Obaba Museum

The first time I heard this phrase a ‘runaway’ uncle had come visiting. It was really surprising and unexpected that dad exclaimed, ‘to what do we owe this August visit?’ Do you remember the first time your heard someone being addressed as August visitor? Let’s know in the comments.

Most times it is usually used as an adjective to qualify people who visit once in a blue moon or those who seldom visit. Before we go into how this phrase came about, let’s burst your bubble – August visitor actually means a distinguished, highly regarded and respected visitor, not just any random person. You’ll agree with me that most visitors actually don’t fall under this category, I guess the phrase became more associated with sarcasm then.

In Nigeria, any visitor that visits without a prior notice is also tagged an August Visitor, because despite not planning ahead of their coming, they are usually treated with utmost courtesy and warmth, as you would every other visitor.

So how did the phrase come about?

History has it that the month of August was named after the first Roman Emperor, Emperor Augustus Caesar because several of his major victories were recorded in the month of August. He was an important and regal person this made people extend warm hospitality to any Guest they received during the month of August. In Europe, August is also the peak of the summer season and is referred to as the most comfortable month of hospitality for them.

When I read this, I began to wonder what was August called before Augustus influenced it’s renaming.🤔

Apparently, August was called Sextilis (also spelt Sextillus) because it was the sixth month of the original ten-month Roman calendar. Another unique thing about August is that it’s not just the name of a month. The word “August” itself has meaning and usage in English; according to the Merriam-Webster’s dictionary it means to be ‘marked by majestic dignity or grandeur’. So yeah if you were born in August you sure possess this grandeur.

Thanks for reading, please share your own story in the comments.