August is a month that often gets overlooked in the calendar year, sandwiched between the summer holidays and the back-to-school rush. However, this often-misunderstood month is brimming with quirky facts and delightful oddities that make it a month worth celebrating. From peculiar holidays to surprising historical events, August has its own unique charm. Get ready to dive into a whirlwind of hilarious and fascinating tidbits that will make you see this summer month in a whole new light. Whether you’re basking in the sun or trying to stay cool, these funny facts about August are sure to bring a smile to your face!
1. The Unofficial Dog Days of August
August is famously known for its “Dog Days,” but did you know that this term dates back to ancient Rome? The Romans believed that Sirius, the “Dog Star,” was responsible for the intense heat of summer. As a result, they called this period “dies caniculares” or “dog days.” While Sirius isn’t actually to blame for the heat, the term stuck. So next time you’re sweltering in August, remember that the ancient Romans were probably just as hot and bothered as you are!
2. The World’s Largest Ice Cream Sundae Was Made in August
In August 1988, the small town of Edmonton, Alberta, made history with the world’s largest ice cream sundae. Weighing in at a whopping 24,091 pounds, this colossal treat was crafted with 4,591 pounds of ice cream, 1,200 pounds of chocolate syrup, and a staggering 1,087 pounds of whipped cream. If you’re ever in Edmonton in August, just remember: the town has a sweet legacy that’s hard to top!
3. The Month Named After Augustus Caesar
August was originally named Sextilis, meaning “sixth month” in Latin, because it was the sixth month of the Roman calendar. However, it was renamed in honor of Emperor Augustus Caesar in 8 B.C. The emperor wanted the month to be as glorious as July, which was named after Julius Caesar. Augustus was so keen on preserving his legacy that he made sure August had just as many days as July—31. Talk about a power move!
4. The Only Month With No Major Holidays
August is the only month in the Gregorian calendar without any major public holidays. While this might sound like a bummer, it actually gives you the perfect excuse to invent your own holiday! Whether it’s National Ice Cream Day or “Wear Your Pajamas All Day” day, August offers a blank slate for your own creative celebrations. After all, why should only the officially recognized holidays get all the fun?
5. A Month of Confusing Weather
August is known for its unpredictable weather. One day you might be sweating through a heatwave, and the next, you’re shivering from an unexpected chill. This month’s weather can be so erratic that it’s often described as “being in the wrong season.” So if you find yourself needing both sunscreen and a jacket on the same day, don’t worry—August’s weather is just living up to its reputation!
6. The Birth of the Ice Cream Cone
The ice cream cone, that quintessential summer treat, was “officially” invented in August 1904 at the St. Louis World’s Fair. The story goes that the ice cream vendor ran out of bowls, so a neighboring waffle vendor started rolling up his waffles to serve the ice cream. And voilà—an instant classic was born! If you enjoy a scoop of ice cream in a cone, you can thank August for this delicious innovation.
7. The Perseid Meteor Shower Peaks in August
August is home to one of the most spectacular natural events of the year—the Perseid meteor shower. This annual light show peaks in mid-August, offering stargazers a dazzling display of shooting stars. Legend has it that the Perseids are the tears of the ancient Greek heroine, Andromeda. So if you catch a shooting star in August, consider it a celestial gift from the heavens!
see also: 19 Celebrities Who Died on August 9 That You May Not Know
8. The Month of Many Birthstones
August boasts not one, but three birthstones: peridot, sardonyx, and spinel. Each gem has its own unique attributes and legends. Peridot is known for its vibrant green color and is said to bring good fortune. Sardonyx is associated with courage and strength, while spinel is prized for its vivid hues and historical significance. So if you’re an August baby, you’ve got a gem selection that’s as diverse and special as you are!
9. August Is a Hotbed for Celebrity Birthdays
August is a star-studded month when it comes to celebrity birthdays. From Meghan Markle to Barack Obama, many well-known figures share August as their birth month. It’s a month that certainly knows how to throw a party, and if you’re looking to celebrate with some famous flair, just remember that August is packed with A-list birthdays!
