August Birth Month Symbols And Fun Facts
Welcome August! This month is a time of tranquility and growth. For those in the Northern hemisphere, August brings hot, stormy days and the ripe bounty of the summer season. Farmers’ Almanac invites you to discover delightful August birth month symbols: flowers, stones, zodiac signs, herbs, bird of the month and more! We hope these, along with the August fun facts, will help you embrace the sizzling days this month has to offer. Share your thoughts (and photos) in the comments, and let’s cherish this luscious month of together.
August Birth Month Symbols
August birth month symbols involve perseverance. The August birth flower gladiolus symbolizes strength, while the August birthstone peridot is associated with prosperity, bringing you happiness and a sense of destiny. Leo and Virgo stand as the month’s zodiac guardians, bringing ambition and organization to those born during this month. The woodpecker, August’s bird of the month, taps curiosity and determination. Chamomile and August’s other healing herbs ease tension, adding even more meaning for those born in this month.
August Birth Month Flower: Gladiolus
The tall and elegant gladiolus have been cultivated for centuries, capturing attention for their vibrant colors and striking shape. Native to South Africa, gladiolus belongs to the Iris (Iridaceae) family, with more than 260 species. Due to its long and pointed shape, it is also known as the “sword lily,” named after the Latin word gladius meaning “sword.” Growing from a corm, a thick stem resembling a flattened bulb, these blooms prefer sun and plenty of water. Gladiolus make their grand display in mid-to late summer, blooming from the bottom up, with their trumpet-shaped blooms coming in a variety of colors. Reaching two to five feet tall, gladiolus add visual height and dash of color to gardens and floral arrangements during the final month of summer.
The gladiolus symbolizes strength, honor, integrity and perseverance. For those born in August, gladiolus exemplifies the celebration of their inner strength and persistence. It is not only a popular flower choice for expressing love and admiration, but is also associated with remembrance, especially for those who have passed. Gladiolus were commonly used in Roman gardens, representing strength and victory. The flower was presented to the victors at gladiator games and tossed into the arena in respect for the fallen. Gladiators were also known to wear gladiolus around their necks during battle for protection.
Do you have gladioli in your garden? Share your photos in the comments!
Roman legends attribute the formation of larkspur to the sea god Neptune, who transformed an endangered dolphin into the flower to protect it, which gave the bloom its characteristic shape. The perennial version of larkspur, delphinium, means ‘dolphin’ in Greek, referring to how the buds appear before it blooms. Learn more about larkspur.
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August Fun Facts:
- The South African species was first brought to Europe in the mid-18th century, where they were hybridized, resulting in the 10,000 types we have today. They became a popular bloom in the United States around the turn of the 20th century, with the North American Gladiolus Council forming in Boston in 1910.
- The bell-shaped flower of the gladiolus serves as a tasty treat. Its taste resembles lettuce and is a great addition to leafy green salads. Their bell shape also makes them fun containers for snacks such as fruit salad, dips, or olives. Note: Consult a trusted foraging expert whenever eating wild edibles. Farmers’ Almanac shares information purely for educational purposes and does not offer medical advice.
August Birthstone: Peridot
Derived from the Arabic word faridat, meaning “gem,” peridot has been a stone worthy of admiration for centuries. Known for its lime-green color, peridot is one of the few gemstones that only occurs in one color: green. Most peridot is formed deep in the earth and is pushed to the surface by volcanoes. Peridot can also be found in meteorites, but rare extraterrestrial peridot, coined “The Space Gem,” is often too small to be mined for jewelry.
Peridot has been associated with light, with the Egyptians calling it the “Gem of the Sun” who believed it to be the gemstone of the sun god Ra. It has also been referred to as the “Evening Emerald” or “Evening Gem” due to its captivating green-yellow color sparkling under both natural and artificial light, appearing even more vivid at dusk. Peridot has long been connected to protection, with wearers believing that keeping the stone close at night will repel evil spirits and nightmares. If the gem is set in gold, it is said to bring the wearer added luck and fortune. This gem is also believed to bring happiness and a sense of one’s destiny, while also possessing healing powers, making it an ideal gem for those born in August. Learn more about peridot.
