April is the fourth month of the year and is known for its showers, flowers blooming, and several holidays and special days. Read on for some interesting and entertaining April fun facts.
April is a spring month packed with fun facts, holidays, and reasons to celebrate. Named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and beauty, April brings spring showers that help flowers bloom across many regions.
As the fourth month of the modern Gregorian calendar, April dates back to the early Romans, when it was actually the second month of the year. Today, April is still home to ancient Roman celebrations like Easter.
Beyond its place on the calendar, April has surprising facts related to history, science, food, and pop culture. The month also plays host to essential awareness days and quirky national holidays alike.
Top 17 April Fun Facts
- April is named after Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and fertility. Her name comes from the word “aphros” meaning “foam,” as Aphrodite was born from the sea foam.
- April was the second month on the early Roman calendar, which had just 10 months. Eventually, January and February were added, making April the fourth month.
- April’s birthstone is the diamond, which represents innocence. Its alternate gem is the opal, symbolizing hope and purity.
- The Titanic sank in April 1912 killing over 1,500 passengers and crew. The “unsinkable” ship hit an iceberg and plunged into the frigid Atlantic on April 15th.
- April has two birth flowers: The daisy brings innocence and sweetness while the lily-like sweet pea signifies pleasure or good-bye.
- Earth Day began in April 1970 and is now celebrated worldwide to demonstrate support for environmental protection.
- William Shakespeare, the most renowned writer in the English language, was born (and died!) in April.
- Jazz Day rocks April 30th. Created in 2011, International Jazz Day celebrates the historical roots and crossing cultures of jazz.
- It’s National Poetry Month as April hosts poetry readings, publishing workshops, and celebrations to highlight poets and poems.
- The first astronauts were introduced in April. NASA named the Mercury Seven in 1959, ushering in the era of human spaceflight.
- April sees weather extremes from hail storms to occasional April snow showers to lightning and thunderstorms.
- Fools rush in on April 1st for April Fool’s pranks and jokes. The silly tradition dates back to the 1500s.
- Showers bring May flowers. April’s rain nourishes blooms like tulips, lilacs, violets, and fruit tree blossoms.
- Sorry, no housework! April 1st is unofficial No Housework Day. Rest and relax instead!
- The American Civil War began in April when Confederate troops attacked Fort Sumter in 1861. The war raged until 1865.
- Celebrate garlicky goodness on April 19th for National Garlic Day. Garlic is believed to boost immunity and heart health.
- Leonardo da Vinci, famous Renaissance man and artist, was born in Italy on April 15, 1452. He painted the Mona Lisa and conceived early tanks and aircraft.
Conclusion
As you can see, April is much more than just rainy spring days. From its mythological beginnings and place on our modern calendar to all its holidays and remembrances, April is packed with surprising and fun facts.
Which April fact was most interesting to you? April’s connection to goddesses? Its famous births and deaths? The celebrations and awareness days? Let us know! Whatever it may bring, here’s hoping April showers blessings upon you.
