Trivial Facts About August

When you think about the month of August do late summer days and back to school sales come to mind? There is a lot more to August than buying school supplies and end of summer fun. There are several monthly observances, many famous people celebrate their birthday in August, and many historic events took place during the eighth month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about August.

Basic Facts

In ancient Rome, August was the sixth month of the year. The month was originally named Sextilis which means six in Latin. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the eighth month of the year and was renamed in honor of Augustus Caesar. August is one of the seven months with thirty one days.

Birthstone

The most common birthstone for August is the peridot. Most people think of a light lime or olive colored stone when they think of peridot. However, peridot also comes in yellowish green and even brown.

Another birthstone for August is sardonyx. It is a form of onyx and was popular among ancient Romans and Greeks. It is actually the traditional birthstone for the month of August.

Jade is also one of August's birthstones. Jade comes in many colors, although most people think of a green stone when they hear the word jade.

Flower

The flower for the month of August is the gladiolus which symbolizes remembrance, sincerity and strength of character. The flowers were named after the gladiators because the tall stalks they grow on resemble a sword. Gladiolus is easy to grow and comes in a wide variety of colors.

Astrological Signs

Leo and Virgo are the astrological signs for August. Birthdays from August 1st through the 22nd fall under the sign of Leo. August 23rd through the 31st birthdays fall under the sign of Virgo.

August Holidays and Observances

Although there are no major holidays celebrated in August, there are many observances throughout the month. Here are just a few of them.

Respect for Parents Day and Sister's Day are both observed on August 1st.

The first Sunday in August is American Family Day and Friendship Day. It is also National Kid's Day which was created in 1994. Kid's Day is a day to spend meaningful time with children. It coincides perfectly with American Family Day and Friendship Day.

National Night Out is observed on the first Tuesday in August. This yearly event was introduced in 1984. It is a night for neighborhoods to get together with block parties, cookouts, parades and police visits. It is a night that encourages participation in anti-crime efforts in towns and cities across America.

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

Historic Events in August

Many major events happened during the eighth month of the year. Here are three historical events that took place in August.

The Social Security Act was signed by Franklin D. Roosevelt on August 14, 1935.

The World War II bombing of Hiroshima took place on August 6, 1945.

The Japanese surrendered on August 14, 1945. Victory over Japan (also referred to as V-J Day) was announced to the world the next day and World War II came to an end.

Monthly Observances

There are several monthly observances during the month of August. Some of them are listed below.

Catfish Month
Eye Exam and Cataract Awareness Month
Golf Month
Immunization Awareness Month
Inventor's Month
Water Quality Month

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

Famous People Born in August

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

Five presidents: Bill Clinton, Benjamin Harrison, Herbert Hoover, Lyndon Johnson, Barack Obama
Several actors and actresses: Lucille Ball, Halle Berry, Sean Connery, Cameron Diaz, Robert De Niro, Dustin Hoffman, Jada Pinkett Smith, Patrick Swayze,
Singers: Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Madonna, LeAnn Rimes, James Taylor

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in August at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/8

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about August, 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/august.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#August
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/
http://www.iflorist.com/en/gifts/meaning/#w
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/7
http://www.jewelrymall.com/birthstones.html