon Names
Full moon names associated with August include Sturgeon Moon, Red Moon, Green Corn Moon and Grain Moon.
11. The Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower Peaks in August
The Eta Aquariid meteor shower caused by Halley’s Comet peaks around August 6-7. It can produce 10-30 meteors per hour in the Southern Hemisphere.
12. Many Food Festivals Occur in August
August is prime harvest season, so many food and drink festivals occur, like the Maine Lobster Festival, Garlic Festival (California), and Great Taste of the Midwest (Wisconsin).
13. Famous August Birthdays
Some famous people born in August include Barack Obama, Madonna, Usain Bolt, Magic Johnson, Marilyn Monroe, and Princess Diana.
14. Dog Days of Summer
The phrase “dog days” refers to the hot, sultry days of summer from July 3 to August 11. They were named after Sirius, the Dog Star, which rises in conjunction with the Sun during this period.
August is a true summer month and the last blast of fun before fall approaches. Hopefully, you learned something new about the eighth month that you can share. Which August fact was your favorite?
