Awesome August: 5 Fun Facts You Probably Don’t Know

August, the eighth month of the year, weaves together intriguing facts of the past and present—hidden gems that you may not have known about or have completely forgotten.

Spicing up conversations with interesting and fun facts can be a great way to lighten the mood during awkward silences with colleagues. Consider the month of August, for instance.

Much like its counterparts in the calendar, August has its own story to tell. It's packed with fascinating facts ranging from the man behind the month's name to honoring ghosts and left-handed folks. Learn more about them below.

Tiled letters spelling 'August' | Source: Pexels

1. The month of August is named after a famous Roman Emperor.

August has its origins in Ancient Rome, where it was named after Augustus Caesar, the first Roman Emperor. Augustus decided to call this month after himself, following the example set by Julius Caesar, his granduncle and adoptive father, who named July after himself.

Augustus comes from the Latin word "augustus," meaning venerable, noble, and majestic. Interestingly, despite the connection with August, Augustus Caesar was actually born on September 23, 63 BCE.

2. August boasts not two but three birthstones.

August is known for having three birthstones, not two. These are peridot, sardonyx, and spinel— each with its own meaning. The Spinel, also called "balas ruby," is believed to have healing powers and protects from harm.

Sardonyx is a strong and protective stone linked to courage, happiness, and bringing stability to marriages. Red and white-banded sardonyx stones are powerful but should be worn carefully so as not to overwhelm others.

Peridot is associated with light and is called the "gem of the sun." When set in gold, the stone is thought to protect from nighttime fears and ward off evil spirits when worn on the left arm with donkey hair.

3. There are two flowers associated with August.

Gladiolus and poppy are the birth flowers for August, each carrying unique meanings akin to birthstones. Gladiolus, a tall and elegant flower, symbolizes strength, integrity, remembrance, infatuation, and admiration.

A vase of gladiolus | Source: Pexels

Meanwhile, the poppy, renowned for its red petals, symbolizes sleep, peace, death, and even resurrection, attributed to the plant's opiate qualities. Many believe that poppy flowers serve as a poignant reminder of loved ones who have passed, preserving their memories in a meaningful way.

Red poppies | Source: Pexels

4. August is known as the 'Ghost Month.'

In August, Buddhist and Taoist communities worldwide observe the Hungry Ghost Festival, leading the month to be known as the "Ghost Month." This annual event takes place on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month.

Despite its eerie occasion, the festival is a meaningful celebration honoring ancestors and relatives. During this time, ghosts and spirits, including departed ancestors, take a kind of "vacation" in the human realm, searching for food, entertainment, or visiting the living.

Countries like China, Malaysia, Singapore, and Taiwan partake in this occasion, adhering to various superstitions. These traditions involve refraining from singing or whistling alone, avoiding staying out late, and taking photos at night.

5. There's a special day for left-handed individuals in August.

This particular day was first observed in 1976 by Dean R. Campbell, the founder of Lefthanders International, Inc. It's all about recognizing and celebrating the unique qualities of left-handed individuals.

A left-handed individual drawing | Source: Pexels

With its fascinating details, August encourages us to appreciate the hidden richness in the things we might overlook, making our daily lives more exciting and full of stories worth exploring.

Now, let's bring that same sense of discovery to the month of January as we explore some fun facts about the first month of the year.