July

July is the seventh month of the year in the Gregorian calendar, and is one of seven months with the length of 31 days. It was named by the Roman Senate in honor of the Roman general, Julius Caesar, it being the month of his birth. Prior to that, it was called Quintilis, being the fifth month of the 10-month calendar.

History

Originally, July was the month called Quintilis in the Roman calendar, as it was the fifth month of the year before January and February were added by Numa Pompilius around 700 BC. It got its original name from the Latin word for fifth. Later, the month was renamed July in honor of Julius Caesar who was born on July 12.

Events in July

July is often the start of the "dog days" of summer, a period of hot, humid, and uncomfortable weather. The "dog days" were historically the period following the heliacal rising of the star system Sirius, which Greek and Roman astrology connected with heat, drought, sudden thunderstorms, lethargy, fever, mad dogs, and bad luck. They are now taken to be the hottest, most uncomfortable part of summer in the Northern Hemisphere.

In both common and leap years, no other month begins on the same day of the week as July. This is similar to how no other month ends on the same day of the week as February.

July in culture

In the Northern Hemisphere, "July" is often associated with summer and school holidays. Many schools and universities have a summer break during this month. It is also the time of year when many people take their main annual holiday.

See also

• Historical anniversaries
• Public holidays in the United States