Category Archives: Miscellaneous

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to September

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September is illustrated by the harvest. Five figures pick grapes while a man and a woman, apparently pregnant, rest. The bunches are placed in baskets which are then emptied into baskets attached to mules. These baskets are themselves poured into vats loaded into carts pulled by oxen. The second plan is entirely occupied by the Château de Saumur in Anjou, a region already producing wine at the time. The towers are topped with fleur-de-lys weathervanes. On its outskirts, a list is represented with its central bar and its trellis wall. (Wikimedia Commons)
Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry
Folio 9, verso: September
Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry (manuscript illustration)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

September is the ninth month, but its name is derived from the Latin word septem meaning seven. On the old Roman calendar which started in March, September was the seventh month. When a new calendar was adopted in 153 BC, September became the ninth month, but its name remained. September is when the academic year starts, a month which transitions from summer to autumn, and harvests begin. The Autumnal Equinox takes place between September 22-24. In the Southern Hemisphere, they are transitioning to Spring.

Labor Day is the major holiday in the United States and, for most, signifies the end of summer vacation. Rosh Hashnanh, the Jewish New Year, takes place in September. The Eastern Orthodox Church, which uses the Julian Calendar, starts its liturgical year in September. September 11 is a special day of remembrance in the United States to remember the victims of the terrorist attacks on the New York World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the plane that was downed by passengers in Pennsylvania. An old tradition sometimes followed is Michaelmas on September 29, the feast of St. Michael. In Britain crops were harvested and sold during September and annual rent payments were made. Many farmers feasted on goose to celebrate their prosperity and there were large market fairs as well. Some groups in the US still celebrate it and call it “Harvest Home.” The Chinese Moon Festival is also during September and a major celebration for all Chinese. Lanterns, moon cakes, and the exchange of gifts are part of this celebration.

The first full moon of September is called the Harvest Moon, but many native Americans call it Full Corn or Barley Moon. As September transitions to Autumn, seasonal produce begins to appear. For the U.S. it will include apples, artichokes, cranberries, edamame, pears, pumpkins and quinces. Pumpkin spice begins to appear in beverages and baked foods. Some retailers, wanting to cash in early, start selling those items in August.

September in the Forest
Larisa Koshkina, publicdomainpibtures.net

For More Information

Boeckmann, Catherine. “The Month of September 2026: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore.” Almanac.Com. Last modified August 30, 2026. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-september-holidays-fun-facts-folklore.

Rehberger, Georg. “September Is the Ninth Month of the Year.” TimeandDate. Accessed August 31, 2026. https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/september.html.

 

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to August!

Medieval illustration of men harvesting wheat with reaping-hooks
Circa 1310
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

 

Welcome to August!

August is named for the first Roman emperor Augustus. It used to be called Sextillis meaning sixth as on the old Roman calendar the year started in March. It is the last full month of summer in the Northern Hemisphere but in the southern winter. August is known as a major month for vacations and with so many people off traveling, one of the busiest months for the tourist season.

The old August adage is a “Dry August and warmth harvest no harm” reflects how the month signals the start of the harvest season. Cantaloupe, cucumber, corn, eggplant, tomatoes, bell and jalapeno peppers are often harvested during this time. The Celts used celebrate Lammas Day (also called Lugnasad) on August 1. It was a festival marking the wheat and corn harvest. The early Catholic church in England kept it as a harvest festival as well. Loaves of bread made from the new grain would be consecrated in a loaf-mass.

For those looking to the skies, the Perseid Meteor Shower that began in July continues to 24 August. The best viewing days (and you need to be away from the cities to see it best) are 9-13.

The August moon is known as both the Sturgeon and Grain Moon. Other names include Fruit and Barley as well. Up in Norway August is particularly noteworthy as the town of Ny-Ålesund is the most northernmost town in the world and for them summer has been one very long day. Since April the sun has stated above the horizon but Polar Day usually occurs near or on 24 August. On that day, the sun remains visible for the entire day (24 hours) without ever setting. This is due to the tilt of the Earth axis. A lot of tourists come to visit the town where the sun stays up late into the night and of course Polar Day itself. The flip side is that from late October till mid-February, the sun does not rise making it one very long night.

For More Information

Boeckmann, Catherine. “Month of August 2026: Fun Facts and Holidays!” Almanac.Com. Last modified July 30, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-august-holidays-fun-facts.

