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The Month of June

Juno is the ancient Roman goddess of marriage and childbirth. And the month of June is still a popular month for weddings today! As a natural extension of marriage, Juno was also the goddess of childbirth. Another interpretation of the origins of “June” says that the name came from the Latin juvenis, “young people,” who were celebrated at this time.

Juno, in Roman religion, was the chief goddess and female counterpart of Jupiter, similar to the relationship between the Greek Hera and Zeus. Perhaps not surprisingly, given her role of protector of women and children, this powerful queen of the gods was also considered the fierce protector and special counselor of the state and a guardian angel warning those in times of danger.

Learn more about the origins of the months’ names.

June Calendar

The Old Farmer’s �������� calendar highlights individual holidays. We traditionally do not highlight “month” themes.

• June 5 is World Environment Day—a day meant to raise environmental awareness across the globe.
• June 14 is Flag Day (U.S.). Be sure to raise the flag! Learn about the U.S. Flag Code, which provides guidelines for displaying the American flag properly.
• June 16 is Father’s Day this year. Find activity ideas and learn about the history of Father’s Day.
• June 19 is Juneteenth (also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day). On this day in 1865, Union General Gordon Granger read the Emancipation Proclamation aloud in Galveston, Texas, effectively liberating enslaved people in the state, which had thus far been beyond control of the Union Army.
• June 20 is the summer solstice, which heralds the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. It’s the day with the most hours of daylight. In the Southern Hemisphere, winter begins at this time.
• June 21 is this month’s Full Moon.  Find out why it’s called the Strawberry Moon!
• In Canada, June 21 is National Indigenous Peoples Day (Canada), recognizing the contributions of the many First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples.
• June 24 brings Midsummer Day, also St. John the Baptist’s Feast Day. Traditionally, this was the midpoint of the growing season, halfway between planting and harvesting. It is celebrated in many cultures on the night of June 23, as Midsummer Eve! Learn all about Midsummer traditions.
• June 28 is the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall Riots—a watershed moment for LGBT rights in the United States. 

Cut your thistles before St. John [June 24],
You will have two instead of one.

“Just for Fun” Days

Here are more fun days to celebrate this June:

June 1: Say Something Nice Day
June 3: Chimborazo Day
June 6: National Yo-Yo Day
June 8: Upsy Daisy Day
June 21: Go Skateboarding Day
June 30: Asteroid Day

June Astronomy

The Full Strawberry Moon

June’s full Moon, the full Strawberry Moon, occurs on Friday, June 21. It reaches peak illumination at 9:08 P.M. (EDT) that evening. See your local Moon Phase Calendar.

Bright Plants of June

On June 1, after sunset, a gorgeous three-way conjunction of Saturn, Mars, and the crescent Moon occurs. See Bob’s June Sky Watch.

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Which of the following is a traditional gift to give on a 19th wedding anniversary?

A. aquamarine
B. china 
C. coral
D. lace

(To see the answer, scroll to the bottom of the page!)

Recipes for the Season

Summer brings juicy fruit ripened by the Sun and many garden treats to the table! Try:

• Lemon-Zucchini Muffins
• 10 Spectacular Strawberry Recipes
• Caprese Bruschetta

See our favorite summer recipes for more seasonal recipes.

June Gardening

The month of leaves and roses,
When pleasant sights salute the eyes,
And pleasant scents the noses.
–N. P. Willis (1807-67)

• Everything’s coming up roses in June! See our Roses Growing Guide.
• How are the tomatoes doing? See our Tomato Growing Guide for pest control and tips.
• Got slugs, weeds, or other annoying insects? See our Pests and Problems library.
• Mow grass when it’s 2 to 3 inches high. See our top lawn care tips.
• For all your cut flowers, see how to make your bouquets last!

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Summer Forecast

It looks like this summer will be another hot one! Surprised? Check out our Summer Forecast to find out what summer has in store for your area!

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If June be sunny, harvest comes early.

June damp and warm does the farmer no harm.

See your 5-day forecast and long-range weather forecast to plan ahead!

Everyday Advice

• Wedding season is upon us! Check your wedding weather and ideas for great wedding gifts.
• If you like horoscopes, see predictions for your Zodiac sign for June.
• Planning to paint the house? See how much paint you need and how to choose a paintbrush.
• Since the weather is warm, try saving some money this summer by using a clothesline to dry your clothes instead of the dryer.

Nature and Wildlife

June is also a big month for fishing. Check out the best fishing days of the year.

If you’re an angler, learning something new or share your own tip:

• Unbelievable (But True) Bait Secrets
• What to Put in a Fishing Tackle Box

To help you catch this year’s prize fish, check out the Four Fundamentals of Successful Fishing.

June’s Birth Flower: Honeysuckle or Rose

June’s birth flowers are the rose and the honeysuckle.

• A rose,in general, indicates love or desire. Specific roses may relay other messages. For example, a white rose may mean “silence” or “new beginnings,” while a yellow rose signifies “jealousy.”

• The honeysuckle denotes the bonds of love, or generous and devoted affection.

Learn more about June’s birth month flowers.

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June’s birthstone is generally considered to be the Pearl, as well as Alexandrite and Moonstone. 

Pearls are associated with purity, honesty, and calmness. If you dream of a pearl ring, expect romance.

Rhyme Time

Ah, happy day, refuse to go!
Hang in the heavens forever so!
Forever in midafternoon,
Ah, happy day of happy June!

–Harriet Elizabeth Prescott Spofford, American writer (1835–1921)

Answer to Quiz: A.
B., 20th year; C., 35th year; D., 13th year.