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July

physical science Maturity 11-13 Next article →

July is the seventh month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It consists of exactly 31 days. This month marks a significant transition because the second half of the year begins in July. Depending on where you live on Earth, the weather and seasons during this month vary greatly. In the Northern Hemisphere, July is the second month of summer. It is often the warmest month for these regions.

Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry juillet
Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry juillet

The climate during July depends on your hemisphere. In the Northern Hemisphere, people often experience hot and sultry weather. Some people refer to the start of this intense heat as the "dog days." Conversely, July is the second month of winter in the Southern Hemisphere. It is frequently the coldest month for those living there. For people in the Southern Hemisphere, July serves as the seasonal equivalent to January in the North.

Breviarium Grimani - Juli
Breviarium Grimani - Juli

Recent environmental data shows a shift in global temperature patterns. In recent decades, the number of warm temperature records in July has outpaced cold temperature records. This trend is occurring over a growing portion of the Earth's surface. Scientists track these changes using global temperature anomalies. These measurements help us understand how July's warmth is changing compared to the pre-industrial era.

07 July - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA
07 July - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA

The history of July involves a major name change by the Roman Senate. Before the name was changed, the month was called Quintilis. This name reflected its position as the fifth month in a calendar that began in March. In 44 B.C., the Senate renamed the month to honor Julius Caesar. Caesar was a famous Roman general and statesman. The month was chosen for this honor because it was the month of his birth.

Breviarium Grimani - Juli
Breviarium Grimani - Juli

July is associated with several distinct symbols and zodiac signs. The birthstone for the month is the ruby, a gemstone that symbolizes contentment.

Ruby gem
Ruby gem

There are also two specific birth flowers: the blue delphinium, also known as larkspur, and the white water lily.

Baker's Larkspur (5933879987)
Baker's Larkspur (5933879987)
2016 Kwiat grzybieni białych 2
2016 Kwiat grzybieni białych 2

Regarding astrology, the zodiac signs transition during the month. The sign of Cancer lasts until July 22. The sign of Leo begins on July 23. For example, the junction between these signs occurred at 08:36 UT/GMT on July 22, 2020.

Many nations and cultures observe specific holidays and celebrations during this month. In the United States, Independence Day is celebrated on July 4.

Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986
Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986

Canada celebrates Canada Day on July 1.

In New Zealand, the Māori New Year, known as Matariki, can fall anywhere from late June to late July. Other observances include the Season of Emancipation in Barbados, which runs from April 14 to August 23. These diverse events show how July holds importance across many different global traditions.

July also connects to various religious and social observances. In the Catholic tradition, July is recognized as the Month of the Most Precious Blood of Jesus. In the United States, several themes are highlighted, such as National Hot Dog Month and National Ice Cream Month. Other observances include Disability Pride Month. Because many calendars are used worldwide, July also includes dates from the Bahá'í, Islamic, and Jewish calendars. These non-Gregorian observances often begin at sundown before the listed date and end at sundown on the day of the event.

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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:Ruby gem.JPG
Ruby gem.JPG
File:Baker's Larkspur (5933879987).jpg
Baker's Larkspur (5933879987).jpg
File:2016 Kwiat grzybieni białych 2.jpg
2016 Kwiat grzybieni białych 2.jpg
File:07 July - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA.svg
07 July - Percent of global area at...
File:Breviarium Grimani - Juli.jpg
Breviarium Grimani - Juli.jpg
File:Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry juillet.jpg
Les Très Riches Heures du duc de Berry juillet.jpg
File:Fourth of July fireworks behind the Washington Monument, 1986.jpg
Fourth of July fireworks behind the...
File:Canada Day 2014 @ Canada Place (14373380559).jpg
Canada Day 2014 @ Canada Place (14373380559).jpg
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