August is the eighth month of the year and the last month of summer. This month was originally named Sextilis in Latin, but the month was renamed in 8 BC in honor of Emperor Augustus.

Various beliefs are associated with the month of August. The first three days, and in some regions of Cyprus, the first six, are considered ominous, or “Kakaouskies”. In the past, Cypriots believed that one specific hour during these days was particularly bad, but since they didn’t know which one, they avoided all work to prevent misfortunes. In the Tilliria region, people specifically avoided working on the 1^st, 3^rd, and 7^th days of the month, as these were considered unlucky.

August was also a time for meteorological observations, as people watched the atmospheric conditions for clues about the year ahead – a tradition known as minallagia. Starting on the 4th of August, each day was thought to represent a month of the coming year. If a day was overcast, the corresponding month was expected to be cool and rainy. Conversely, if the sky was clear and bright, that month was likely to be dry and warm.

The 6th of August marks the celebration of the Transfiguration of the Savior, a day wrapped in deep spiritual significance. According to tradition, on the night of August 5th leading into the 6th, the heavens briefly open. In that sacred moment, Jesus Christ is said to appear seated on a Throne of Glory, surrounded by radiant light and angels.

It is believed that anyone who witnesses this divine spectacle can make a wish and it will be granted. This phenomenon is also known as Platanin, a name that comes from platana, the silver covering often found on sacred icons.

The 15th of August, known as Dekapentavgoustos, is one of the most significant feast days in Cyprus, as we commemorate the Dormition of Panagia (the Virgin Mary) and her ascension into heaven. It holds such deep importance that it is often referred to as the “Easter of the Summer”. Thousands of people flock to the monasteries of Kykkos, Trooditissa and Chrysorrogiatissa, as well as to village churches dedicated to Panagia, to honor her with pilgrimage.

On August 27th, Saint Fanourios is celebrated and tradition holds that he helps people find lost items. All you have to do is bake a simple cake, known as Fanouropita, as an offering to the saint. On August 29th, the feast of the Beheading of Saint John the Baptist is celebrated. On this day, people avoid cutting onions from the top and instead slice them from the sides, as a way to distance themselves from any act that might symbolically resemble the saint’s beheading.

August is considered a hot month because the waters are warm, hence the saying “August with lukewarm waters and unripe almonds…” (Cyp. Aoustos me ta hlia nera, me ta xlora athasia). It also marks the beginning of the transitional period from summer to winter, reflected in the proverb “From March, summer, and from August, winter” (Cyp. Pou Marti kalotzieri, tziai pou Aousto shimona).

Religious fairs, known as panigyria, are a cherished tradition in our villages, celebrating their patron saints. They begin the evening before with a Vespers service and continue throughout the actual day. This month, panigyria will take place in the village of Delikipos on the 6th for the feast of the Transfiguration of the Savior, in Liopetri on the 15^th for the feast of Panagia and in Kornos on the 29^th in honor of Saint John the Baptist.