Trivial Facts About April

When you think about the month of April, do thoughts of Easter or income tax forms come to mind? There is a lot more to April than dyeing eggs, eating jelly beans and filling out tax forms. There are other holidays during the month, many famous people celebrate their birthday in April, and many historic events took place during the fourth month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about April.

Basic Facts

April comes from the Latin word aperire which means to open. The name is appropriate because in many places trees and flowers begin to bloom and open during the month of April.

In ancient Rome, April was the second month of the year. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the fourth month of the year. It is one of the four months with thirty days.

Birthstone

The birthstone for April is the diamond. Usually diamonds bring thoughts of engagement rings and colorless, sparkling stones, but diamonds come in several colors too. Yellow, red, pink, blue and green diamonds are rare and usually more expensive than colorless diamonds.

Flower

The flower for the month of April is the daisy which symbolizes innocence. Daisies come in dozens of colors and are one of the favorite flowers to put in a bouquet. The Gerbera daisy is a very popular flower. It comes in many vibrant colors and is a beautiful reminder of springtime and warm weather.

Astrological Signs

Aries and Taurus are the astrological signs for April. Birthdays from April 1st through the 19th fall under the sign of Aries. April 20th through the 30th birthdays fall under the sign of Taurus.

April Holidays and Observances

April Fool's Day is April 1st. Many people play practical jokes or pranks on the first day of the month.

Easter is the most well known holiday that usually takes place in April. However, in some years, Easter falls at the end of March.

Earth Day is observed on April 22nd. Many communities plan programs and events geared toward protecting and cleaning up the environment.

Don't forget that Income Tax Day is April 15th. Be sure to have your tax return postmarked by midnight! In years when the 15th falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the due date ends up being on Monday, April 16th or 17th.

For a list of daily observances in April go to: http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/april.htm

Historic Events in April

Many major events happened during the fourth month of the year. Here are four historical events that took place in April.

President Lincoln was shot by John Wilkes Booth on April 14, 1865.

The first Olympic Games were held in Athens, Greece. They began on April 6, 1896.

The Titanic sank on April 15, 1912 after hitting an iceberg in the Atlantic Ocean.

The United States Air Force Academy was established on April 1, 1954.

Monthly Observances

There are over two dozen monthly observances during the month of April. Some of them are listed below.

Alcohol Awareness Month
Animal Cruelty Prevention Month
Autism Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Child Abuse Prevention Month
Donate Life Month (Organ Donation)
Garden Month
Humor Month
Keep America Beautiful Month
Mathematics Education Month
Poetry Month

To see more monthly observances in April go to: http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/april.htm

Famous People Born in April

Many famous people were born in April. Here are just a few of them.

Four presidents: James Buchanan, James Monroe, Thomas Jefferson, Ulysses S. Grant
Several actors and actresses: Jennifer Garner, Heath Ledger, Jack Nicholson, Al Pacino, Renee Zellweger
Authors/Poets: Maya Angelou, William Shakespeare, William Wordsworth
Singers/Musicians: Kelly Clarkson, Ella Fitzgerald, Barbara Streisand
Late Night talk show hosts: David Letterman, Jay Leno (It seems ironic that these two rivals were born in the same month.)

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in April at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/4

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about April, share them with your family and friends. Amaze them with your knowledge!

To learn trivial facts about other months of the year CLICK HERE.

Sources:
http://www.butlerwebs.com/holidays/april.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#April
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/April
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/4