Rehberger, Georg. “August: Eighth Month of the Year.” TimeandDate. Accessed August 3, 2026. https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/august.html.

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to July

July, from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry
Limbourg brothers (fl. 1402–1416)
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

July, named for Julius Caesar, is the seventh month on the Gregorian calendar. It used to be called Quintillis (meaning five) on the old Roman calendar since that calendar started in March. Usually the hottest month in the Northern Hemisphere but below the equator, since it is winter the coldest month. While people often think that the “Dog days of Summer” refers to canines panting due to the heat, it refers to an astronomic event. During July the star Sirius can be seen in the night sky along with the constellation Canis Major (the largest dog).

The July Supermoon (aka Buck Moon, Thunder Moon, Hay Moon etc.) occurs when the moon is closest to Earth making it appear larger than normal. And it can be either a full or new moon. Buck Moon comes from noticing that deer shed their antlers every year and start growing new ones in July, hence Buck Moon. For a full list of July astronomical events, go to timeanddate.com.

A Fourth of July fireworks display at the Washington Monument
Date: July 4, 1986
Photo: Ssgt. Lono Kollars, USAF
National Archives and Records Administration, National Archives Identifier (NAID) 6413316
Public Domain

Two major holidays occur during July: the Fourth of July in the U.S. and Bastille Day (14 July) in France. The Fourth of July (Independence Day) is celebrated on 4 July to celebrate the American colonies declaring independence from Great Britain in 1776. Bastille Day commemorates the storming of the Bastille in Paris on 14 July 1789 and considered the start of the French Revolution.

Old Adages for July

  • Ne’er trust a July sky.
  • If ant hills are high in July, the coming winter will be hard.
  • As July, so next January.
  • No tempest, good July,
    Lest the corn look ruely.
  • Whatever July and August do not boil,
    September can not fry.

(Old Farmer’s Almanac)

For More Information

Catherine Boeckmann, “The Month of July 2026: Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore,” Almanac.Com, last modified June 19, 2026, accessed June 30, 2026, https://www.almanac.com/content/month-july-holidays-facts-folklore.

Georg Rehberger, “July Is the Seventh Month of the Year,” TimeandDate, accessed June 30, 2026, https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/july.html.

History, Miscellaneous

Happy Father’s Day (U.S.)

Father and son reading the Sunday newspaper in Alexandria, VA. Scenes similar to this are found all over the United States because of wartime transportation problems.
Photo: Ann Rosener, Office of War Information. 1943
U.S. Library of Congress, Digital Id#fsa 8d19164
Public Domain

Father’s Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in the United States. The movement to recognize fathers began in a West Virginia church in 1908. The sermon that day asked to remember 362 men who had perished in a mine explosion the previous December and many of the men were fathers. In 1909 Sonora Smart Dodd of Spokane, Washington tried to establish an equivalent of Mother’s Day for male parents. She had been raised by a widower and believed the recognition was due. She promoted it so well to local churches, service organizations, and government officials that Washington State celebrated Father’s Day on June 19,1910. The movement to recognize fathers spread slowly but in 1924 President Calvin Coolidge urged state governments to observe Father’s Day. Since then most states now recognize the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day but it is not a public holiday (neither is Mother’s Day).

Father’s Day is also celebrated in many countries. In Europe and most Spanish speaking countries it is celebrated on St. Joseph’s Day on March 19. St. Joseph is the patron saint of fathers.

Dad & Children
Crimson Rose
publicdomainpibtures.net

 

Prayer for Fathers

“God our Father, in your wisdom and love you made all things. Bless these men, that they may be strengthened as Christian fathers. Let the example of their faith and love shine forth. Grant that we, their sons and daughters, may honor them always with a spirit of profound respect. Grant this through Christ our Lord. Amen.” (Author unknown)

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to May!

Welcome to May!

May, from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry (1412-1416)
Limbourg brothers (fl. 1402–1416)
Public Domain (Wikimedia Commons)

May is the fifth month on both the Gregorian and Julian calendars and has 31 days. The name May (Maius in Latin) is named for the Greek goddess Maia who represents nurturing and renewal. She was co-identified with the Roman goddess Bona Dea who was associated with fertility, healing, and the protection of women. Her festival took place in May, so both were intertwined. May is the last full month of spring in the Northern Hemisphere (and autumn in the Southern Hemisphere).