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Related product: August Birthstone – Carnelian Necklace
August Fun Facts:
- In Hawaii, peridot once symbolized the tears of Pele, the volcano goddess of fire who controls the flow of lava.
- First found in Egypt, peridot is the national gem for Egypt. It is believed to have adorned Queen Cleopatra VII, queen of Egypt from 51-30BC. Some historians actually believe that some of Cleopatra’s famed emerald collection may have actually been peridot.
August Colors: Burnt Orange And Foliage Green
The month of August is the capstone of summer and is characterized by a palette that bridges the gap between fiery summer and calm autumn. The colors of August are a combination of sun-drenched hues and the tones that hint at the approaching fall.
Burnt orange captures the essence of late summer’s grand sunsets and gives a nod to traditional fall tones. Foliage green is a deeper hue than those of spring and early summer, symbolizing the lushness of nature at its peak.
August Fun Facts:
- The name burnt orange was popularized around 1915 when it became a signature color for a few American Universities, such as Auburn University and University or Texas, with the Texas Longhorns claiming burnt orange as their color, later becoming known to fans as Texas orange.
- The word “green” stretches back to roots in Middle English, where it appears as “grene,” signifying growth or flourishing or the Proto-Germanic word “grōni,” which carries the same meaning. This association makes sense, as the color green is often linked to growth in nature.
Full Sturgeon Moon
August’s full Moon is named after North America’s largest freshwater fish, the sturgeon. Today there are about 27 different species of sturgeon world-wide, with the lake sturgeon being the most common. The sturgeon is the largest and oldest species in the Great Lake, growing up to 6 feet long and weighing around 200 pounds, making it the largest freshwater fish in the American continent. The lake sturgeon was found in great numbers during this time of year and was an essential food source for Native Americans who lived in this region. These “living fossils” can be traced back to fossil records more than 200 million years ago, making them older than any other mammal or dinosaur. While there was a time when they swam in abundance in late summer, they are rarer today due to overfishing, habitat destruction, and pollution.
Other names for August’s full moon include: “Grain Moon,” “Corn Moon,” and “Ricing Moon” to signify the time of harvesting. Northern Europeans referred to August’s full Moon as “Lightning Moon” since late summer is a popular time for thunder and lightning storms in the Northern Hemisphere. Learn more about the August full Moon.
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August Fun Facts:
- August’s full Moon corresponds with the Hindu festival Raksha Bandhan, which celebrates the bond between brothers and sisters. “Raksha Bandhan” translates to “the bond of protection, obligation, or care.” One of the traditions during the festivities is for sisters to tie a rakhi (a cotton bracelet) around their brother’s wrist. Receiving a gift from the brother in return, as a badge of the continuing bond between them.
- Male Lake Sturgeon fish have a life span of 55 years and female sturgeon can live to be an astonishing 150 years old.
Zodiac Signs: Leo And Virgo
Two zodiac signs associated with the August birth month are Leo and Virgo.
Leo (July 23-August 22)
Proud, courageous, and ambitious, the fifth sign in the zodiac, belongs to Leo. This fire sign of the zodiac is symbolized by the lion, a natural-born leader. The bold and intelligent Leo doesn’t lack in self-esteem and has no problem patting themselves on the back for a job well done. These trailblazers are determined to make a name for themselves and defeat injustice along the way. Leos are admirable team players , willing to jump in to get the job done.
Leo’s warm and energetic personality helps them blossom in social situations, with their personal magnetism attracting friends easily. Leos have no trouble putting themselves first when needed and will readily turn down plans that don’t fit their agenda. They may come across as arrogant, however if you happen to be hanging with a Leo, it is because they genuinely want to be there. Lions are passionate and overall excellent partners, with no shortage of displays of affection or grand gestures. These lions seek balance in life, weighing out adventure, travel, and socializing, with necessary downtime.
