As most people know, August is the eighth Month of the year coming after July and before September. However, there are some interesting things that people might not know about that summer month that has 31 days like July. August is named after the Roman emperor, Augustus.

Interesting things about the month

August might be the busiest month of the summer because a lot of people want to go on vacation before their kids return to school in September. People born in August fall under two zodiac signs, Leo and Virgo, depending on the date. Also, there are two birthstones for those born in August, peridot, and sardonyx.

Peridot is green and said to be one of the oldest gemstones. Sardonyx is white and brown and is not as popular. The official flower for August is the tall vertical growing gladiolus.

August observances

From the very beginning of August until the very end, there are days to celebrate something even though there is no major holiday. The very first Tuesday is National Night Out. That observance started in 1984. Local police show up in communities where neighbors get to know them. They celebrate together at social events that could include block parties, cook outs, or festivals.

There are other special days observed ranging from recognizing certain foods, events, and activities that deserve attention.

Some well-known people will celebrate their birthday this month. Celebrities born in August include Halle Berry, Meagan Good, Dustin Hoffman, Martin Sheen, Martha Stewart, Jeff Gordon, Deion Sanders, Charlize Theron, Billy Bob Thornton, and former president Barack Obama.

Purchasing advice

Most people with school age children know that August is a month when stores have special sales on school supplies and clothes.

Sixteen states have no tax days starting around August 4. Shoppers can buy some items without having to pay any sales tax.

Since summer is coming to an end, stores want to get rid of summer clothes to make room for their winter merchandise. Therefore, it is a good time to stock up on summer clothes while they are marked down.

The same thing goes for patio and outdoor summer furniture.

You might be tempted to buy certain items, but have patience and wait to purchase a new television and electronics because they will be less expensive in just a few weeks. Even though you will see winter clothes in stores at the end of summer, try to wait until October when they will be on sale.