As the first full month of spring, April may be the most enjoyable warm-weather time of year, a 30-day-long pick-me-up that reintroduces the glow of nature we've all so dearly missed over the winter.
The month's jovial feeling arrives immediately in the form of April Fools' Day, which is followed by Easter and Earth Day, celebrations of a revival of both the spirit and the soil. April is also arguably the most exciting sports month of the year: From the culmination of college basketball tournaments to baseball opening day to a certain major golf tournament held in Augusta, Georgia, there's a lot for sports fans to get excited about.
The return of a lush, livable outdoors and a sporting paradise are gifts to all, but it turns out those born in April actually have a few extra reasons to celebrate this month.
Those born in April work far and wide
Studies show that those born in specific months tend toward certain career paths — for instance, January produces more doctors and economists than any other month, and February more artists and traffic cops — but it turns out individuals born in April display an especially diverse range of career trajectories.
Some think this may have to do with the fact that April-born students are rarely ever the youngest or oldest in their class, both of which are factors thought to distinctly affect a child's schooling experience and future aims.
The medical journal Sleep also found that April babies are much more likely to be night owls than those born in other seasons, a personality trait that may lead them to pursue non-office jobs, self-employment, and independent work in greater numbers.
April's birth flowers are bright as spring
April's first birth flower is the daisy, a truly classic bloom whose modern name is a variation of its Old English moniker, the "day's eye." True to its British title, some species of daisies gradually turn their faces throughout the day, "watching" the sun across the sky for maximum light, before closing their petals at night.
Though a simple and quite common flower, daisies can provide their admirers with stunning sights. At certain points in their lifespan, the tiny symmetrical "disc flowers" that radiate from the bloom's head can be seen to form amazing geometric patterns. Nearly a half-dozen varieties of daisies exist, ranging from light whites to pinks, each of which is said to represent purity, new beginnings, and joy — all concepts synonymous with spring.
Available in pristine white, and a spectrum of light red, pinks, and purples, April's second birth flower, the sweet pea, is said to represent blissful living, innocence, and pure-hearted desire. Originating in the Mediterranean, the sweet pea was brought to England in the 1600s via traveling monks. There, it flourished quietly until 19th-century Victorian royalty took notice and spread the bloom across the continents.
A sweet pea's succulent citrus and honey fragrance packs a double treat; it's not only a favorite of humans but also a handy natural repellent of pests, such as flies and winged beetles. Its admirers must remain mindful of the flower's seed pods, however, the contents of which are poisonous to both humans and animals if consumed.
April babies can breathe easy
A Columbia medical study found that, compared to individuals born throughout the rest of the year, April babies face significantly less risk of reproductive complications and neurological issues (including ADHD, most commonly diagnosed in those born in late fall and winter). Chronic breathing problems, such as asthma, are also few and far between among April babies; this is thought to be due to the fact that dust mites are extremely common in early spring, and increased exposure to mites so early in a baby's first year may produce immunity that lowers the risk of future allergies.
April's astrological signs are strong willed and steady
Those born under Aries (March 21 to April 20) are often bold progress seekers endowed with a get-go that perfectly embodies their sign's symbol, the ram. The dawn of Aries accompanies the vernal equinox, an event that marks the point on the calendar when days start to have more sunlight than darkness, endowing nature with unstoppable springtime energy.
Somehow, most Aries possess a similar larger-than-life vigor year-round within the realms of their career and personal planning. Such dedication to one's plans is an invaluable life trait. However, when delays beyond their control cause a frustrated Aries to have to break their momentum, stand back — there's a reason rams are known for butting heads! Some of Aries' most famous members include Leonardo da Vinci, Kristen Stewart, Thomas Jefferson, Elton John, and Lady Gaga.
Those born under Taurus (April 20 to May 20) are generally an amiable, loving, and noticeably attractive bunch, respected for their well-formed beliefs and elegant manner. However, the sign of Taurus, the bull, is quite telling of the personality few see: highly protective of their inner circle, mentally alert, and tenacious when it comes to personal opinions.
Though most Tauruses are markedly polite on the day-to-day, when incited to charge, all matadors beware: A bull never submits when taunted. However, drama is nothing a Taurus seeks, as one of their deepest desires in life is simple stability. Dwayne Johnson, Adele, David Beckham, Queen Elizabeth II, and Amber Heard are just a few well-known Tauruses.
AUTHOR
A former arts and culture writer for Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's Pulitzer Prize-winning Patriot News, Jonathan Rowe is a New York-based feature writer for SPIN, Men's Fitness, and WONDERLUST travel. He has crafted original content and news for Sony Music, Live Nation, Spotify, and ESPN, and works as a songwriter in conjunction with multiple Grammy winners.