Joyous June: Special Days In The Month Of June :: 2009 Edition
June is so cool, it’s hot! School is almost over and summer’s about to begin! June is the month when we really start feeling like winter is over and done with for another year – the weather is getting warmer and the sun is shining almost every day … it’s time to celebrate June!
Why June?
There are a few stories about how the month of June was named. Thousands of years ago, the Ancient Romans named the month after the goddess Juno, who was the patron of marriage and also responsible for looking after the wellbeing of women. The name “June” also comes from the Latin word “juvenis,” which means “young people.”
June Customs
June includes a couple of interesting (and exciting!) customs. The first is the custom of marriage. Ever heard the term "June bride"? It refers to the fact more people get married in June than any other month. Contrary to popular belief, this tradition did NOT come about because of the dependable weather. Actually, there are a number of interesting reasons J-U-N-E spells "marriage."
For instance, some classical scholars believe the month of June is actually named after Juno, the Roman goddess of marriage. Fast-forward a few centuries and you'll find another good reason to book a banquet hall for June: according to one old wives' tale, "Marry in the month of May, and you'll surely rue the day. Marry when June roses grow, over land and sea you'll go."
Next is one every kid in the Northern Hemisphere relates to and looks forward to all year long: the end of the school year! But school actually wraps up in different months depending on where in the world you live. The idea is to give kids a break from studying so they can do other things while the weather is nice – in the summer. So, students in the Southern Hemisphere (south of the equator) actually finish their school year in January, since that’s the month summer starts for them.
According to some people, school ends at the beginning of summer because that’s usually when exams are given, and the fewest number of students will be sick and miss exams when the weather is nice.
Special Days
There are quite a few special days North Americans observe during the month of June – some serious and others that are kind of silly and fun. Check them out!
Dairy Month: Find out why milk is so important to your overall health and nutrition.
Great Outdoors Month: Meet some real-live kids who had the most incredible outdoor adventures!
National Adopt-A-Cat Month: So many cats and kittens in the world are looking to be adopted into their new forever homes. If you’ve been thinking of adopting a cat, June is the month to do it! Be sure to adopt from a rescue group or animal shelter to make sure you’re giving a cat who really needs it a good home. You can also learn all about furry felines at Kidzworld.com:
National Iced Tea Month: Sweet, cool, refreshing iced tea is part of our favorite Sun-sational Summer Snacks list.
National Tennis Month: Raise a racket and learn how to play tennis this summer!
National Zoo & Aquarium Month: People have different opinions about zoos – is it ethical to keep animals locked up in cages? Are there any educational benefits to zoos? Either way, zoos do exist and some of the cutest animals live in them. Check out an adorable baby kangaroo named Tijana, who lives in a Serbian zoo.
Kidzworld also has cool facts and info on some of the most amazing aquariums in America: check out our reports on The Monterey Bay Aquarium in San Francisco and SeaWorld Adventure Park in Florida.
Fishing Week - 1st Week In June: Get kid-friendly tips and advice on fishing equipment, techniques and gear.
Clay Week - 2nd Week In June: If you’re heading to art camp this summer, you may find yourself working with clay. If camp isn’t in your plans, check out this cool pottery wheel you can use at home.
Camping Week - 4th Week In June: For many kids, summer equals camping! Check out these cool articles about North America’s favorite activity:
June 1:
June 3 - Egg Day: Some people call eggs nature’s most perfect food. They’re a great source of protein, as well as 11 essential nutrients. Best of all, they’re dead-easy to make – even in the microwave. Check out our kid-friendly, super-fast, yummy-yummy
June 4:
June 5:
June 6:
June 9 - Donald’s Duck Birthday (1934): In honor of our favorite cartoon quacker, learn how to take care of ducklings.
June 11: Premiere of E.T. The Movie in 1982.
June 12:
June 13 - Mary Kate & Ashley Olsen’s Birthday:
June 14 - World Juggling Day: Learn how to juggle – if you like it, consider getting yourself a real set of juggling cups.
June 15 - Fly A Kite Day:
June 17 - Eat Your Vegetables Day: As a kid, it may not be your favorite day of the year. But the more you learn about your health and nutrition, the more you will understand why it’s so important to eat your veggies. The Food Guide Pyramid can help you learn more.
June 18 - International Picnic Day: Pack the picnic basket and head out into the great outdoors! KW shows you healthy, energizing picnic food you can bring.
June 19: Garfield’s Birthday
June 20:
June 21* - Father’s Day:
*June 21, 2009, is also the first day of summer!
June 26:
June 29 - Camera Day: Get snappy with Photography 101.
June 30:
The arena lights go out. Silence fills the slightly chilled air. Then the music starts – and the magic begins! Figure skaters like Rachael Flatt seem to glide effortlessly across the ice, their costumes sparkling just like their talent.
The seventh season of American Idol has just wrapped up and David Cook has snagged the title. Get the 411 on David and all the other AI winners!