July is the seventh month, and is called “Dog Days” because it’s the warmest month in the Northern Hemisphere.
FACTS: Astrological Signs: Cancer and Leo; Birthstone: Ruby; Colors: Green, Russet and Red; Flowers: Delphinium, commonly called Larkspur and Water Lily; Birds: Raven and Bald Eagle; Animals: Crab and Lion; Trees: Apple, Fir, Elm and Cypress; Day Observed: Independence Day and approximately 64 Special/Wacky Days.
Cancer is the fourth sign in the Zodiac, its symbol is the crab and the element is water. Cancer people are “roots” kind of people who take great pleasure in the comforts of home and family. These people are nurturers and being a water sign are sensitive, emotional and their feelings run deep. Leo is the fifth sign in the Zodiac, its symbol is the lion and the element is fire. The ruler of this sign is the Sun. Being a fire sign is an indicator of creativity, these people are self-sufficient, spontaneous and possess a tremendous zest for life.
July has the birthstone of Ruby. The ruby represents love, health and wisdom. This gemstone is the most valuable and its value increases based on color and quality. It’s said that rubies bestow good fortune on its owner.
The colors are green, russet and red. Green is associated with money, the environment and revitalization, as well as rebirth. Russet means sorrow or grave seriousness. Red is passion and is associated with energy, war, danger, strength, power and determination.
July’s flowers are Larkspur and Water Lily. Larkspur symbolizes an open heart and ardent attachment and give a feeling of lightness and levity. The Water Lily is associated with rebirth and optimism, fertility, sexuality and creation, as well as beauty, purity of heart and enlightenment. The scientific name is Nymphaea, which means nymph, which is a feminine spirit that inhabited water bodies like wells, waterways and springs.
The birds for July are Raven, which stands for embodiment of grief caused by loneliness and separation. This bird represents evil and death. The other bird is the Bald Eagle, which is fierce beauty and proud independence, as well as strength and freedom, which is why it was selected as the national ensign for America.
The animals for July are the Crab and the Lion. The Crab signifies prosperity, success and high status in Chinese symbolism. The Crab means self-protection, boundaries and teaching others how to treat you. The second animal is the Lion, meaning strength, courage and leadership.
July 1 to July 4 is the Apple tree, the symbol of knowledge, immortality, temptation and the fall of man and sin. July 5 to 14 is the Fir tree, which means honesty, truth and forthrightness because it grows on the straight and narrow. July 15 to 25 is the Elm tree, the main aspect is strength and is associated with Mother and Earth Goddesses. July 26 to 31 is the Cypress tree, which is associated with death and mourning.
The main day observed in July is Independence Day. This is the most significant American holiday commemorating the signing of the Declaration of Independence, which was approved on July 4, 1776. There was a committee of five men — Benjamin Franklin, John Adams, Roger Sherman, Robert Livingston and Thomas Jefferson. Thomas Jefferson was appointed true author; 56 men from the 13 colonies actually signed the Declaration of Independence on Aug. 2, 1776. On July 4, 1776, we separated from Great Britain and became a sovereign nation. Truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator, certain inalienable Rights, among them Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness. These became known as some of our ideals of our country. The result has been this shining light on a hill, the United States of America, the freest, most creative, productive and richest nation in the history of mankind.
Due to COVID-19, some regular events have been canceled but I did find at least one.
Remember, there is always Wednesday in the Park at Soldotna Creek Park.
Check the Chamber of Commerces in Kenai, Nikiski Soldotna, Sterling, Kasilof, Anchor Point, Homer and Seward.
Being in Alaska in July there is always air tours, fishing tours, hiking trails, Kenai River Rafting and Kenai River Float Trips, all of which is COVID-19 mandated friendly.
Now here’s some July trivia:
July 2, 1913, from Weeks Field in Fairbanks, Alaska the first airplane flight occurred.
July 4, 1892, the nucleus of all Alaska reindeer herds arrived at Teller from Siberia.
July 7, 1958, President Eisenhower signed the Alaska Statehood Act.
July 8,1923, Mount McKinley National Park was dedicated.
July 9, 1927, the Alaska flag was flown for the first time in Seward, Alaska.
July 15, 1922, President Harding drove in the golden spike marking the completion of the Alaska Railroad in Nenana.
July 16, 1741, the explorer Vitus Bering reached Alaska.
July 21, 1982, Dr. Miri Ercolani was the first solo woman to ascend Denali.
July 23, 1957, in Kenai, Alaska there was an oil strike.
July 27, 1977, Prudoe Bay oil reached Valdez via the Trans-Alaska Pipeline for the first time.
July 29, 1900, White Pass and Yukon Route had the last rail laid.
July was named by the Roman Senate in honor of the Roman general, Julius Caesar, it being the month of his birth. Prior to that, it was called Quintilis.
In Alaska there’s always something to do, fishing, kayaking, bear watching, hiking, camping, taking fjord trips and the train out of Whittier. Come join the fun, but be safe.
July is a celebration of the season. This month means sunshine and summer and all of its radiant glory.
People born in July can be sensitive, emotional, self-sufficient and possess a tremendous zest for life.
By BONNIE MARIE PLAYLE
