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Welcome to August, a month named after Augustus, a Latin term meaning "the venerable one" or "the great one." The eighth month of the year, August is a time of transition. It’s the bridge between the exuberant energy of summer and the introspective depth of autumn. As we dive into this summer month, let’s take a playful break from our usual mindfulness routines and explore some fascinating facts and celebrations that August has to offer.
How is it outside your window this fine August day? Just before I began to sit and type out this article, I decided to ask Google what the current temperature was outside of my window. Google responded that it is 90°F but "due to the current humidity, it feels like it's 99°F." And I totally believe it. One thing about the humid South, walking outside is an exercise in breathing. It's not a wonder that all of us down here have not already dry drowned. I've been in the South all of my life, and I still don't believe that I have ever quite gotten used to the heat and humidity. Neither have the birds because I have not heard a song from them or even seen them since early morning. They too are probably somewhere taking their reprieve from this heat.
Despite the relentless heat, the sun is shining brightly, and the lush green grass is thriving thanks to recent rain showers. However, my vegetable garden is feeling the strain, with plants wilting by mid-afternoon. To make sense of this steamy weather and seek some reprieve, I turned to the Farmer's Almanac for a glimpse of what August has in store. In my reading, I learned some fun facts about the transitional month known as August that I'd like to share with you.
August Calendar 2024 |
August 1 is Lammas Day (a corruption of the Old English words for “loaf mass”) was the midpoint between the summer solstice and autumnal equinox. |
August 5 is a Civic Holiday in many parts of Canada. Here in the United States, we haven't quite decided on a name yet for the events that took place in Montgomery, Alabama on August 5, 2023. Some proposed names are "The Brawl in Montgomery," "The Montgomery Brawl," "The Montgomery Riverfront Brawl," "Day of the Chair," and one of my personal favorites, "Fade in the Water." |
August 10 marks St. Lawrence’s Day. It is said that fair weather on St. Lawrence’s Day foretells a fair autumn. However, with some digging, St. Lawrence's day is purported to have a much darker history. When ordered by the Roman officials to surrender the church's valuables, St. Lawrence brought none other than the sick and poor citizens of the city. He was beheaded and roasted for his act of defiance. |
August 11 signifies the conclusion of the Dog Days of Summer, which started on July 3. |
August 17 marks the beginning of the Cat Nights, a period rooted in an obscure Irish legend about witches. This folklore also inspired the saying that a cat has nine lives. |
August 19 is National Aviation Day, commemorating the birthday of Orville Wright, who piloted the first recorded flight of a powered heavier-than-air machine in 1903. |
August 24 is St. Bartholomew’s Day. It is said, 'On St. Bartholomew’s Day, expect cold dew. This was interesting because St. Bartholomew was one of the original 12 Apostoles. In England, they held fairs in his honor. The lore comes in that after this date, autumn is ushered in and even thunderstorms were said to be more violent. |
August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, which commemorates the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and the granting of voting rights to women in the United States. |
There are many other observances and awareness events that take place in August that we are dubbed the, "Just for fun," days. August 1-7 kicks off International Clown Week. Here are a few others:
August 1-7 | International Clown Week |
August 3 | National Watermelon Day |
August 8 | National Sneak Some Zucchini Onto Your Neighbor's Porch Day |
August 10 | National S'mores Day |
August 12 | Vinyl Record Day |
August 13 | International Left-Handers Day |
August 20 | International Geocaching Day |
August 20 | World Honeybee Day |
August 25 | Kiss-and-Make-Up-Day |
August 31 | National Trail Mix Day |
There are undoubtedly many other fun days and events in August that I may have missed. Here at EnvisionCo Blog, we champion wellness in all its forms. Sometimes, wellness isn't just about breathing techniques or cognitive exercises. It’s also about embracing the lighter side of life—like learning quirky facts or celebrating fun, unique days. Embracing our inner wonder and the lighter side of life can help get us out of our comfort zone, break the monotony of our routine lives, and get us exposed to and laughing about something new. Engaging with these observances can enhance various aspects of wellness: spiritual, social, environmental, physical, intellectual, and emotional.
As always, we appreciate your readership and your support and would love to hear from you. Let us know in the comments below, which activity will you engage in to enhance your wellness this month? Don't overwhelm yourself trying to do them all. Just choose one maybe two to try out. Please remember, wherever you are on this wellness journey, do not worry about getting it perfect; just get it going. Until next time. Happy reading!
"August is the border between summer and autumn; it is the most beautiful month I know." ~Tove Jansson
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