NATIONAL COURTESY MONTH

It takes little effort to extend kindness. The entire month of September gives ample opportunity to practice being kind. It’s National Courtesy Month!

The word courteous comes from the Middle English word ‘kindness,’ which means ‘noble deeds’ or ‘courtesy’. One of the greatest novelists in the English Language, Henry James, once said: “Three things in human life are important: The first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; the third is to be kind.” So, what does it mean to be courteous?

Courtesy can mean several things to different people. To some, being courteous means to be helpful. To others, being courteous means to be polite and having good manners. Courtesy can be words spoken or an action towards someone. Courtesy is about manners and respect. How you choose to show someone courtesy is entirely up to you!

A single kind word keeps one warm for three winters – Chinese Proverb

Courtesy should never have limits for people you know. Showing a stranger common courtesy could be the defining factor of their day. Oftentimes, a small gesture, such as a compliment, can make a person feel appreciated. When people are considerate to one another, a positive effect happens. Moods improve and smiles are easily found. Starting your day with a polite demeanor will have a ripple effect for the people you encounter!

Though we were unable to find the founder of National Courtesy Month, we did find a National Courtesy Campaign launched in June 1979 by the Ministry of Culture of Singapore. The campaign aims to encourage Singaporeans to be more kind and considerate to each other.

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HOW TO OBSERVE

There are so many ways to show kindness to people through courtesy. Hold the door open for the people behind you! Mow your elderly neighbor’s lawn! Compliment that shy person you see every day on the subway! Above all, SMILE at everyone you meet!

Use #NationalCourtesyMonth to share on social month.

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH

Every September, National Mortgage Professional Month recognizes the professionals who play a role in helping people finance the dream of homeownership. 

Since 2011, home sales in the United States have steadily grown, meaning each year more and more people are buying a home. Whether it’s a first home or the next home, mortgage professions understand how exciting and stressful the process can be. A mortgage professional takes on the task of making sure everything is in place by closing day. They may be loan officers, processors, underwriters, servicers, insurers, or other mortgage professionals, but all of them work hard to make your home loan a reality. 

Their varied roles may include:

  • Reviewing loan applications
  • Verifying credit
  • Processing loan applications
  • Appraising the property
  • Examining the title
  • Verifying the purchase price, annual percentage rate, and term of the loan
  • Preparing the loan

Most people are not aware of the number of people and amount of work involved between the moment someone decides to buy a home and the day the final contracts are signed. 

NATIONAL MORTGAGE PROFESSIONAL MONTH HISTORY

In 2015, United Guaranty founded National Mortgage Professional Month to honor all mortgage professionals.

HOW TO OBSERVE #MortgageProfessionalMonth

During September, give a mortgage professional you know a shout-out. Recommend them to someone who is looking for a new home. Let them know you appreciate all they do to help people achieve homeownership. If you’re considering purchasing a home, learn about the process and what to expect. 

Use #MortgageProfessionalMonth to share on social media. 

WORLD CALLIGRAPHY DAY

The second Wednesday of August is the day where art meets handwriting. Nibs ready, it’s World Calligraphy Day!

Poets believe there is beauty within the flow of words. Similarly, calligrapher’s find beauty assembling those words on paper in an artistic and beautiful fashion.  Furthermore, calligraphers design words in a harmonious, almost romantic elegance, respectively.

Calligraphy is an ancient art form that is one of the oldest forms of communication. Interestingly, calligraphy first appears as early as 200 BC in China.  Additionally, this historic art form is apparent in almost every region of the world as the main source of manuscript writing and communication.  In early findings, religious documents, such as the original Bible, are written in Biblical Hebrew calligraphy.  With western influence, calligraphy would take on a more creative point of view.

Maneuvering through the ages, calligraphy continues to maintain a unique flow of magic from pen to paper. In today’s modern world, calligraphers believe calligraphy is an interpretation of the individual.  In many aspects, each symbol creates meaning to relationships between their ancestry and language.  Furthermore, while keeping the integrity of each symbol, calligraphers allow for a harmonious flow of the entire text, as well.  Above all, a calligrapher always finds their creative rhythm and shares the individual inspiration through the flow of patterns on paper.

