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
PeridotAlso: Spinel, Sardonyx
Western signs
LeoJuly 23 - August 22VirgoAugust 23 - September 22
Chinese zodiac
Year requiredThe animal changes at Chinese New Year
01

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 guide
02

Gemstone 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!

Primary stone
Peridot
Recognized alternatives
Spinel, Sardonyx
Hardness
6.5-7 on Mohs scale

Crystal tradition note: The symbolic meanings on this site describe spiritual or cultural beliefs, not medical effects.

Open the GIA-referenced August stone guide
03

Western zodiac

Two signs overlap August

Astrology note: These are conventional tropical date ranges. Traits and compatibility are interpretations within astrology, not measured outcomes.

04

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