The month of July was named in 44 B.C. by the Roman Senate in honor of general Julius Caesar, being the month of his birth. A sheepish nod on July 1 to our northern neighbors for Canada Day, when we should celebrate our interdependence, our inner-dependence, our independence while sharing the world’s work in a larger community. July also begins with Independence from Stuff Week, a perfect lead-up to the 4th & a different kind of Independence Day featuring fireworks, parades, & cookouts. Our national pride should include those within the diverse Pride movement.
This month can be a steamy, tropical sunbath, & Dog Days (the hot days of summer) begin on July 3; but for relief there is always National Ice Cream Day on the third Sunday of July. A nice alignment happens on July 7 – indulge in goodies on Chocolate Day & then celebrate Global Forgiveness Day, to let you off the hook.
July birthdays: Elwyn Brooks White (born July 11, 1899), was an American writer, essayist, The New Yorker magazine contributing editor & author of highly popular children books: Stuart Little, Charlotte’s Web, & The Trumpet of the Swan; Henry David Thoreau was born July 12th, 1917, & he transcends description; Woody Guthrie, the people’s folk musician was born July 14th, 1912 (also Bastille Day in France, marking the start of the French Revolution); Amelia Earhart, adventuress, was born July 24, 1898, & she wandered & explored the sky; Carl Jung, by coincidence was born July 26, 1875.
The July full moon is called the Buck Moon because it coincides with the time of year when male deer (bucks) are growing their new antlers. Bucks shed & regrow their antlers each year, producing a larger & more impressive set as the years go by. The buck moon is also known as the Thunder Moon (Western Abenaki) because of the summertime storms that are so common this time of year. On July 20, 1969 (Moon Day), Neil Armstrong became the first person to set foot on the Moon, & he also placed the U.S. flag there.
July is Peak Summer, with warm weather & sunshine, tempting us to outdoor activities like walking, swimming, camping, hiking, beach days, & more. Get outside & go wild! (but stay hydrated & cool).