The revolutionary spirit in July continues into August with a large amount of independence days taking place around the world as many countries threw off their colonial shackles during this month. The biggest religious festival in August this year is the widely observed, but not well known Christian festival of Assumption.
Month info: Originally called Sextilis by the Romans. In 8 BC it was renamed in honor of Augustus. It was chosen to honour his victories that took place in this month. The Anglo-Saxons called August “weod-monath” (weed month).
Featured Holiday in August
August 15: Indian Independence Day
Indian Independence Day is always celebrated on 15 August. It is the National Day of India.
Also known as ‘I-Day’, this public holiday marks 15 August 1947, when India became a dominion within the Commonwealth.
Friction between Hindus and Muslims led the British to partition British India, creating East and West Pakistan.
Notable Holidays in August
August 1: Swiss National Day
On August 1st 1291, three forest cantons of Uri, Schwyz, and Unterwalden signed the Federal Charter, which is seen as the foundation of Switzerland.
In German it is known as ‘Schweizer Bundesfeier’ ; in French as ‘Fête nationale Suisse’; in Italian as ‘Festa nazionale svizzera’ and Romansh as ‘ Fiasta naziunala Svizra’.
It was in 1891 that the date of Swiss National day was first decided upon, though it took over a hundred years before the Swiss decided to have a vote and give themselves the day off. Following the vote in September 1993, the day became an official national holiday in 1994.
August 1: Emancipation Day
This holiday marks the end of slavery in the British Empire.
It is a public holiday in several Caribbean countries and though the holiday commemorates events that took place on 1 August 1834, it may be celebrated in different days in these countries.
Slavery was finally abolished throughout the British Empire by the Slavery Abolition Act 1833, which came into effect on August 1st 1834. The territories controlled at that time by the East India Company, Ceylon (modern-day Sri Lanka) and St. Helen’s were excluded. Slavery was not abolished in these regions until 1843.
August 15: Assumption
The Feast of the Assumption of Mary is a very important day in the Catholic religion. It is the principal feast of the Blessed Virgin, the mother of Jesus Christ.
This feast day commemorates two events – the departure of Mary from this life and the assumption of her body into heaven.
The Church’s official doctrine of the Assumption says that at the end of her life on earth Mary was assumed, body and soul, into heaven. This is why there are no relics for Mary as according to the Catholic Church, she didn’t die and leave a body.
August 31: Malaysia National Day
The day commemorates the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule in 1957. On August 31st 1957, over 20,000 people gathered at the Merdeka Stadium in Kuala Lumpur as government officials shouted “Merdeka!” seven times in a declaration of freedom.
Malaysia was formed in 1963 when the former British colony of Singapore and the East Malaysian states of Sabah and Sarawak, joined the Federation of Malaya. This event is marked by Malaysia Day. Singapore left the federation in August 1965.
National Days in August
25 countries have their national days in August. How many people in the company do you know from each country? Remember to wish them a happy national day!
| Date | Country | Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 01 | Benin | Independence Day: Independence from France in 1960 |
| Aug 01 | Switzerland | National Day: Alliance against the Holy Roman Empire 1291, between Uri, Schwyz and Unterwalden |
| Aug 04 | Cook Islands | Constitution Day: Self-government in free association with New Zealand in 1965 |
| Aug 05 | Burkina Faso | Independence Day: Independence from France in 1960 and Change of name from Upper Volta in 1984 |
| Aug 06 | Bolivia | National Day: Proclamation of Republic (independent from Spain) in 1825 |
| Aug 06 | Jamaica | Independence Day: The Colony of Jamaica’s independence from the UK on 6 August 1962 |
| Aug 07 | Ivory Coast | Independence Day: Independence from France in 1960 |
| Aug 09 | Singapore | National Day: Singapore became independent from the Federation of Malaysia on 9 Aug 1965 |
| Aug 10 | Ecuador | National Day: Proclamation of independence from Spain in 1809 |
| Aug 11 | Chad | Independence Day: Independence from France in 1960 |
| Aug 14 | Pakistan | Independence Day: Marks Pakistan’s independence from British rule in 1947 |
| Aug 15 | India | Independence Day: On August 15, 1947, India became a dominion within the British Commonwealth |
| Aug 15 | Liechtenstein | Liechtenstein State Celebration: Commemorates the birthday of Prince Franz Josef II as well as the Feast of the Assumption |
| Aug 15 | Republic of the Congo | National Day: Marks Independence from France in 1960 |
| Aug 15 | South Korea | Liberation Day: Gwangbokjeol. Liberation from Japanese rule in 1945 |
| Aug 17 | Gabon | National Day: Independence from France in 1960 |
| Aug 17 | Indonesia | Proclamation of Independence day: Hari Proklamasi Kemerdekaan R.I. Independence from Japan in 1945 |
| Aug 19 | Afghanistan | Independence Day: Independence from United Kingdom control over Afghan foreign affairs in 1919 |
| Aug 24 | Ukraine | Independence Day: Independence from the Soviet Union 1991 |
| Aug 25 | Uruguay | Independence Day: Dia de la Independencia. Declaration of independence from Brazil 1825 |
| Aug 27 | Moldova | Independence Day: Declaration of independence from the Soviet Union 1991 |
| Aug 30 | Turks and Caicos Islands | Constitution Day: The islands adopted a constitution on August 30, 1976 |
| Aug 31 | Kyrgyzstan | Independence Day: On 31 August 1991, the Kyrgyz parliament declared independence from the Soviet Union |
| Aug 31 | Malaysia | Merdeka Day: Hari Merdeka. Independence (within the Commonwealth) from the United Kingdom in 1957 |
| Aug 31 | Trinidad and Tobago | Independence Day: Marks independence from the UK in 1962 |
Display your Diversity!
We have added several images to brighten up your backgrounds and highlight cultural diversity during August! For instance, If you are Malaysian and on a video conference on Aug 31, why not show your national pride and set your background to our Malaysian National Day background?
There is a Day for That!
Throughout the month, there are days set aside to observe all sorts of events, some serious and some not so serious. These days can provide interesting ways to engage employees in diversity issues. The table below shows a selection of these days with some ideas how you could use them within your organization.
| Day | Observance | Suggestion |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd | National Night Out Day | Discussion: What is your favorite night out? |
| 12th | International Youth Day | Action: Tell someone under 18 what you do and why it is important. |
| 15th | National Relaxation Day | Discussion: What’s the best way to relax? |
| 16th | National Tell a Joke Day | Discussion: Share a one-liner joke – keep it clean! |
| 26th | National Women’s Equality Day | Fact: On August 26th 1920 the 19th amendment gave women the vote. |
Visit thereisadayforthat.com for a full list of observances during August 2023
