The month of Augustus
August is the eighth month of the year. It has thirty-one days. In
ancient Roman times, when the year began in March, August was the sixth
month and had thirty days. This month was called Sextilis, meaning
“sixth.”
After Julius Caesar was killed, Augustus, his nephew, became emperor of
Rome. The Romans wanted to honor Augustus by naming a month for him,
just as they had done for his uncle. Augustus chose to have the month
Sextilis renamed in his honor.
Long ago, the English people had many names for August. One was
Weod-monath, or “Weed month.” During this month, weeds grew rapidly.
Another name was Scere- monath, or “Shear month,” because sheep had
their wool sheared, or cut off, at this time.
Since August was also the month when the first wheat was harvested, a
feast was held to give thanks for the grain used to make loaves of
bread. This custom gave the month the name Hlaf-maesse, or “Loaf
Feast.”
