August is the eighth month of the year and the last full month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. As the summer winds down, August brings plenty of fun, including back-to-school preparations. Read on for some interesting and entertaining facts about the month of August.
The month of August was named in honor of Augustus Caesar, the first Roman emperor and great-nephew of Julius Caesar. Augustus became emperor in 27 BC after winning a long series of civil wars that followed Julius Caesar’s assassination. Many of Augustus’ greatest victories occurred in the month that now bears his name.
August marks the beginning of the end of summer. It’s often the hottest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere and filled with fun outdoor activities, summer harvests, meteor showers, and preparations for the new school year.
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Top Fun Facts About August
1. Peridot is the birthstone
People born in August get to call the luminous, lime-green peridot their birthstone. This gemstone is formed deep inside the earth and brought to the surface by volcanoes. Ancient Egyptians called it the “gem of the sun” because of its dazzling splendor.
2. It’s National Wellness Month
August is National Wellness Month, established in the United States in 1992 to promote self-care and healthy lifestyles. Take advantage of the month to relax, reduce stress, and focus on bettering your physical, mental, and spiritual health.
3. The “dog days” arrive
The ancient Romans called the hottest days of summer the “dog days,” believing that Sirius, the Dog Star, added its heat to that of the sun from July 3rd to August 11th. Prepare for soaring temperatures and extreme humidity.
4. Fun holidays abound
August hosts a number of fun and quirky holidays, including National Watermelon Day (August 3), International Beer Day (August 4), National Lazy Day (August 10), and National Roller Coaster Day (August 16).
5. It’s festival time
Cool off from the August heat by attending festivals and state fairs, like the National Folk Festival held in a different American city each year or the iconic Minnesota State Fair lasting 12 days from late August into early September.
6. Lucky babies arrive
People born in August are more likely to consider themselves lucky compared to folks born in other months, according to numerology and astrology experts. Confidence aside, August babies also boast health advantages.
7. Back-to-school sales commence
August ushers in back-to-school savings from retailers slashing prices to clear inventory. Take advantage to score discounted clothes, school supplies, laptops, and other necessities for students heading back to class.
8. Stars streak across the sky
The prolific Perseid meteor shower peaks in mid-August, with 50-100 shooting star sightings per hour. Warm summer nights make meteor watching more pleasant.
9. Seasons start shifting
August marks the end of summer in the Northern Hemisphere and start of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. Fall planting and summer harvest climax in the north while late winter planting takes place down south.
10. It’s vacation time
Many families squeeze in one last getaway before school starts again. Others may have more flexibility to vacation in August when lodging rates and crowds (outside of major events) diminish.
Conclusion
August brings the last hurrah of summer fun along with cool events that prelude autumn. Savor the dog days by harvesting summer produce, gazing at meteors, attending festivals, and embarking on a family vacation. Use National Wellness Month to practice self-care before school, sports, and fall activities consume your schedule. However you pass the August days, take time to enjoy yourself!
