July is the seventh month of the year. (Wow, is 2023 flying by.) July was named in honor of Julius Caesar, (born 100 B.C., and died 44 B.C.) Julius Caesar is responsible for the calendar as we know it – 365 days and for the existence of a leap year which occurs every 4 years. July’s birthstone is ruby. It is considered the king of gems. The ruby symbolizes love, passion, energy, and success. July’s birth flowers are the larkspur and waterlily. The waterlily symbolizes purity of heart. The larkspur in white form indicates lightheartedness (perfect choice for July). The flower in purple form represents first love.
When I think of July, the first two words that come to mind is summer, summer, and fun, fun. Visions of barbecues, picnics, sandcastles, warm summer nights, swimming in the ocean, jumping in the pool, and fireworks come to mind. I am a foodie, and hotdogs, hamburgers, ice cold beer, corn on the cob, fresh fruit, ripe watermelon, and ice cream, awaken my tastebuds. As for the holidays, there are a number of memorable, important, and whimsical holidays in July outlined later in the post.
Of course, we celebrate the 4th of July– Independence Day, which is the biggest holiday. I love Independence Day! It signals the best of summer. I, for one, am a “Yankee Doodle Dandy,” and watch that movie with James Cagney every year as well as the musical, “1776”. If you have never seen 1776, I urge you to do so, as it gives a good historical perspective of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and what the founding fathers personally experienced to get to the actual signing.
It is time for waving the flag, and appreciating the freedom and life we enjoy living in the U.S. Our freedom came at a price, and the men and women who fought for the nation’s independence from Britain need to be remembered. America was a great experiment, and the ideals, ideas, and blood, sweat, and tears of the Founding Fathers should be honored and celebrated.
Ironically, both John Adams, a founding father who signed the Declaration of Independence, as well as the second president of the United States, and Thomas Jefferson, the author of the Declaration of Independence, and the third president of the United States, both died on July 4. James Monroe, another founding father and the fifth president of the United States, although he did not sign the Declaration of Independence, also died on July 4. Talk about divine providence. July 4 was remembered immediately in the new nation.
Ironically, this year, the buck moon will rise on Monday, July 3, reaching peak illumination at 7:39 a.m. Eastern time. Being the day before the 4th of July, it should make for dazzling firework displays. The buck moon gets its name because the antlers of the male deer (bucks) are in full growth mode at this time. Bucks shed and regrow their antlers each year producing a larger and more impressive set as years go by. One can only hope that holds true for us as well.
Some other holidays that we celebrate this month:
July 5 National Bikini Day and National Alcoholic Day.
July 6 International Kissing Day and National Fried Chicken Day.
July 7 World Chocolate Day, Tell the Truth Day, National Fathers Daughter Take a Walk Day
July 10 National Kitten Day.
July 11 National Swimming Pool Day, All American Pet Photo Day
July 12 National Simplicity Day
July 17 National Ice Cream Day, World Day for International Justice
July 20 National Hot Dog Day, National Lollipop Day
July 23 National Gorgeous Grandma Day
July 24 National Parents Day
July 25 National Hot Fudge Sundae Day, National Wine and Cheese Day
July 27 National Crème Brule Day
July 28 National Milk Chocolate Day
July 30 National Father-in-Law Day and World Day Against Trafficking Persons
July 31 National Math Day.
This 4th of July, look up at the sky to watch the fireworks and admire the buck moon. God bless America! Have a fun summer and enjoy!
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