August

Reeve and Serfs

Gladiolus imbricatus1002

Peridot-China

Sardonyx Inscription

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August is the eighth month of the year in the Julian calendar and the Gregorian calendar, named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor. The month originally bore the name Sextilis in Latin, as it was the sixth month in the ancient Roman calendar, which started in March. It became the eighth month with a length of 29 days around 700 BC when January and February were added to the start of the year. Later, under the reform of the calendar by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, August was expanded to 31 days to align with Julius Caesar's own month, July.

History

The renaming of Sextilis to Augustus (August) occurred in 8 BC, in honor of Augustus Caesar, because several of the significant events of his rise to power, including the conquest of Egypt, fell in this month. Augustus chose this month to bear his name, mirroring the honor given to Julius Caesar with July. The adjustment to 31 days was made to ensure that the number of days in August was equal to those in July, avoiding any implication that Augustus was inferior to Julius Caesar.

Traditions and Observances

August is associated with several traditions, observances, and holidays around the world. In many countries, August marks the height of the summer season, with many people taking vacations and enjoying outdoor activities. Specific observances include:

- National Day celebrations in several countries, including Singapore and Switzerland. - In the ancient Roman calendar, August was the time for several festivals such as the Feriae Augusti, which included games and rituals to honor the gods. - In many European countries, August is the month for summer holidays.

August in Popular Culture

August has been depicted in various aspects of popular culture, including songs, movies, and literature. It often symbolizes the peak of summer, a time of warmth, leisure, and abundance.

Astrological Signs

The astrological signs for August are Leo (July 23 - August 22) and Virgo (August 23 - September 22).

August Birthstones

The traditional birthstones for August are the peridot and the sardonyx. More recently, spinel was added to the list of August birthstones, offering a range of colors for those born in this month.

See Also

• Months of the year
• Julian calendar
• Gregorian calendar
• Roman Empire
• Summer