August—the month of blazing suns, ripe harvests, and late-summer adventures—has more to it than meets the eye. Beyond barbecues and beach trips, this eighth month hides fascinating stories about emperors, astronomy, weather patterns, and even global traditions.
Did You Know August??
“August is the hush before autumn’s song—where golden light lingers, and summer takes a deep, sun-soaked breath.”
August arrives like a gentle flame—bright, bold, and bittersweet. It’s the month where sunsets paint the sky in copper and gold, where fields swell with harvest, and every warm breeze carries a whisper of change.
Quick Facts About August
| Category | Details/Facts |
|---|---|
| Month Name | August |
| Month Number | 8th month of the Gregorian calendar |
| Named After | Emperor Augustus Caesar (first Roman Emperor) |
| Old Latin Name | Sextilis (“sixth month” in Latin, before January and February were added) |
| Number of Days | 31 |
| Season (Northern Hemisphere) | Summer |
| Season (Southern Hemisphere) | Winter |
| Birthstones | Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel |
| Birth Flowers | Gladiolus and Poppy |
| Zodiac Signs | Leo (July 23 – August 22) & Virgo (August 23 – September 22) |
20 Interesting Facts About August
1. August Was Named After Emperor Augustus Caesar
August got its name from Augustus Caesar, the first emperor of Rome. Before that, the month was called Sextilis, meaning “the sixth month” in Latin (back when the Roman calendar started in March). Augustus renamed it in 8 BCE to honor his military victories and leadership.
2. A Month of Jealousy and Extra Days
August was originally the sixth month in the ancient Roman calendar and called Sextilis. It only had 30 days. When it was renamed for Emperor Augustus Caesar, legend has it he was so offended his month was shorter than Julius Caesar’s (July) that he stole a day from February to make August 31 days long, just like July.
3. It’s Known as “Harvest Month” in Old English
In Old English, August was called “Weodmonath,” meaning “weed month”—not because of unwanted plants, but because it was the time when crops and herbs flourished wildly before harvest.
4. The Birth of the Sandwich
While people had put fillings between bread for centuries, the modern sandwich got its name and fame in August. The Earl of Sandwich requested a dish involving meat between two pieces of bread in August 1762 so he wouldn’t have to interrupt his continuous gambling game.
5. A Star’s Stolen Smile
On August 21, 1911, the world-famous masterpiece, the Mona Lisa, was stolen from the Louvre in Paris. The thief, an Italian handyman, hid in a closet overnight and walked out with the painting under his coat the next morning. It wasn’t recovered for over two years.
6. Volcanic Time Capsule: Pompeii’s Last Day
The ancient Roman city of Pompeii was tragically buried under ash and pumice when Mount Vesuvius erupted on August 24, 79 A.D. The eruption was so sudden and devastating that it preserved the city and its residents almost exactly as they were, offering an unparalleled look at Roman life.
7. The First U.S. Census
On August 2, 1790, the very first United States Census was conducted. It counted 3,929,214 people living in the country.
8. August Is Packed With Meteor Showers
Every year, the Perseid meteor shower dazzles the night sky in mid-August. This cosmic event happens when Earth passes through debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet—offering one of the brightest meteor displays of the year.
9. The First Atom Bomb Was Dropped in August 1945
A sobering historical fact: the world’s first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima on August 6, 1945, followed by Nagasaki on August 9. These events forever changed world history and marked the end of World War II.
10. The First Website Went Live in August 1991
The modern internet was born in August! On August 6, 1991, Tim Berners-Lee launched the world’s first website, paving the way for the digital world we live in today.
11. August 8 Is Considered the Luckiest Day in China
In Chinese culture, the number 8 is linked to prosperity and success. So, August 8 (8/8) is seen as a double-lucky day, and many couples choose to get married or start businesses on this date.
12. August Is National Watermelon Month (in the U.S.)
Nothing screams summer like juicy watermelon slices! The U.S. officially celebrates August as National Watermelon Month, recognizing the fruit’s refreshing charm during peak harvest.
13. August Holds One of the Rarest Blue Moon Events
Every few years, when two full moons occur in a single month, the second is called a “Blue Moon.” Statistically, August is the month most likely to host a Blue Moon, adding celestial magic to its charm.
14. The Honeymoon Harvest
In many cultures, August is known as the month of the “Honey Moon.” This is because it was traditionally the time of year when honey was harvested from beehives, leading to a surplus of mead (an alcoholic beverage made from honey) for celebration.
15. A Day for the Left-Handed
August 13 is International Left-Handers Day, a celebration created to raise awareness of the unique challenges and experiences of being left-handed in a predominantly right-handed world
16. The Curse of August (in Brazil)
In Brazilian folklore, there is a superstition known as the “Curse of August.” It’s traditionally considered an unlucky month for making major decisions, especially marriage or starting big ventures, a belief often linked to several unfortunate political events happening in August throughout their history.
17. No Other Standard Twin
In a non-leap year, no other month begins on the same day of the week as August. It stands alone. In a leap year, however, August shares its starting day with February.
18. Witches and Nine Lives
An obscure Irish legend states that August 17 marks the start of the “Cat Nights,” a period related to a tradition that witches could turn themselves into cats nine times. This folklore is one source for the popular belief that a cat has nine lives.
19. Many Famous People Were Born in August
From Barack Obama (August 4) and Whitney Houston (August 9) to Madonna (August 16) and Michael Jackson (August 29), August has produced countless icons across music, politics, and film.
18. It’s a Popular Month for Vacations
August is peak travel season in Europe and North America. Many countries—like France and Italy—literally “shut down” as workers take their annual summer holidays, known as “les vacances d’août.”
FAQs
1. Why is August called August?
Because it was named in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar to celebrate his victories and reign.
2. What is special about August?
It’s rich in celestial events, harvest festivals, and historical milestones, making it one of the most dynamic months of the year.
3. What is the birthstone for August?
August has three—Peridot, Sardonyx, and Spinel—symbolizing strength, courage, and renewal.
4. What zodiac signs are in August?
Leo and Virgo dominate the month, blending fiery charisma with grounded wisdom.
5. What flower represents August?
The gladiolus and poppy, symbolizing strength and remembrance.
6. Why does August have 31 days?
Emperor Augustus added a day to match Julius Caesar’s month (July), both boasting 31 days to honor their power.
Curious by nature, storyteller by choice. I run Interesting Facts to bring you mind-blowing stories, hidden truths, and fascinating insights from around the globe. If it makes you say “Wow, I never knew that!”—my job is done.
Laiba Hanif is a professional fact-finder and the writer behind “Interesting Facts.” Fueled by a degree in Anthropology and over five years of experience unearthing hidden truths, she specializes in digging up the most bizarre, fascinating, and mind-bending tidbits the world has to offer. She’s here to prove that reality is stranger—and more amazing—than fiction.
