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In October, autumn comes into full swing. Let’s get in the fall mood! Learn why this month is called October, which holidays to look out for, what to do in the garden, what to bake in the kitchen, when to see the full Hunter’s Moon, and more!
The Month of October
This month’s name stems from the Latin octo, “eight,” because this was the eighth month of the early Roman calendar. When the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, the name October stuck despite the fact that it’s now the 10th month! Learn more about the origins of month names.
The early Roman calendar, thought to have been introduced by Rome’s first king, Romulus (around 753 b.c), was a lunar calendar. This ancient timekeeping system contained these 10 months: Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Iunius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October (the eighth month), November, and December. Martius, Maius, Quintilis, and October contained 31 days, while the other months had 30, for a total of 304 days. In winter, the days were not counted for two lunar cycles.
It wasn’t until about 713 b.c. that a calendar reform, attributed to the second Roman king, Numa Pompilius, added the months Ianuarius and Februarius. Some historians think that both months were placed at the end of the year, while others believe that Ianuarius became the first month and Februarius the last. Later reforms organized the months as they are arranged today in the Gregorian calendar, whereby October became the 10th month despite its name.
October glows on every cheek, October shines in every eye, While up the hill and down the dale Her crimson banners fly. –Elaine Goodale Eastman (1863–1953)
October Calendar
October 2 starts Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the new year.
Columbus Day (U.S.), a federal holiday,is observed on the second Monday in October. It was on October 12, 1492, that Christopher Columbus landed on a small island in the Bahamas, convinced that he had reached Asia. Read more about Columbus Day.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day (U.S.)—a holiday that celebrates the history and cultures of indigenous peoples native to what is today the United States. Indigenous Peoples’ Day is celebrated in cities and states across the country, often alongside or in lieu of Columbus Day. Read more about Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
October 18 is St. Luke’s Little Summer. This is a date steeped in folklore. Traditionally, around Saint Luke’s feast day, there is a brief period of calm, dry weather. Learn more.
October 24 is United Nations Day, which aims to bring awareness to the work of the United Nations worldwide.
October 31 is Halloween (All Hallows’ Eve)! Do you know the true history of Halloween? It’s not as frightful as you might think… Learn about the origin of Halloween.
“Just for Fun” Dates in October
Oct. 4: International Ships-in-Bottles Day Oct. 6: National Noodle Day Oct. 12: National Fossil Day Oct: 24–Nov. 11: World Origami Days Oct. 28: Frankenstein Friday
October Astronomy and the Moon
October is a great time for stargazing. Check out our October Night Sky Map to discover which constellations you can spot this month.
The Full Hunter’s Moon
October’s full Moon, known as the Hunter’s Moon, arrives on Thurdsday, October 17. Like September’s Harvest Moon, the Hunter’s Moon is closely tied to the autumnal equinox. Learn more about October’s full Moon!
Also, keep an eye out for the Draconid meteor shower in the late evening of October 9, and the Orionid meteor shower in the predawn hours of October 21–22. See our Meteor Shower Calendar for more information.
The Leaves They Are a-Changin’
With the autumnal equinox in late September, foliage season has officially begun across much of the United States. Check out our foliage map to see when different parts of the country typically reach their peak!
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 light—or rather, the lack of it. The green color of leaves disappears when photosynthesis (from sunlight) slows down, and the chlorophyll breaks down. Trees with a lot of direct sunlight will produce red leaves, while other trees may turn yellow, orange, or brown.
October’s birth flowers are the cosmos and the calendula or marigold. Cosmos is a symbol of joy in life and love and peace. The calendula (aka garden, English, or pot marigold) represents winning grace, grief, or chagrin in the language of flowers. Find out more about October’s birth flowers.
October Birthstone
The October birthstone is the opal, which symbolizes faithfulness and confidence.
Gem-quality opals are known for their play of color, caused by the diffraction of light. They are available in several types, including black, fire, and white opals. Common opals do not shimmer.
Opals symbolize hope and purity and were once thought to improve eyesight or enhance intuition. Throughout history, the gem’s reputation has oscillated between standing for luck and standing for lack of luck. According to some, those born in October are immune from any possible negative effects.
Catherine Boeckmann loves nature, stargazing, and gardening so it’s not surprising that she and The Old Farmer’s Almanac found each other. She leads digital content for the Almanac website, and is also a certified master gardener in the state of Indiana. Read More from Catherine Boeckmann
9 October is LEIF ERIKSSON DAY. He landed 500 years before Columbus sailed. And LEIF and the ViKINGS landed on what is part of the USA. ( Not the west indies like c c. )
Great feature on my favorite month! Might update it to add October 8, National Pierogi Day. Immigrants from Eastern Europe to New England will be happy!
Finishing a community development project...when are the best days to lay
gravel in October. My mother-in-law always told me to lay gravel by the moon. Please help with advice.
Thank you.
Some people traditionally lay gravel during the light of the Moon, when it is waxing or increasing in light. This is between the new and full phases. So in October, a good time to lay gravel according to this criteria would be Oct 1-8 and 23-31.
Sept. 24 EDT/Sept. 23 PDT = New Moon
October 8 = Full Moon
October 23 = New Moon
November 6 = Full Moon