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Virgo (August 23-September 22)
The sixth sign of the zodiac, Virgos are smart, organized, and kind. Practical is the middle name for this Earth sign. Symbolized by the virgin, they are often skilled at looking at the big picture and laying a roadmap for their life. Having control over their future and staying organized helps them to feel a sense of control and security. Their exacting attention to details, and preference to reason over emotion can make Virgos come across as picky and critical. While they are the more patient of the zodiacs, Virgos expect perfection for themselves and often set the same high expectations for those around them as well.
Virgos resent being let down. Even minor incidents, such as last-minute cancelations can upset them. Conversely, they never want to disappoint others, often resulting in being unable to say “no” and spreading themselves too thin. You want a Virgo on your team. This passionate, hardworking sign was born with a sense of duty and will get the job done without complaining.
Virgos often seem shy when you first meet them, taking some time to earn their trust. Once the wall is torn down and they open up, you will have a friend for life, who will always be willing to lend a helping hand or offer advice. As intelligent, lifelong learners, Virgos are always in the pursuit of knowledge, trying new things, reading, and learning about the world around them. They are never too old to sign up for a class and often prefer an evening in with a book or an intimate group of friends over a night out on the town. While they don’t need a packed calendar to be content, they do prize beauty. Virgos are inspired by fashion and decorating and consider it an extension of their personality.
August Fun Facts:
- Ruled by the Sun, Leo is the most generous sign of the Zodiac. Charismatic and driven by the desire to be loved, Leos often find themselves in the limelight.
- Mercury, the planet of messages, is Virgo’s ruling planet. Signs ruled under Mercury often have a well-developed sense of speech and writing, often leading them to pursue careers as writers, journalists, and typists. Their need to serve others also makes them good caregivers.
August Herbs of the Month
Herbs are believed to be associated to specific zodiac signs. It is thought that herbs possess particular traits that emphasize each zodiac sign which can aid healing and alleviate symptoms.
From this point of thought, certain herbs are thought to amplify the positive attributes of those born under specific signs, or to help reduce the effects of hardships they encounter
Leo herbs (July-August): Parsley is the quintessential green herb, symbolizing freshness, vitality, and purification—perfect for those born in July. In the Apiaceae family, along with carrots and celery, parsley is native to the rocky Mediterranean, its name coming from the Greek word, petroselinon, meaning “rock celery” since it thrives on rocky cliffs.
Parsley’s unique flavor profile and nutritional benefits make it more than just a pretty garnish. A biennial herb, with more than 30 varieties, the more popular and stronger flavored “flat” leaf (Italian) parsley is most commonly used for cooking, while the milder “curly” leaf variety is often used as a fancy garnish. Parsley is available both fresh or dried, and is a popular addition to soups, sauces, pasta, veggies, meats and fish. It is recommended to add parsley to food towards the tail end of the cooking process to retain its flavor and nutritional benefits. For centuries parsley has been added to plates as a way to freshen breathe after meals, due to its high amounts of chlorophyll, which is highly effective at removing onion and garlic odors.
Other than its culinary applications, parsley is valued for its medicinal properties, being high in vitamin A and C and iron. It has been known to alleviate digestive issues and improve circulation.
Parsley’s ability to grow back so quickly after being cut, signifies purification and renewal, eliminating past obstacles and marking new beginnings. Its luminous green, feathery leaves also signify freshness and vitality. Its fragrant leaves were once used to ward off evil and its seeds planted to symbolize beginning anew, parsley has become a symbol of protection.
Parsley is commonly used in ceremonial dishes to bring good fortune, symbolizing prosperity and success. In ancient Greek and Roman culture, sprigs of parsley are placed on tables during weddings to symbolize fertility and fortune for the newlyweds. Funeral wreaths made of parsley were common in Ancient Greece, while heroes and loved ones were crowed with garland and crowns made from parsley. Ancient Romans also crowned their victorious athletes with this aromatic herb.
