Birthstone – Peridot

August 2018

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The peridot, the birthstone for the month of August, is a beautiful stone that ranges in color from olive to lime green, although it sometimes has a brownish tint. It is one of the few gemstones that is found in one color. The green color is due to the presence of iron. Stones with a brownish tint have higher levels of iron.

Special Days Watermelon Day

August 3

Friendship Day August 5

Civic Holiday (Canada) August 6

Lefthanders Day August 13

Full Sturgeon Moon August 26

Women’s Equality Day

August 26

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Flower of the Month – Gladiolus The gladiolus is a flowering plant that belongs to the iris family. It grows most frequently in the Mediterranean region, Asia, and the tropical parts of Africa, where its pink, purple, and white flowers can blossom in the full sunlight.

The stems and leaves of the gladiolus stand tall and have pointed tips. It comes as no surprise, then, that the gladiolus flower gets its name from the Latin word for sword (gladius). In ancient times, it also went by the name of xiphium, after the Greek word xiphos, which also means “sword.” In Rome, the gladiolus is still regarded as the flower of the gladiators.

The gladiolus can represent many different things. For example, in many cultures it signifies remembrance, but the Victorians used the gladiolus as a symbol of infatuation, implying that the giver’s heart has been “pierced” with passion.

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The peridot is one of the oldest known gemstones. It has ties to ancient Egypt, where it was often shaped into beads and worn for protection. The ancient Egyptians believed the stone could protect its wearer from evil. It is believed that Cleopatra’s emerald collection was actually a collection of peridot gems and not emeralds.

The largest peridot ever found weighs 311.78 carats and belongs to the Smithsonian. The Kremlin owns a 192-carat peridot of fine, clear olive green. The stone is part of the Russian crown jewels.

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In fact, they exude self-confidence and outgoingness. It’s no surprise that they make great public speakers. Since patience is not one of their virtues, they are quick to make decisions.

August 24–31: Pine People who fell off the pine tree are very active and creative. Even though they can be perfectionists, they make great companions. They are frugal and know how to stretch the buck and yet still live comfortably.

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August 1–4: Cypress Those who fell from the cypress tree are very faithful. They love to be around other people and are extremely adaptable to new situations. They are optimistic and take what life has to offer. They tend to be very content. August 5–13: Poplar People who fell from the poplar tree take their friendships and spousal relationships very seriously. They tend to be loyal. They can be relied upon in almost any situation. They are also imaginative and creative.

August 14–23: Cedar Those who fell from the cedar tree are not in the least bit shy.

August Birthdays Francis Scott Key (composer) – August 1, 1779 Martha Stewart (businesswoman) – August 3, 1941 Louis Armstrong (musician) – August 4, 1901 Neil Armstrong (astronaut) – August 5, 1930 Allegra Kent (ballerina) – August 11, 1937 Mae West (actress) – August 17, 1893 Robert DeNiro (actor) – August 17, 1943 Connie Chung (journalist) – August 20, 1946 Dorothy Parker (writer) – August 22, 1893 Leonard Bernstein (composer) – August 25, 1918 Leo Tolstoy (writer) – August 28, 1828 Van Morrison (musician) – August 31, 1945

August’s Here “The brilliant poppy flaunts her head

Amidst the ripening grain, And adds her voice to swell the song

That August’s here again.” ~ Helen Maria Winslow

Take a Birthday Bough:

Weather or Not As the summer nears its end and we inch closer to fall, let’s use some August weather lore to try to predict what the next winter will be like!

Pay attention to the first week of this month— if it is unusually warm, it means that the coming winter will be snowy and long.

Was this month cold? If so, it means that the following winter will be harsh and dry.

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What’s Lucky in August?

Lucky Color: Yellow Lucky Day: Sunday Lucky Numbers: 5 and 7 Lucky Letter: D Lucky Plant: Gladiolus

Monthly Gazette August 2018