Daily Calendar for Wednesday, October 1, 2025

In the ancient Roman calendar, October was the name of the eighth month of the year. Its name comes from octo, the Latin word for “eight.” When the Romans converted to a 12-month calendar, they tried to rename this month after various Roman emperors, but the name October stuck. In Old England, the month was called Winmonath, which means “wine month,” for this was the time of year when wine was made. The English also called it Winterfylleth, or “Winter Full Moon.” They considered this full Moon to be the start of winter. In weather lore, we note, “If October brings heavy frosts and winds, then will January and February be mild.”

Yom Kippur begins at sunset on this day. This “Day of Atonement” is a very solemn day in the Jewish year that is devoted to fasting, prayer, and repentance. On Yom Kippur, people repeat a chant called the “Al Chet” (Chet is usually translated as “sin”). In the chant, the people list the ways in which they have fallen short over the past year and repent of these shortcomings. Learn more about Yom Kippur.