Trivial Facts About July

When you think about the month of July, do thoughts of fireworks, barbecues and 4th of July celebrations come to mind? There is a lot more to July than fireworks displays and summer fun. There are several monthly observances, many famous people celebrate their birthday in July, and many historic events took place during the seventh month of the year.

Read on to learn some trivial facts about July.

Basic Facts

In ancient Rome, July was the fifth month of the year. It was originally called Quintilis which means fifth in Latin. When the Gregorian calendar was adopted, it became the seventh month of the year. It still kept the name of Quintilis until the death of Julius Caesar. The seventh month of the year was Julius Caesar's birth month so it was renamed in his honor. July is one of the seven months with thirty one days.

Birthstone

The birthstone for July is the ruby. Rubies are very durable. The only natural gemstone that is harder than a ruby is a diamond. The color of rubies can vary, with the dark vivid red or purplish red being the most valuable. Since red is the color associated with love and passion, it is no surprise that rubies symbolize success in love. They also symbolize health, wealth, and wisdom.

Flower

One of the flowers for the month of July is the larkspur which is also known as delphinium. It is a tall flower that can grow to a height of one to two feet. It comes in a variety of colors and symbolizes an open heart. Larkspur may be a symbol of an open heart, but the plant itself is not kind hearted. It is poisonous to livestock, especially cattle.

Another flower for the month of July is the water lily. There are several dozen species of water lilies and they also come in a variety of colors. Water lilies symbolize eloquence and persuasion.

Astrological Signs

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

July Holidays and Observances

The birthday of the United States or Independence Day is July 4, 1776. The holiday celebrating the birth of the United States is more commonly referred to as the 4th of July. It is the most well known holiday of the month.

Parents' Day is celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July. President Bill Clinton established Parent's Day in 1994.

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

Historic Events in July

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

The Declaration of Independence was signed by John Hancock on July 4, 1776.

The District of Columbia was established on July 16, 1790.

Neil Armstrong had the honor of being the first man on the moon. This memorable historic event took place on July 20, 1969.

Monthly Observances

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

Baked Beans Month
Blueberry Month
Hemochromatosis Screening Awareness Month
Hot Dog Month
Ice Cream Month

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

Famous People Born in July

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

Four presidents: John Quincy Adams, George W. Bush, Calvin Coolidge and Gerald Ford
Several actors and actresses: Sandra Bullock, Tom Cruise, Will Ferrell, Harrison Ford, Tom Hanks, Lisa Kudrow, Helen Mirren, and Robin Williams
Authors: Ernest Hemingway, Beatrix Potter, J.K. Rowling, and E.B. White

You can find a complete listing of famous people born in July at: http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/7

Now that you've learned a lot of trivial facts about July, 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/july.htm
http://www.americangemsociety.org/birthstones.htm#july
http://www.birthflowersguide.com/
http://www.birthstones.org.uk/birth-month-flowers/july-birth-flower.htm
http://cal.vet.upenn.edu/projects/poison/plants/pplarks.htm
http://www.iflorist.com/en/gifts/meaning/#w
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/
http://www.saidwhat.co.uk/quotes/month/7