Virgo Herbs (August-September): The modest chamomile flower is reminiscent of sunny, peaceful days, with the power to ease woes and induce calm. Rooted in tranquility, peace, and relaxation, chamomile is perfect for soothing the over-thinking Virgo. Belonging to the Asteraceae (aster) family and originating from Western Europe, chamomile is made up of a yellow center surrounded by miniature, delicate white petals, with a sweet, herbaceous aroma.
Chamomile comes from the Greek words khamai, meaning “ground” and melon, meaning “apple” due to its low growing stature and apple-like aroma. With about twenty-five different species, the most common types are: German (wild) chamomile and Roman (English/garden). Roman chamomile is a wide-spreading perennial and is often used as a no-fuss ground cover or creeping plant that adds a touch of elegance and serenity to outdoor spaces, softening edges of walkways or stone walls. German chamomile is an annual and is commonly used for herb gardens and making tea.
Chamomile is best planted in the spring as seed and thrives in partial to full shade, in moist soil. This low maintenance, “cut-and-come-again” plant boasts fragrant flowers and grows quickly, reaching full bloom in about ten weeks. Most pests avoid chamomile and are often used as a defense against critters and disease in vegetable gardens.
Chamomile is more than just a cheery face in the garden, being used for centuries in traditional medicine and herbal remedies, to help relieve anxiety, reduce stress, aid digestion, soothe, stomachs, and promote better sleep. Chamomile also helps with skin conditions, such as eczema, burns, diaper rash, and acne and is commonly found in oils, ointments, and capsules. Chamomile tea can be made from fresh or dried flowers and is a popular beverage that has been cherished for centuries.
Chamomile carries a rich and historical significance, rooted in tranquility, peace, and relaxation. These dainty flowers were added to Roman baths for relaxation, while wreaths, infusions, and offerings of chamomile were made to appease their deities. Ancient Egyptians believed the flower held significant healing capabilities and was dedicated to the sun god Ra. Ancient Greeks often used chamomile in their temples to soothe the body and mind.
In Greek mythology, chamomile is associated with the god Apollo and is considered a symbol of patience and endurance. In Norse mythology, chamomile relates to the goddess Frigg and was thought to attract good luck and prosperity. Chamomile is also often seen as a symbol of purity and innocence and is portrayed as such in art and literature throughout history. On multiple accounts Shakespeare mentions the chamomile flower, and it is believed to symbolize the caring and nurturing nature of the female characters. The flower also pops up often in Victorian art, where it was a symbol of innocence and beauty.
August Fun Facts:
- Parsley is a biennial plant, taking two years to complete its cycle, and doesn’t need to be planted annually. If you leave your plants in the ground in the autumn, The roots will usually survive the winter in the ground and begin anew the following spring. In the fall cut the plants down to a few inches above the soil line. After their second year, the parsley will flower, set seed, and then die after producing seeds which you can harvest for new parsley plants. To encourage continued foliage growth, remove the flowering stalks, however the leaves will eventually become bitter.
- To harvest chamomile for tea, gather them when they are fully open, pulling the tiny blooms off with one hand and holding onto the stem just under the flower. Leave the stems intact to encourage new growth. Tea can be made by steeping three to four tablespoons of fresh or dried flowers in boiling water. Add a sprig of mint or honey to taste. Chamomile tea has a fruity flavor, with apple undertones.
August Birth Month Bird: Woodpecker
The confident woodpecker lets their presence be known, epitomizing the essence of those born in August. Like the woodpecker, those born in August are open-minded and aren’t afraid to look beneath the surface to see what life has to offer.
Woodpeckers spend almost their entire lives in trees in search of insects, also dining on sap and berries. These headbangers are a welcome sight in every bird lover’s backyard and are vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems, controlling pests, and creating homes for other woodland bird and animal species.
