Now that it's April, spring has definitely sprung! The temperatures are creeping up, the flowers are starting to bloom, and the grass is finally looking nice and green again (for the Northern Hemisphere at least).
We're so happy to see you, April!Courtesy of weheartit.com
History
- The name April comes from the Latin name Aprilis, but experts aren't completely sure what the origin is beyond that. Some have speculated that the name comes from the Latin word aperire, which means "to open," presumably because it is during April that most of those beautiful spring flowers open up.
- In ancient Roman times, the month of April was closely associated with the Roman goddess Venus, who symbolized love, prosperity, and fertility. It's interesting to note that the corresponding goddess in Greek myth is Aphrodite, and some historians have thought that the month was actually named after her.
- April is the fourth month of our modern calendar, but in the ancient Roman calendar it was often thought of as the second month (because January and February were not a part of the calendar).
Venus was not only the Roman goddess of love, but also of victory. Courtesy of italianrenaissance.org
Fun Facts
- If you were born in April, your birthstone is the diamond. Lucky you! Diamonds are thought to be symbolic of eternal love, and also represent balance, clarity, and inner strength.
- If you were born in April but before the 19th, your astrological sign is Aries, and if you were born between the 20th and the 30th, your sign is Taurus. Those born under the sign of Aries are often upbeat leaders, and those who are Taurus are known to be reliable and ambitious.
- In Thailand, the new year is celebrated in April, from April 13-15. Some traditions include visiting Buddhist temples, visiting loved ones and family members, parades, and even giant street-wide water fights!
This Thai tradition sure looks like fun!Courtesy of thecottagesuvarnabhumi.com
Famous Birthdays
- Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826), one of the founding fathers of the United States, was born on April 13, 1743. He was one of the writers of the Declaration of Independence, and was the third president of the US.
- Leonardo da Vinci (1452-1519), famous renaissance artist and mathematician, was born on April 15, 1452. He is known for painting the iconic Mona Lisa, as well as for his forward-thinking ideas and designs surrounding solar power, civil engineering, and hydrodynamics.
- Playwright William Shakespeare (1564-1616) was born on April 23, 1564. You've probably studied his writing before; many of his plays are still taught in school, including Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and Macbeth.
- Queen Elizabeth II, one of the longest reigning monarchs in British history, was born on April 21, 1926. She's been queen since 1953!
Leonardo da Vinci is one of the most famous artists of all time!Courtesy of biography.com
Now that you've got a little background on April, get out and joy this gorgeous spring month!
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