10. The Month with the Most Name Days
In various cultures, August is celebrated for having a large number of “name days,” which are akin to birthdays but are based on the feast days of saints or historical figures. In Greece, for example, August has a particularly high concentration of name days. So if you’ve got a name that corresponds to a saint or historical figure, you might find yourself celebrating your name day more frequently in August.
11. The Great American Eclipse of August 2017
On August 21, 2017, a total solar eclipse swept across the United States, creating a path of totality from coast to coast. Dubbed the “Great American Eclipse,” this celestial event captivated millions and left a lasting impression on those who witnessed it. The eclipse was so significant that it became a nationwide event, with people across the country planning parties and gatherings to view the spectacle.
12. August Is the Month of National Happiness Happens Day
August 8th is National Happiness Happens Day, a celebration dedicated to finding and spreading joy. This day encourages people to share their happiness and make the world a more positive place. Whether you’re enjoying a good book, spending time with loved ones, or simply indulging in your favorite treat, it’s the perfect opportunity to revel in the things that bring you joy.
13. The Birthplace of the Hot Air Balloon
The hot air balloon made its debut in August 1783 when the Montgolfier brothers, Joseph and Etienne, launched the first manned flight in France. This historic flight marked the beginning of human flight and paved the way for modern aviation. So the next time you see a hot air balloon drifting across the sky, remember that it all started in August!
14. The Quirky Tradition of “National S’mores Day”
August 10th is celebrated as National S’mores Day, a day dedicated to the gooey, graham-cracker-and-marshmallow-filled treat. Whether you’re roasting marshmallows over a campfire or making s’mores-inspired desserts, this day is all about indulging in one of summer’s sweetest traditions. So grab your graham crackers and chocolate, and get ready to celebrate this scrumptious occasion!
15. August Is the Month of the “Fifth Season”
In some cultures, August is considered the “fifth season,” an interlude between summer and fall. This concept highlights the unique transition period that August represents, bridging the gap between the warmth of summer and the cooler days of autumn. It’s a time when nature begins to shift, and the first hints of fall start to appear, making August a month of change and anticipation.
16. The Month of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe
August hosts the world’s largest arts festival, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Held annually in Edinburgh, Scotland, this festival features a diverse range of performances, from comedy and theater to music and dance. With thousands of acts and performances, the Fringe is a month-long celebration of creativity and talent that attracts performers and audiences from around the globe.
17. August Was Once the Month of the “Harvest Moon”
The “Harvest Moon,” a full moon that occurs closest to the autumnal equinox, often appears in August. Historically, this moon was crucial for farmers, as its light allowed them to extend their working hours during the harvest season. While the Harvest Moon sometimes falls in September, its August appearance is a reminder of how deeply tied our calendars are to agricultural practices.
18. August Is Named After Augustus Caesar, But He Wasn’t Born in August
Despite having a month named after him, Augustus Caesar was actually born in September. The decision to rename Sextilis to August was more about making the month honorific and prestigious rather than reflecting his actual birth month. So, while Augustus gets his name in lights, his actual birthday falls outside the month he’s commemorated.
19. August 1st Is International Friendship Day
August 1st is celebrated as International Friendship Day, a day dedicated to honoring the bonds of friendship and the joy that friends bring into our lives. It’s a great excuse to reach out to friends, share stories, and celebrate the relationships that make life more meaningful. So, whether it’s through a phone call, a social media shout-out, or a small gift, make sure to recognize your friends on this special day.
20. The Month of “National Catfish Day”
August 25th is National Catfish Day in the United States, a day dedicated to celebrating this popular fish and its importance in American cuisine. Catfish is enjoyed in various dishes, from fried catfish to catfish stew, and has become a staple in Southern cooking. So, if you’re a fan of this delicious fish, August 25th is the perfect day to indulge in a catfish feast!
Conclusion
August might be the underdog of the calendar year, but it’s packed with amusing facts and delightful quirks that make it stand out. From its peculiar holidays and historical milestones to its unique weather patterns and celestial events, August proves that even the least celebrated month has its own special charm. So next time August rolls around, take a moment to appreciate its hidden gems and quirky traditions. After all, there’s more to this summer month than meets the eye!