August Fun Facts:
- Unlike other birds who communicate with songs and calls, woodpeckers drum (also called rapping, tatting, and tattooing). This feathered drumline peck on objects, such as wood and even metal to create a pattern to communicate, usually for mating and holding domains. A strong drumming pattern signifies a healthy, dominate bird, one that can rule a territory and make an ideal mate. Hollow trees and stumps are preferred because they resonate and carry the sound farther. The tempo, rhythm, and repetition vary between species, so drumming patterns can be used for species identification.
- In Native American cultures the woodpecker is intertwined with themes of home, safety, and protection. Their nests being safely sheltered in holes dug in trees is a model of security and refuge. Some cultures also associated these avians with intelligence and knowledge, with their pecking ability linked to perseverance and tire-less search for discoveries.
What Does “August” Mean?
The month of August is named in honor of the first Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar (63 B.C.- A.D. 14). After Augustus defeated Marc Anthony and Cleopatra, the Roman senate decided he deserved a month named after him.
August is the sixth month in the Gregorian calendar, containing 31 days and is the third month of the astronomical summer in the Northern Hemisphere. In the old Roman calendar, August was called sextilis, Latin for the for the sixth month of the year, because the year started in March. In 700 BCE, the Roman ruler, Numa Pompilius gave the calendar a lunar makeover, adding January and February to the calendar, making August the eighth month of the year.
August Fun Facts:
- To prevent any claim that Augustus was inferior to Julius, the senate decided that since Julius’ month, July, had 31 days, Augustus’s month should as well. To accommodate this inflation in days, a day was taken from February, with originally had 29 days (30 in a leap year) and reduced to 28 days (29 in a leap year). To avoid three long months in a row, the lengths of the last four months were switched around, giving us 30 days in September, April, June, and November.
- The Anglo-Saxons referred to August as Weodmonath, an old English word meaning “plant month.”
What other August fun facts do you know? Share in the comments!
August Weather Lore
Before the invention of modern meteorology, we looked to the skies to predict nature and the short-term weather forecast. Each month has its own series of sayings, and August is a month flush with weather folklore.
Many sayings originated to help farmers or sailors predict for weather ahead, while some may have started from when explorers used late-summer weather to judge if it was safe to set off on wintertime journeys. One such popular adage is “For every fog in August there will be a snowfall the following winter.”
Is there really a correlation between fog in August and winters snowfall? If you want to put this folklore to the test, start marking your calendars this August!
Some other August weather lore that connects nature to patterns of weather are:
- If the first week in August is unusually warm, the coming winter will be snowy and long.
- If a cold August follows a hot July, it foretells a winter hard and dry.
- When it rains in August, it rains honey and wine.
Speaking of weather … Plan ahead with the Farmers’ Almanac Fall Weather Forecast
August Night Sky
August is arguably one of the best months of the year for astronomical events. Perhaps the greatest highlight is the annual Perseid Meteor Shower—thought to bring the best shooting stars of the year. The Perseid’s reach peak activity in mid-August with an average of 60-100 meteors per hour. This lavish display, combined with warm weather in the Northern Hemisphere, makes the Perseid Meteor Shower the most popular of the year.
The Perseid Meteor Shower is caused when the Earth passes through a stream of debris left behind by Comet Swift-Tuttle, which was discovered in 1862. To view the Perseids, lay on your back in an unobstructed area, away from artificial lights, and look to the darkest part of the sky. See our Monthly Stargazing Page for more details.
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August Fun Facts:
- Meteor showers get their names from the constellation which it radiates from. The Perseid Meteor Shower comes from Perseus, hence the name Perseids.
- The Ancient Romans called our galaxy “via lactea” which means ‘the road of milk’. Also, the word ‘galaxy’ is derived from a Greek word for ‘milk’. The name was likely derived from the Milky Way’s bright and milky band across the night sky. According to legend, our galactic home was formed after some milk spilled over accidentally when Hera was feeding suckling Heracles.