The first full moon in May is called the Flower Moon as it coincides with blooming flowers.  There is an adage for May: “A warm January, cold May,” As the transitional month between spring and summer, you can get both warm and sunny days followed by chilly ones as well. In older times, people used to shutter up their houses (or specific rooms in larger houses that could not be used in winter) for the winter. May was often the time to open the house back up again and let the warm spring air inside. On the old television show The Beverly Hillbillies granny would remove everything from the house to clean thoroughly inside.

Bouquet of beautiful red roses
Davidjose365, May 2015
Wikimedia Commons

In ancient times, festivals celebrated plants beginning to bloom. The tradition continues to this day with many festivals held in Europe and elsewhere. By the end of May, summer is approaching and many are already prepared for it. While astronomically it does not begin until mid-June, most mark the last day of June as the beginning of summer. Schools are ending for the summer, and many people begin to start their summer vacations also in May. For those interested, the May symbols are the emerald (birthstone), and for flowers lily of the valley and hawthorn.

Sources

———. “The month of May 2026: Holidays, fun facts, folklore.” Almanac.Com. Last modified April 23, 2026. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-may-holidays-fun-facts-folklore.

Rehberger, Georg. “May Is the Fifth Month of the Year.” TimeandDate.com. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/may.html.

———. “The Surprising History of May | HISTORY.” HISTORY. Last modified May 27, 2025. Accessed April 30, 2026. https://www.history.com/articles/history-may-month.

Miscellaneous

Welcome to April

WELCOME TO APRIL

 

April, Brevarium Grimani fol. 5v (Flemish)
Circa 1510
Venedig, Biblioteca Marciana
Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons

April is the fourth month and since the Romans noted the month as for sun and growth, named the month Aprillis. Its origins as a name are unclear but some believe it to be connected to the Greek goddess of love Aphrodite. On the old Roman calendar, it was the second month of the year as the new year began in March.

With winter over in the Northern Hemisphere, it is a time of many festivities to herald spring. April Fool’s Day, celebrated on April 1, is thought to have begun to celebrate winter’s end by playing joyful pranks on friends and neighbors. Two major religious observances occur in April, Easter and Passover. Both religions use the lunar calendar but in different ways to determine dates of observance. Passover must occur in the seventh month and on the 14th day at the full moon. The Western Christian church observes Easter after the first full moon (called the Paschal Moon) that comes after the March Equinox. This is not without some problems as often the astronomical and ecclesiastical date don’t sync up. The Council of Nicea in 325 A.D. determined that Easter Sunday would be celebrated after the March Equinox but allow enough time for a full moon to occur (22 March-25 April) for Easter to take place. Sometimes that full moon may occur right afterwards or later into April. When it occurs after the equinox, it is called a Lenten Moon.

As you might guess, this involves a lot of calculations (called Computus) to get everything properly set up for Lent and Easter Sunday for each liturgical year. Since the Western churches use the Gregorian calendar, it corrects the problems of the older Julian calendar during the solar year. Eastern Orthodox still uses the Julian calendar for its liturgical year, so its observance of Easter can fall a week or several weeks later. Every four years, both calendars align, and both observe Easter Sunday on the same date. Since Easter Sunday also determines public holidays in different countries, the dates for those holidays change each year as well.

The April full moon has many names in different cultures. Some places in North America called it the Pink Moon owing to a pink flower. Some Native American tribes called it the Breaking Moon as it meant the end of ice and the return of warmth. Others used animal names denoting animals returning from their winter homes.

Of course, there is a lot of folklore around the first moon in April. Here are some favorites:

A full Moon in April brings frost. If the full Moon rises pale, expect rain.

 “A cold April the barn will fill.”

(Old Farmer’s Almanac)

Suggested Reading

Bedard, Stephen. “How Is the Date for Easter Calculated? – History of Christianity.” History of Christianity. Last modified March 29, 2025. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://historyofchristianitypodcast.com/2025/03/28/how-is-the-date-for-easter-calculated/.

Boeckmann, Catherine. “April 2026 Calendar: Holidays, Weather & Spring Tips.” Almanac.Com. Last modified March 26, 2026. Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-april-holidays-fun-facts-folklore.

“Rehberger, Georg. “The Month of April.” Accessed March 31, 2026. https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/april.html.

