August is the eighth month of the year and has 31 days. It was originally named Sextilis in the ancient Roman calendar as it was the sixth month in their calendar system.
The month was later renamed August in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, who had several important events in his life occur during this month.
August marks the end of summer in the northern hemisphere and the end of winter in the southern hemisphere.
It is known for being a popular vacation month and is also associated with several holidays and events such as the Perseid meteor shower and National Friendship Day.
August Facts
1. August is the eighth month of the year
August is the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar and has 31 days.
Also Read: Facts About September
It was originally the sixth month in the ancient Roman calendar, but later renamed to August in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar.
2. It was originally named Sextilis in the ancient Roman calendar
In the ancient Roman calendar, August was originally named Sextilis as it was the sixth month in their calendar system.
However, when the calendar was reformed and January and February were added to the beginning of the year, it became the eighth month of the year.
3. The month was later renamed August
The month of August was renamed in honor of the Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar, who was born on September 23, 63 BC.
Also Read: July Facts
Augustus was a major figure in Roman history, and several significant events in his life, such as his victory over Cleopatra and Mark Antony in the Battle of Actium, occurred in this month.
To honor his achievements, the Roman Senate officially renamed the month of Sextilis to Augustus in 8 BC.
4. In the northern hemisphere, August is considered to be the last month of summer
In the northern hemisphere, August is typically considered to be the last month of summer, as the season officially ends with the autumnal equinox in September.
However, in the southern hemisphere, August is considered to be the last month of winter, as the season officially ends with the spring equinox in September.
The changing of the seasons is based on the tilt of the Earth’s axis and its orbit around the Sun.
5. The birthstones for August are peridot and sardonyx
The birthstones for August are peridot and sardonyx.
Peridot is a light green gemstone that is associated with protection and healing, while sardonyx is a reddish-brown and white banded gemstone that is associated with strength and stability.
These gemstones are often used in jewelry and are popular gifts for people born in August.
6. The zodiac signs for August are Leo and Virgo
The zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23 – August 22) and Virgo (August 23 – September 22).
People born between July 23rd and August 22nd are considered to be born under the Leo sign, while those born between August 23rd and September 22nd are considered to be born under the Virgo sign.
The Leo sign is associated with qualities such as confidence, creativity, and leadership, while the Virgo sign is associated with qualities such as practicality, intelligence, and attention to detail.
Zodiac signs are believed to influence personality traits and other aspects of a person’s life, according to astrological beliefs.
7. August is known for being a popular vacation month
August is known for being a popular vacation month in many parts of the world, as it marks the end of the summer season and is often the last chance for people to take a break before the start of the school year or the busy fall season.
Many people take time off from work or school to travel, go to the beach, or spend time with family and friends. As a result, many tourist destinations can be quite crowded in August.
8. In the United States, August is National Peach Month, National Sandwich Month, and National Golf Month
In the United States, August is recognized as National Peach Month, National Sandwich Month, and National Golf Month. These designations were created to celebrate and promote the consumption of peaches, sandwiches, and golf during the month of August.
National Peach Month was established to raise awareness about the nutritional benefits of peaches and to promote the peach industry in the United States.
National Sandwich Month was created to celebrate the diversity and versatility of sandwiches, which are a popular food item in the United States. National Golf Month was established to promote the game of golf and encourage more people to take up the sport.
9. August 15th is a major holiday in many countries
August 15th is a significant holiday in many countries around the world, although the nature of the holiday may vary depending on the country and culture.
For example, in India, August 15th is celebrated as Independence Day, which marks the day when India gained independence from British rule in 1947.
In some Christian countries, such as Italy and Spain, August 15th is celebrated as the Feast of the Assumption, which commemorates the belief that Mary, the mother of Jesus, was taken up to Heaven after the end of her earthly life.
In South Korea, August 15th is known as Liberation Day, which marks the end of Japanese colonial rule in Korea in 1945.
In some other countries, such as Belgium, Costa Rica, and Liechtenstein, August 15th is a public holiday, but the specific nature of the holiday may vary.
Overall, August 15th is an important day in many parts of the world and is celebrated in a variety of ways depending on the cultural and historical context.
10. The Perseid meteor shower is visible in August every year
The Perseid meteor shower is one of the most well-known meteor showers and it is visible in August every year.
The Perseids are a prolific meteor shower that occurs when the Earth passes through the debris left by the Swift-Tuttle comet. The meteors appear to radiate from the constellation Perseus, which is how they get their name.
The Perseids are known for producing a high number of bright, fast-moving meteors, and they are visible from many parts of the world. The peak of the Perseid meteor shower typically occurs in mid-August, and it is a popular time for stargazing and meteor-watching events.
11. August was the month in which the first atomic bomb was dropped
August was the month in which the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, on August 6, 1945.
The atomic bomb, codenamed “Little Boy,” was dropped by the United States during World War II and was the first use of nuclear weapons in warfare. The bomb caused extensive damage to the city and resulted in the deaths of over 140,000 people, many of whom were civilians.
Three days later, on August 9, 1945, a second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan, resulting in further devastation and loss of life. These events are often cited as among the most significant and controversial moments in modern history.
12. Many famous people were born in August
Many famous and influential people were born in August. Barack Obama, the 44th President of the United States, was born on August 4th, 1961. Madonna, the pop singer, actress, and cultural icon, was born on August 16, 1958.
Kobe Bryant, the NBA basketball player and five-time NBA champion, was born on August 23, 1978. And Andy Warhol, the artist and pioneer of the pop art movement, was born on August 6, 1928.
Other notable people born in August include Steve Carell, Mila Kunis, Halle Berry, Robert De Niro, and Jennifer Lawrence, among many others.
13. The official flower for August is the gladiolus
The official flower for August is the gladiolus. The gladiolus is a tall, elegant flower that is known for its showy spikes of blossoms in a range of colors, including pink, red, purple, white, and yellow.
The gladiolus is also known as the sword lily, due to its long, slender leaves that resemble swords. The flower is associated with a number of meanings, including strength of character, honor, and remembrance, and is often used in floral arrangements and bouquets.
14. August is the month with the highest number of births in the USA
August is the month with the highest number of births in the United States, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
This trend has been consistent for several decades, with more babies being born in August than any other month. In fact, nine out of the top ten dates for births in the United States are in the month of August, with September 9th being the most common birthday overall.
The reasons for this trend are not entirely clear, but some researchers have suggested that it may be related to social and environmental factors, such as seasonal variations in conception rates or vacation schedules.
15. The first Sunday in August is National Friendship Day
The first Sunday in August is celebrated as National Friendship Day in the United States. The day was first proposed in 1935 by the U.S. Congress as a way to promote friendship and goodwill among people, and it has since become a popular occasion for people to celebrate and honor their friendships.
On National Friendship Day, people may exchange cards, gifts, or messages with their friends, or they may simply spend time together and enjoy each other’s company. The day is also recognized in many other countries around the world, although the date may vary.