The sixth month of the year, June ushers in sunny summer days in the Northern Hemisphere. But beyond its association with the start of summer vacation, what interesting facts shroud the month of June?
As it turns out, there are quite a few amusing, fascinating tidbits about this lively month worth knowing.
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1. June is Named After the Roman Goddess Juno
The name June is derived from the Roman goddess Juno. As the female counterpart to Jupiter and wife to the supreme deity, Juno served as the goddess of marriage and childbirth. She also possessed the power to see through lies and deception.
According to Roman mythology, June was Juno’s most prominent month for weddings. So the naming of the sixth month after her seems fitting.
2. It Has the Longest Daylight Hours in the Northern Hemisphere
Due to the Earth’s tilt on its axis and orientation towards the sun, locations north of the equator receive more direct sunlight during June. Subsequently, areas in the Northern Hemisphere log their longest daylight hours during this month.
For example, Oslo, Norway averages over 19 hours of daylight in June versus just around 6 hours of sun in December. Quite a drastic difference!
3. June Kicks Off Summer in the Northern Hemisphere
June 21st specifically marks the annual summer solstice in the Northern Hemisphere. This day possesses the most daylight out of the entire year.
Famously, thousands gather at Stonehenge in England to celebrate the sunrise on the summer solstice. It’s an ancient tradition that welcomes the official start of summer.
4. Winter in the Southern Hemisphere
Meanwhile south of the equator, June 21st signals the winter solstice or midwinter. It’s the day of least sunlight all year long.
In places like Santiago, Chile and Cape Town, South Africa, June marks the beginning of low temperatures and cold weather.
5. Its Birthstone is the Pearl
The luminous and timeless pearl serves as the distinguished birthstone for the month of June. Composed of calcium carbonate crystals layered with aragonite, pearls possess soft iridescence and a smooth, spherical shape.
They originate from oysters and freshwater mussels as the animal produces the mineral to guard against foreign particles.
6. June Counts Rose & Honeysuckle as Birth Flowers
In the Victorian era, floriography (the language of flowers) identified special plants matching one’s birth month. The rose stands as the birth flower for June.
Its vibrant, fragrant blooms symbolize love and appreciation. Meanwhile, honeysuckle brings feelings of devotion. Both stand for affection – fitting for June that bears the goddess of marriages name.
7. Lots of Fun Holidays Fall in June
When it comes to offbeat holidays, June surely includes its fair share. National Accordion Awareness Month aims to spotlight that favorite polka instrument.
June also celebrates National Candy Month for all those with a sweet tooth. Additionally, it’s National Dairy Month. So grab some ice cream and milk to accompany that candy!
8. June 14th Marks Flag Day in the U.S.
In the United States, Flag Day falls on June 14th each year. The holiday commemorates the adoption of the national flag back in 1777 during the American Revolutionary War.
Today, Americans display the red, white and blue flag outside homes and businesses to honor Flag Day. Many towns put on festive parades as well.
9. “Say Something Nice Day” Kicks Off June
This uplifting holiday lands on June 1st. As its name implies, Say Something Nice Day promotes expressing kind words towards people in your life.
It’s a simple act that can really brighten someone’s day. Let your loved ones know how much you appreciate them on June 1st.
10. It Ends on Halfway Point of the Year
June wraps up on the 30th day, which signifies the halfway mark of the year. With exactly six months to go until New Years Eve, many reflect back on the previous six months. Some even set new goals on June 30th to accomplish in the latter half of the year.
11. June Was Once the Third Month
While it stands as the sixth month today, on the ancient Roman calendar June was actually the third month. Its name was chosen to honor Juno before July and August were eventually added to the calendar. That bumped June to its current spot as the sixth month.
12. Seattle Logs Most June Rainfall
The rainy Pacific Northwest manages to live up to its name even in early summer. While June signals warm weather across most U.S. cities, Seattle tends to remain damp into June. In fact, Seattle reports the highest June rainfall out of major cities at 1.91 inches over 7 days per year on average.
13. June 21st is the Longest Day of the Year
With over 15 hours from sunrise to sunset on average, June 21st marks the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. It provides the most daylight to enjoy those beloved summer activities. In contrast, December 21st gives only 9 hours of sunlight instead.
14. June Thunderstorms Strike Most in U.S. Plains
While April reigns as overall thunderstorm season across the states, June sees a high frequency of thunderstorms strike the Midwest. Places like North Dakota, Kansas and eastern Colorado endure the most thundersnow in June. This weather arises from winds carrying moisture northward from Gulf of Mexico.
15. Lots of Famous Folks Have June Birthdays
Having an early summer birthday month seems quite popular for celebrities. Famous figures marking another year in June include Marilyn Monroe, Prince, Angelina Jolie, Johnny Depp and even Donald Trump. Chalk it up to maybe parents cozying up months earlier in September?
So there you have it – everything from quirky holidays, weather superlatives, and goddess mythology trivia peppering the sixth month of June. Now you can impress your friends with these captivating facts about June. Whether it’s your birth month or not, June offers plenty to celebrate after all!