Miscellaneous, Seasons

Welcome to Spring 2026

Colorful Spring Garden
Photo:Anita Martinz(Flickr)

The March Equinox marks the moment where the Sun crosses the equator (an imaginary line in the sky above the equator) from south to north and usually occurs between March 19-21 every year. Both the March and September equinoxes are when the Sun shines directly on the equator making night and day nearly equal. This equinox is the transition from winter to spring in the Northern Hemisphere but the reverse in the Southern Hemisphere (summer into fall). Various cultures celebrate March equinox as a time of rebirth. Many spring festivals are timed to coincide with the equinox, and some religious events (Passover and Easter) use specific calculations based on the equinox to help determine the exact day of the event.

A sure sign spring is here is when lambs appear.
Spring Lamb In The Sunshine
Photo: Tanya Hall/publicdomainpictures.net

Meteorologists however start spring on March 1 rather than by the March Equinox. The reason is that they divide the year into four quarters to make it easier to compare data and compile statistics. Meteorological seasons use annual temperature cycles rather than the position of the Sun. While astronomers follow the position of the Sun regarding equinoxes and solstices, meteorologists use the calendar to prevent problems since the dates of equinoxes and solstices can vary each year.

 Early spring is when the Earth’s axis increases its tilt relative to the Sun resulting in more daylight for that part world where it spring is occurring. It is a time when the increased warmth results in more plant growth (spring forth as it used to be said and how spring got its name). The resulting warmth also makes snow melt causing streams to swell and frosts to diminish. For areas that get little or no snow, ground temperatures will increase quickly as well. Despite spring beginning in March, in areas where there is no snow early plant growth can begin as early as February (or August down below). Arctic zones may not experience spring until May.

Solstices and Equinoxes
Image: NASA

Due to the reversal of seasons in the Southern Hemisphere, Easter is celebrated in Autumn. The Allhallowtide (Halloween, All Saints’ Day, All Souls’ Day) is celebrated in Spring.

Despite the change of the seasons–both calendar and meteorologically speaking–winter does continue in many places. And with it can come unpredictable weather which my favorite feline Garfield illustrates it perfectly. Garfield is outside. First it is warm and sunny. Then cold and rainy. Then back to warm and sunny. And then rain again and then another dry day. Finally, Garfield yells in exasperation “Will you make up your mind?” The next frame is split with one half having rain and the other half sunny. And it is more accurate than most of us want to believe.

There are two sayings that get the season right, courtesy of The Old Farmer’s Almanac:

Bluebirds are a sign of spring; warm weather and gentle south breezes they bring.

One swallow does not make a spring.

Welcome to Spring!

Sources

“When Is Spring 2026?” Accessed March 19, 2026. https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/spring-equinox.html.

———. “First Day of Spring 2026: The Spring Equinox.” Almanac.Com. Last modified March 16, 2026. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-spring-vernal-equinox.

———. “March Equinox 2026: Here’s All You Need to Know.” EarthSky | Updates on Your Cosmos and World. Last modified March 15, 2026. Accessed March 19, 2026. https://earthsky.org/astronomy-essentials/everything-you-need-to-know-vernal-or-spring-equinox/.

History, Miscellaneous

Welcome to February

February by Leandro Bassano,1595/1600
Public Domain (via Wikimedia Commons)

February is the second month, and its name comes from a Roman purification ritual called Februarius which took place during the month. February is the shortest month with 28 days but 29 in leap years. Due to shorter number of days, a full moon does not always occur. A February full moon is sometimes referred to as the Snow Moon due to the amount of snow in the month. Native Americans sometimes referred the month as Hunger Moon due to limited supplies during winter. While still winter in the northern hemisphere, it is still summer in the southern.

February is also known for winter prognostication and the most well-known is Punxsutawney Phil. If the gopher sees his shadow, winter will last six weeks. He is rated to be accurate 40% of the time by the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). It has become a major event with people trekking to in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania every February. The origins of using a groundhog for forecasting winter comes from Germans who used badgers back in Germany before settling in the U.S. Since there are no badgers here, groundhogs became the substitute.

For many Catholics and Christians, February 2 is a very important date on the liturgical calendar. Called Candlemas or Presentation of the Lord, it marked two events: the presentation of Jesus in the temple and the ritual purification of Mary. Candles are brought to the mass to be blessed. Candles represent Christ being the light of the world and to give light during the year. When he is presented in the temple to the prophet Simeon, he was taken in the arms and blessed.

