Holidays, Fun Facts, Folklore For October

In October, autumn comes into full swing. Learn why this month is called October, which holidays are celebrated, and other fun facts.

The History of October

October gets its name from the Latin word octo, meaning “eight,” because it was originally the eighth month of the early Roman calendar. Even after the Romans transitioned to a 12-month system, the name stuck, though October is now the 10th month.

The early Roman calendar, believed to have been introduced by Romulus, the founder of Rome (around 753 B.C.), was based on lunar cycles and consisted of 10 months. These months were: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Iunius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. Martius, Maius, Quintilis, and October had 31 days, while the rest had 30, making a total of 304 days in the year. The winter period was not counted, covering about two lunar cycles.

Around 713 B.C., the second king of Rome, Numa Pompilius, reformed the calendar by adding the months of Ianuarius (January) and Februarius (February). Some historians believe these months were initially placed at the end of the year, while others suggest Ianuarius became the first month and Februarius the last. Eventually, further reforms, including the adoption of the Julian and later Gregorian calendars, organized the months as we know them today. Despite these changes, October retained its name, even though it is now the 10th month of the year.

October Calendar:

• October 2 – The start of Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday marking the beginning of the Jewish New Year. (Dates vary slightly each year, but Rosh Hashanah typically falls in September or early October.)
• October 9 – Leif Eriksson Day, commemorates the Norse explorer believed to be the first European to land in North America.
• October 11 – The start of Yom Kippur at sundown, the holiest day in Judaism, known as the Day of Atonement.
• October 14 – A busy day with three holidays:
  • Canadian Thanksgiving, observed on the second Monday of October.
  • Columbus Day (U.S.), a federal holiday, is also observed on the second Monday of October. It commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
  • Indigenous Peoples’ Day (U.S.), a holiday that celebrates the history and cultures of indigenous peoples in the U.S., is observed in many cities and states, often in place of or alongside Columbus Day.
• October 18 – St. Luke’s Little Summer, rooted in folklore, refers to a brief period of warm, calm weather around the feast day of Saint Luke.
• October 24 – United Nations Day, which brings awareness to the work of the United Nations.
• October 31 – Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve).

“Just for Fun” Dates in October:

• October 4 – International Ships-in-Bottles Day.
• October 6 – National Noodle Day.
• October 12 – National Fossil Day (typically held on the Wednesday of Earth Science Week, which starts on the second Sunday in October).
• October 24–November 11 – World Origami Days.
• October 28 – Frankenstein Friday (observed on the last Friday of October, celebrating Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

October Birth Flowers

October’s birth flowers are the cosmos and the calendula (also known as marigold). Cosmos symbolizes joy in life, love, and peace. The calendula (also called garden marigold, English marigold, or pot marigold) represents winning grace, grief, or chagrin in the language of flowers.

The Leaves They Are a-Changin’

Why do leaves change colors? Did you know that fall’s vivid colors are actually hidden underneath summer’s green? The main reason for the color change is not autumn’s chilly weather but the decrease in light. As photosynthesis slows down due to reduced sunlight, the green chlorophyll in leaves breaks down, revealing the underlying colors. Trees exposed to a lot of direct sunlight may produce red leaves, while others turn yellow, orange, or brown.

October Birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline

October is unique in that it has two stunning birthstones: opal and tourmaline, each offering its own beauty and symbolism.

Opal

Opal is best known for its mesmerizing play of color, caused by the diffraction of light within its structure. This gem comes in a variety of types, including black, fire, and white opals, with gem-quality opals prized for their shifting rainbow hues. Common opals, by contrast, do not exhibit this play of color.

Symbolically, opals are linked to faithfulness, confidence, and purity. Throughout history, they were believed to enhance intuition, promote hope, and even improve eyesight. Though opals have carried mixed reputations—sometimes seen as lucky, and at other times unlucky—it is said that those born in October are immune to any negative superstitions surrounding the stone.

Tourmaline

Tourmaline, the second birthstone for October, is cherished for its vibrant array of colors. From pinks and greens to blues and multicolored stones, tourmaline is one of the most versatile gemstones. In fact, the name “tourmaline” comes from the Sinhalese word toramalli, meaning “stone with mixed colors.”

This gem is associated with balance, protection, and grounding. It is believed to help dispel fear, anxiety, and negative energies while attracting love and happiness. Because of its wide variety of colors, tourmaline can be tailored to individual preferences, making it a favorite among jewelry enthusiasts.

Meaning and Tradition

Both opal and tourmaline are steeped in history and lore. Opal, with its shimmering colors, is a symbol of creativity, inspiration, and transformation. Tourmaline, known for its protective and healing qualities, promotes emotional and spiritual well-being. Together, these birthstones represent the complexity and beauty of those born in October.

Whether you’re drawn to the colorful flashes of opal or the rich, varied hues of tourmaline, October’s birthstones offer something for everyone.