Month 08 · symbolic almanac
August
birth symbols
August birth symbols: Gladiolus and Poppy flowers; Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx birthstones; and Leo and Virgo zodiac signs.
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Immediate answer
August at a glance
- Primary flower
- GladiolusAlternative: Poppy
- Primary stone
- PeridotTraditional list: Sardonyx
- Western signs
- LeoJuly 23 - August 22VirgoAugust 23 - September 22
- Chinese zodiac
- Year requiredThe animal changes at Chinese New Year
Flower tradition
Gladiolus & Poppy
Gladiolus symbolizes strength of character, honor, and faithfulness. Named after the Latin word for sword, it represents moral integrity and the strength to stand by one's convictions.
- Botanical name
- Gladiolus spp.
- Alternative botanical name
- Papaver spp.
- Symbolic keywords
- Strength · Integrity · Honor · Remembrance
Tradition note: Flower meanings and personality associations are symbolic traditions, not scientific traits assigned by birth month.
Open the sourced August flower guideGemstone tradition
Peridot & Spinel & Sardonyx
Peridot is one of the few gemstones that occurs in only one color - olive green. It's formed deep in the Earth's mantle and brought to surface by volcanic activity. Some peridot even comes from meteorites!
- Modern list
- Peridot, Spinel, Sardonyx
- Traditional list
- Sardonyx
- Hardness
- 6.5-7 on Mohs scale
Two lists, two answers: Sardonyx is the older August stone. Peridot became the modern primary, and spinel was added in 2016.
Crystal tradition note: The symbolic meanings on this site describe spiritual or cultural beliefs, not medical effects.
Open the GIA-referenced August stone guideWestern zodiac
Two signs overlap August
Leo can begin on July 22 or July 23 depending on the year. Virgo can begin on August 22 or August 23 depending on the year. A sign starts when the Sun reaches its point on the ecliptic, and that moment drifts by up to about a day across the leap-year cycle, so a birthday on a boundary day cannot be settled from a date table alone.
Astrology note: These are conventional tropical date ranges. Traits and compatibility are interpretations within astrology, not measured outcomes.
Chinese zodiac calendar
The year—and its New Year boundary—matters
A month alone cannot produce an exact Chinese zodiac animal. January and February birthdays can belong to the preceding zodiac year until Chinese New Year occurs.
Calculate with the maintained boundary table