August Gardening
The last complete month of summer, August is the time to reap the benefits of your labor. While your gardens may be overflowing with zucchini, tomatoes, and a rainbow of blooms, now is not the time to take your eye off the ball. There is still much to be done:
- Continue your daily watering schedule, watering at dusk and early morning. Set up a watering arrangement, or automated watering system if you plan to be on vacation.
- Keep on top of weeds that could compete with your crops for nutrients and water.
- Continue to add fertilizer to plants in need and clear away any diseased or dead foliage in your vegetable garden to ward off pests and disease.
- Consider topping off any mulch that may have dispersed or decomposed, to control moisture and avoid weeds.
- Deadhead annuals and perennial flowers to encourage them to flower into the autumn and to prevent self-seeding.
- Divide and spread-out perennials that started to slower in flower production. Dividing and planting them in August will allow them to acclimate before winter.
- Harden your perennials by slowly giving them less water throughout the month to prepare for the winter months.
- Cut back your herbs to encourage fresh, tasty leaves that can be harvested before frost. Thinning parsley will help it to establish a good root system before winter.
- Dry any harvested herbs for later use.
- Collect ripened seeds and store them to plant next year. If you would like the plant to self-seed in the surrounding soil, leaving some seed heads in place. Collect seeds of herbs such as dill, bronze fennel, caraway and chervil and dry in a warm spot out of direct sunlight.
- Harvest spring-sown carrots and beetroot, although they can be left in the ground to keep growing.
- To encourage side-shooting and more beans at a height for picking, pinch out the tips of your runner bean plants once they reach the top of their support.
- Harvest your potatoes once the leaves yellow and die back. Store in a dark place with good ventilation.
- Onions, garlic, and shallots are ready to be pulled out once the foliage has drooped over and yellowed.
- Plant any cold weather vegetables you may want in your fall garden: peas, chard, broccoli, cabbage, lettuce, brussel sprouts, celery, kale, and collards.
- Routinely turn your compost bins to keep them aerated and to speed up decomposition.
- Keep birds and squirrels off your berries with netting or old net curtains.
- Fruit trees, such as cherries, plums, peaches, nectarines and apricots, should be ready to harvest.
- Raise the cutting height of your lawn mower to help the grass cope with slower growth in late summer. Don’t fret if your lawn is looking brown, autumn rains will make it green again.
- Now is the time to start ordering any fall bulbs that you want to see blooming next spring, such as narcissus and tulips.
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August Trivia
- Only one US President in history has died during the month of August: Warren Harding.
- August 26 is Women’s Equality Day, celebrating the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment and the women’s right to vote in the United States.
- Former US Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton, Napoleon Bonaparte, Neil Armstrong, Louis Armstrong, Michael Jackson, Madonna, Lucille Ball, Tom Brady, Roger Federer, and Katherine Johnson, the first African-American female to work at NASA were all born in the month of August.
- It was during August that US President Richard Nixon resigned as a result of the Watergate scandal.
- August was a lucky month for some. The Gold Rush in Alaska began in August 1896 as the precious metal was found in the Klondike River, up at Rabbit Creek.
- Grab a Pina Colada! August 16 is National Rum Day. This date is dedicated to the anniversary of the repeal of the sugar tax in the US Virgin Islands in 1954, benefiting the rum industry.
- August 3 is National Watermelon Day to celebrate this popular refreshing summertime treat. No picnic in August is complete without it.
- If you’re blessed with an abundance of zucchini in your garden this summer, August 8 is “National Sneak Some Zucchini onto Your Neighbor’s Porch Day,” inviting people to share their surplus of zucchini with unsuspecting members of your community.
Join The Discussion
Is your birthday in August?
Do you have any favorite symbols for August?
How about some interesting August fun facts, symbols, or folklore not mentioned above?
Share with your community here in the comments below!
This article was published by the staff at Farmers' Almanac. Do you have a question or an idea for an article? Contact us!
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- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
- Farmers' Almanac Staffhttps://www.farmersalmanac.com/author/fa-admin
