Elokuu

Elokuu is the Finnish name for August, the eighth month of the Gregorian calendar. It has 31 days and follows heinäkuu and precedes syyskuu. In the Northern Hemisphere it marks the late summer period.

The etymology of elokuu comes from elo, meaning harvest or ripening, and kuu, meaning month. The name reflects the traditional harvest season in Finnish agriculture. Unlike the August names in some languages that honor Emperor Augustus, elokuu is rooted in the agricultural cycle.

In Finland, elokuu is typically still warm but signals the approach of autumn. Daylight hours shorten gradually, and rainfall can be common as weather patterns shift from summer to autumn. The month often features outdoor activities such as hiking, berry picking, and summer festivals, with a transition toward autumn traditions later in the season.

Culturally, elokuu is associated with harvest activities and the preparation for the school year in many regions. Farmers’ markets and local fairs may emphasize late-summer produce like berries, apples, and vegetables. The atmosphere can range from lingering summer warmth to the first hints of autumn influence in lighting and travel.

Notable phenomena in elokuu include the Perseid meteor shower, which typically peaks in mid-August and is visible in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere. This celestial event is commonly observed by skywatchers during the month as nights begin to lengthen and skies darken earlier.