Overview
August 4 is the 216th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (217th in leap years), leaving 149 days until the year's end. It falls in the Northern Hemisphere's late summer and the Southern Hemisphere's late winter. Astrologically, dates in early August usually lie within the sign of Leo.
Characteristics and calendar context
As a fixed calendar date, August 4 retains the same ordinal position each year except in leap years when counting shifts by one. The day is referenced using the modern Gregorian calendar, which governs civil dates in most countries; historical records for this date before the calendar's adoption may use the Julian calendar or local systems.
Notable observances and commemorations
- Religious: The Roman Catholic Church celebrates the feast day of St. John Vianney on August 4, the patron saint of parish priests.
- Institutional: The United States Coast Guard traces its founding to August 4, 1790, a date observed as its birthday.
- Seasonal: In many cultures this is a mid-summer date used for harvest planning, fairs, and local festivals.
Notable births and cultural associations
Several widely recognized public figures were born on August 4, and the date frequently appears in biographies and historical timelines. Birthdays and anniversaries falling on August 4 are often marked in media retrospectives, year-in-review lists, and commemorative events.
Uses and significance
August 4 serves as a reference point in chronology, anniversaries, and legal documents. The date appears in literature, historical narratives, and almanacs as a convenient late-summer marker. It is also used in planning seasonal activities in agriculture, tourism, and education.
Distinctions and notable facts
Because calendar systems and holidays vary by country, the meanings attached to August 4 differ internationally: some places mark national events or local saints, while others observe institutional anniversaries. When researching events on this date it is important to note whether sources use the Gregorian or an earlier calendar system, and to consult primary records for precise historical dating.