April in History
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About the Month of April
April is the 4th month of the year and has 30 days.
Season (Northern Hemisphere): Spring
Holidays
April Fools' Day
Autism Awareness Day
Easter
Earth Day
Arbor Day
National Poetry Month
National Arab American Heritage Month
Teacher Appreciation Week
Jazz Appreciation Month
Alcohol Awareness Month
Cancer Control Month
Symbols of April
- Birthstone: Diamond
- Flower: Daisy and the sweet pea
- Zodiac signs: Aries and Taurus
History:
In the initial Roman calendar April was the second month of the year until January and February were added in 700 BC. It is thought that the name April comes from the Latin word "to open" and describes the trees opening at springtime. It could also be that the name comes from the Greek goddess Aphrodite.
April in Other Languages
- Chinese (Mandarin) - sìyuè
- Danish - april
- French - avril
- Italian - aprile
- Latin - Aprilis
- Spanish - abril
Historical Names:
- Roman: Aprilis
- Saxon: Eosturmonath (Easter month)
- Germanic: Oster-mond
Interesting Facts about April
- It is the second month of spring. It is a time of planting and spring cleaning.
- In the Southern Hemisphere, April is the same as October in the Northern Hemisphere.
- The diamond of April symbolizes innoncence.
- The Boston Marathon is held during April.
- In Ancient Rome the month of April was sacred to the goddess Venus.
- The Japanese fiscal year for most businesses starts on April 1st.
- In England there are many cuckoo festivals. The arrival of the cuckoo bird in April is a signal that spring has arrived.
- April is the month when the professional baseball season begins in the United States.
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