July facts for kids

July is the seventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It has 31 days. The Roman Senate named July in honor of the Roman general Julius Caesar in 44 B.C. This was the month of his birth. Before this, July was called Quintilis, which meant "fifth month" because the old calendar started in March.

July is usually the warmest month in most of the Northern Hemisphere, where it is the second month of summer. It is also the coldest month in much of the Southern Hemisphere, where it is the second month of winter. The second half of the year begins in July. In the Southern Hemisphere, July feels like January in the Northern Hemisphere.

July's Symbols

The Ruby gemstone

July's birthstone is the ruby. This gem often stands for happiness and feeling content.

Blue delphinium (Larkspur)

White water lily

The birth flowers for July are the larkspur and the water lily. The zodiac signs for July are Cancer (until July 22) and Leo (from July 23 onward).

Fun Facts and Observances in July

Many countries and groups celebrate special days and events in July. Here are some of them:

Month-Long Celebrations

• In the United States, July is known as:

* National Hot Dog Month * National Ice Cream Month * Disability Pride Month

Special Days and Holidays

Canada Day is celebrated on July 1

• July 1: Canada Day is celebrated in Canada. It marks the day Canada became a country in 1867.
• July 4: Independence Day is celebrated in the United States. This day remembers when the U.S. declared its independence in 1776.

Fireworks in Washington, DC, to celebrate Independence Day on July 4

• July 10: Independence Day is celebrated in the Bahamas.
• July 14: Bastille Day is a national holiday in France. It celebrates the storming of the Bastille prison in 1789, a key event in the French Revolution.
• July 18: Nelson Mandela International Day is celebrated around the world. It honors Nelson Mandela's birthday and his work for peace and freedom.
• July 20: Independence Day is celebrated in Colombia.
• July 21: Belgian National Day is celebrated in Belgium.
• July 23: National Hot Dog Day is celebrated in the United States.
• July 24: Pioneer Day is celebrated in Utah, United States.
• July 25: Puerto Rico Constitution Day is celebrated in Puerto Rico.
• July 26: Independence Day is celebrated in Liberia.
• July 29: International Tiger Day is celebrated worldwide to raise awareness for tiger conservation.
• July 30: Independence Day is celebrated in Vanuatu.

Movable Observances

• Shark Week (United States) – A popular TV event about sharks.
• Parents' Day (United States) – Celebrated on the fourth Sunday of July.
• System Administrator Appreciation Day – Celebrated on the last Friday of July.

Images for kids

• 

  July from an old book called Breviarium Grimani

• 

  July, from the Très Riches Heures du Duc de Berry

See also

• List of historical anniversaries