I associate the month of August as “back to school” for students and the approaching season of football.

Another association I think of when I think of the eighth month of the year -- it’s another hot and humid month to get through.

And, by the way, it’s four months until Christmas.

The following, courtesy of Newspaper Metro, gives fun facts about August.



August arrives every year, and except for the often-oppressive heat that can occur in August throughout the world, few people may give thought to the other notable facts about this month.

* Although August is now the eighth month of the calendar year, it was actually the sixth month in the early Roman calendar.

* August was named after Gaius Julius Caesar Augustus, the great-nephew of Julius Caesar. He became the first emperor of the Roman Empire. “Augustus” means “the revered one.”

* August has two birthstones. Peridot, green in color, is the one that is commonly known. Peridot is one of the oldest-known gemstones. The other is Sardonyx, a gem with white and brown bands that was once believed to have mystical powers.

* August also has two official flowers: the poppy and gladiolus.

* The state of Colorado became the 38th state in the United States on August 1, 1878.

* Francis Scott Key, the author of “The Star Spangled Banner,” was born on August 1, 1779.

* In addition to Key, other notables born in August include Annie Oakley, Meriwether Lewis, Benjamin Harrison, Orville Wright, and Leonard Bernstein.

* The 19th Ammendment to the U.S. Constitution, which gave women the right to vote, was proclaimed on August 26, 1920.

* Great Britain provided for the end of slavery in its colonies on August 28, 1833.

* Two zodiac signs fall within the month of August: Leo and Virgo. A Leo is very cheerful and uplifting and will be anxious to help anyone who is having a hard time. Leo’s often like to shine in the spotlight. A Virgo is often reserved and shy. Virgos like to serve others, but tend to prefer individuals to large groups.

* The month of August is often referred to as the Dog Days of Summer, which are the most sultry days of the season. “Dog Days” refers not to pet dogs, but to Sirius, the dog star that rose just before or at the same time as sunrise in ancient Roman times.

Accent Editor Myra Miller can be reached at myra.miller@eunicetoday.com