“Now, Master, you may let your servant go in peace, according to your word, for my eyes have seen your salvation, which you prepared in the sight of all the peoples: a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel.” (Luke 2:22-40)

 The Spring Festival/Chinese Lunar New Year takes place during February and celebrated in East Asia. Millions celebrate it with fireworks, candles, and lanterns along with families gathering for a major feast. Parades, special dances, and performances of all kinds take place during this period. Valentines Day (always February 14) is a day set aside to show your love for that special someone in your life. What perhaps started out as a simple way to honor those we love has morphed into a major commercial event. The February flowers are violet (to signify loyalty, faithfulness and watchfulness) and the primrose (to let someone know you cannot be without them). Of course, roses are the unofficial flower since Valentine’s Day on 14 February usually means a lot of roses are purchased for wives and girlfriends.

Why Do We Need a Leap Year?

When the old Roman calendar was updated to include both January and February, it meant the February was now the last month of the year. To fit into the calendar, it meant that the month could only have 28 days so that a thirteenth month could be fit in. That caused problems as you might guess, so Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar in 46 BC (named for him of course) which abolished the thirteenth month and included a leap year every fourth year where it would be 29 days. This made it fit into the calendar much better (though there was a discrepancy that would be found later that required a new calendar to fix). When the Gregorian calendar was adopted in 1582, this was incorporated into it.

Sources

Adams, Cecil. “How Come February Has Only 28 Days? – the Straight Dope.” The Straight Dope. Last modified July 28, 2020. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.straightdope.com/21341610/how-come-february-has-only-28-days.

Boeckmann, Catherine. “February Calendar 2026: Holidays, Fun Facts, and Folklore.” Almanac.Com. Last modified January 29, 2026. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.almanac.com/content/month-february-holidays-fun-facts-folklore.

Kennedy, Lesley. “The Surprising History of February.” HISTORY. Last modified January 30, 2026. Accessed February 2, 2026. https://www.history.com/articles/february-month-history-facts.

“The Month of February,” https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/months/february.html.

Holidays, Miscellaneous

Today is the Winter Solstice (21 December 2025)

The Winter Solstice occurs between December 20-23 with the sun directly overhead the Tropic of Capricorn. This results in the North Pole being tilted the furthest away making it the shortest day of the year followed by the longest night. The further north you live during winter means less daylight during the winter. Some areas in Alaska or Scandinavia can be nearly dark or near dark during this period. By contrast, those in the Southern Hemisphere celebrate the Summer Solstice, as it marks the beginning of summer. Which is why while people shiver in Philadelphia and New York for Christmas but down in Australia, Christmas is celebrated outdoors with a barbeque.

For the exact time of the Winter Solstice where you are, please go to https://www.timeanddate.com/calendar/seasons.html.

Winter Landscape
George Hodan
Publicdomainpictures.net

Many cultures observed the Winter Solstice as it marked an important time in the agricultural cycle. By this time all crops and livestock had been prepared for winter. Important foodstuffs were stored for the months when virtually nothing grew. Wine and beer, which had been fermenting during the year, was ready. Cattle and pigs would often be killed at the start of winter so they would not have to be fed during this time. The early months of winter were tough in many places and often called the “famine months” since little food was to be found. Many cultures observed the Winter Solstice as a renewal or that the year was reborn. For out of the seeming withdrawal of the sun, it would come back just as strong and powerful as before. Thus, the Winter Solstice was seen by many as the start of a new year such as the old Roman Feast of the Unconquered Sun (Sol Invictus) which happened around the 25th of December.

Sources

———. “Winter Solstice – Date, Definition & Traditions | HISTORY.” HISTORY. Last modified May 28, 2025. Accessed December 20, 2025. https://www.history.com/articles/winter-solstice.

“Winter Solstice.” Encyclopedia Britannica. Last modified December 20, 2025. Accessed December 20, 2025. https://www.britannica.com/science/winter-solstice.

Boeckmann, Catherine. “The First Day of Winter: Winter Solstice 2025.” Almanac.Com. Last modified December 15, 2025. Accessed December 20, 2025. https://www.almanac.com/content/first-day-winter-winter-solstice.

Donvito, Tina. “15 Fascinating Winter Solstice Traditions Around the World.” Reader’s Digest, August 6, 2025. https://www.rd.com/list/winter-solstice-traditions/.

Osen, Frode. “Sol Invictus: The Unconquered Sun in Roman Religion – Roman Empire.” Roman Empire – for Those Thinking About the Roman Empire. Last modified November 23, 2023. Accessed December 20, 2025. https://romanempirehistory.com/roman-gods/sol-invictus/.