If you live in the northern hemisphere, then it's a time when summer is really starting to get into full swing! But if you live in the southern hemisphere, then it's a time when winter starts to set in properly.

No matter where you are in the world, the end of June marks the end of the first half of the calendar year.

Let's embark on a journey through the wonders of June and discover the hidden treasures of this vibrant month.

1. The name June is the modern day adaption of the Latin word Junius, which has its origins dating back to the ancient Romans.

2. There are multiple theories as to what the month of June was named after.
One theory is that it was named after the Roman goddess of marriage, Juno.
Another theory is that its name originates from the Latin word iuniores, which translates into "younger ones".
Yet another possibility is that the month was named after Lucius Junius Brutus, the founder of the Roman Republic.

3. June used to be the fourth month in the year.
Before Julius Caesar came to power, the calendar year only had 10 months. In 46 BC he created the Julian calendar by adding two more months to the year, which made June the sixth month.

4. The birth flowers of June are the honeysuckle and the rose.
Both of these flowers are symbols of all things relating to love, desire, generosity, and affection.
In many parts of the world, June is a month of vibrant blooms. Flowers like roses, lilies, peonies, and lavender grace gardens and landscapes, fill the air with delightful scents, and add beauty to the surroundings.

5. June has three birthstones – alexandrite, moonstone, and pearl.
Alexandrite is said to represent longevity and health.
Moonstones on the other hand are said to bring good luck and are associated with love and passion.
Pearls represent purity and faith.

6. June was called sera monath by the Anglo-Saxons, which translated into "dry month".

7. No other month in the year begins on the same day of the week as June.

8. June has both the longest and the shortest days of the year, depending on where you're standing!
If you live in the northern hemisphere, then June 21^st is the longest day of the year.
If you live in the southern hemisphere, then the 21^st is the shortest day of the year.

9. The first day of summer in the northern hemisphere is June 21^st.

10. If you were born in June, then you're one of two star signs.
If you were born on or before June 20^th then you're a Gemini. Gemini's are said to be passionate, adaptable, and smart.
If you're born on or after the 21^st of June, though, then you have the Cancer star sign. Those born under the Cancer sign are said to be loyal friends with great emotional depth.

11. June was apparently not very popular with William Shakespeare, as it was only referenced in two of his famous plays – Cleopatra, and Henry IV.

12. June has its own beetle named after it. Called the June beetle, or June bug, it's normally only found within the months of May and June in the United States of America.

13. The period of time from the middle of May to the middle of June was considered by the ancient Romans to be an ill-omened time for marriage.
The story goes that Ovid, a Roman poet, consulted with the high priestess of Jupiter and asked when would be a good time for his daughter's wedding. The high priestess decreed that he should wait until after June 15^th.

14. Contrary to Roman beliefs about the best and worst times to get married, June is now considered one of the very best months!
June is a popular month for weddings in many cultures, earning it the title of "wedding season." The mild weather and blooming flowers create a romantic atmosphere, making it an ideal time for couples to exchange vows.

15. In the United States, June is LGBT+ Pride Month, Great Outdoors Month, and National Oceans Month.

16. In the United Kingdom, June is National Smile Month!

17. There are a number of countries that celebrate their flag days during the month of June.
Sweden celebrates its flag day on June 6^th, the United States celebrates theirs on June 14^th and Denmark celebrates theirs on June 15^th.

18. The internationally renowned English tennis tournament Wimbledon runs through the month of June.

19. Many incredibly important and influential people throughout history have been born in June.
Among many others born in June, Anne Frank, Che Guevara, Jean-Paul-Sartre, Marilyn Monroe, George Orwell, and George H. W. Bush all share a common birth month!

20. June has an interesting variety of holidays, ranging from the official to the not-so.
June 1^st is both International Children's day and World Milk Day. In the United States, June 10^th is celebrated as National Iced Tea Day.

21. June is also a month for food-related holidays, but mostly just for candy. June 2^nd is National Rocky Road Day (US), June 3^rd is National Chocolate Macaroon Day (US), June 7^th is Chocolate Ice Cream Day (US).

22. Father's Day is celebrated on the third Sunday of June in various countries, honoring fathers and father figures. It is a time to express gratitude, love, and appreciation for the important role fathers play in our lives.

Also Read: 22 Interesting Facts about July

Sources
National Holiday Calendar / Wikipedia / Express / Mental Floss / The Fact Site