WORLD CALLIGRAPHY DAY HISTORY

In 2017, Manuscript Pen Company founded World Calligraphy Day to bring together all calligraphy enthusiasts to celebrate the art of calligraphy. The day offers an opportunity to discuss, practice, learn and celebrate the creative and beautiful artform.

CELEBRATE #WorldCalligraphyDay

  1. Signing up for a beginners course will open your soul to a new world of expression.
  2. Study the different forms of calligraphy.
  3. If you already are a calligrapher, teach someone else your skillful craft.
  4. Share your calligraphy writing on social media by tagging #WorldCalligraphyDay.

Alternating in August

August is a month of transition, marked by a blend of summer’s lingering warmth and the impending arrival of fall. As families prepare for the back-to-school season, August provides a unique opportunity to celebrate a variety of national days that capture the essence of this transitional period. From quirky observances to meaningful commemorations, the month offers a diverse palette of events that encourage reflection, creativity, and enjoyment.

One of the standout features of August is its rich array of national days that highlight different aspects of life. For instance, National Watermelon Day on August 3 invites families to gather and enjoy this refreshing fruit, perfect for summer picnics. It serves as a reminder of the joys of summer, encouraging people to take a moment to appreciate the simple pleasures. Similarly, National Relaxation Day on August 15 prompts individuals to take a break from their busy schedules, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental well-being.

As August unfolds, the month presents opportunities for community engagement and awareness. National Dog Day on August 26 celebrates our furry companions and raises awareness about the importance of adopting pets from shelters. This day not only honors the bond between humans and dogs but also encourages responsible pet ownership and the significance of animal welfare. Engaging in activities such as dog walks or adoption events can foster community spirit and compassion.

In addition to these celebrations, August is also a time for personal growth and creativity. National Craft Month encourages individuals to explore their artistic sides, whether through painting, knitting, or DIY projects. This observance highlights the therapeutic benefits of crafting, promoting mindfulness and relaxation. By dedicating time to creative pursuits, individuals can find joy in the process of making, which can be particularly fulfilling as summer draws to a close.

Celebrating All August

National Dog Month
Black Business Month
Children’s Eye Health and Safety Month
Family Fun Month
Get ready for Kindergarten Month
Happiness Happens Month
International Peace Month
MedicAlert Awareness Month
Motorsports Awareness Month
National Back to School Month
National Brownies at Brunch Month
National Catfish Month
National Crayon Collection Month
National Eye Exam Month
National Goat Cheese Month
National Golf Month
National Hair Loss Awareness Month
National Immunization Awareness Month
National Panini Month
National Sandwich Month
National Water Quality Month
National Wellness Month
Romance Awareness Month
Spinal Muscular Atrophy Awareness Month                                                                  The Allure of August’s Birthstone: Peridot

August’s traditional birth flowers are the gladiolus (symbolizing strength and sincerity) and the poppy (rest and imagination); the birthstone is peridot, a bright green gem associated with vitality and protection; zodiac signs for August are Leo (July 23–August 22), noted for confidence and warmth, and Virgo (August 23–September 22), known for practicality and attention to detail.

Famous birthdays in August:
– August 4 — Barack Obama 
– August 4 — Meghan Markle 
– August 5 — Neil Armstrong 
– August 6 — Lucille Ball 
– August 7 — Charlize Theron 
– August 9 — Whitney Houston 
– August 11 — Chris Hemsworth 
– August 16 — Madonna 
– August 17 — Robert De Niro 
– August 23 — Kobe Bryant 
– August 29 — Michael Jackson

Ultimately, August’s alternating themes of celebration and reflection create a dynamic atmosphere for individuals and families alike. As the month progresses, it serves as a bridge between the carefree days of summer and the structured routine of fall. By participating in the various national days, people can not only enjoy the present but also prepare for the changes that lie ahead, making August a month of both fun and meaningful experiences.