The tenth month of the Gregorian calendar, October lies directly between September and November.

 

Many people believe that October marks a true seasonal change in both the northern and southern hemispheres.

 

Autumn is really getting going up north, and the nights are getting cooler.

 

The harvest festivals are done, and the days are extending into the wee hours of the night.

 

 

 

In order to stay warm over the lengthy winter season and until April, you need start loading up on firewood in October.

 

It should come as no surprise that October is very different in the southern hemisphere.

 

Life is getting better and better every day as spring has already sprung in all its splendor.

 

 

Overall, it's a great time to go outside and enjoy the warmth of the sun, however cooler nights can still be found.

 

 

 

October offers a lot, just like every other month of the year.

 

 

 

Let's look at the history of October, the customs we observe during it, and a few amusing tidbits to tie it all together.

 

1.       These days, the name October's meaning is far from correct. As opposed to our modern calendar, which is based on solar cycles, the ancient Roman calendar was based on lunar cycles. This indicated that October was the eighth month of their original ten-month calendar. The Latin word for it essentially means "the eighth month." The two months of Ianurarius and Februarius were added to the calendar in 451 BC, making October the first of those two new months.

2.       October is the sixth of the seven months in the year that have 31 days. The number of days hasn't changed over time either; the old Roman calendar similarly gave October 31 days.

3.       Winterfylleth, which combines the words for winter and full moon, was the Anglo-Saxon term for October. Because winter was believed to start with the first full moon of the month, this is how it got its name.

4.       October also had a name among the Saxons. It was the period of year when wine was made, therefore they called it Wyn Monath, which translates to "wine month." I don't know about you, but I believe October has just surpassed June as my favorite month.

5.       If you live in the northern hemisphere, October is a really lovely month. It's that time of year when the leaves' color starts to change into a stunning kaleidoscope of shades.

6.       Every year on October 7, the Twyford church in Hampshire, United Kingdom, rings its bells as tradition dictates. This custom has its roots in the 18th century, when a resident of the area by the name of William David got lost while riding home at night in dense fog. Fortunately, he heard the church bells ring and was able to get back home as a result. He left the church some money as a token of his appreciation when he passed away so that they might continue to ring their bells on October 7th each year in case there were any more lost travelers.

7.       Frequently occurring in October, the first full moon after the Harvest Moon even has its own name. It is referred to as the Hunter's Moon and is one of only two full moons (the other being the Harvest Moon) that aren't associated with a particular month. The Hunter's Moon might occur in October or November, depending on the year.

8.       On October 2, 1869, the eminent Indian politician and spiritual figure Mahatma Gandhi was born. His nonviolent resistance to the British colonial rule of India is credited with giving him international fame.

9.       If you live in the northern hemisphere, the Draconid Meteor Shower will be visible in October, so keep an eye to the heavens. It only appears between October 6 and October 10 in the northern hemisphere, where it comprises a solitary comet.

10.   The Orionid meteor shower, which lasts from October 2 through early November, is an even more magnificent meteor shower that is visible in both hemispheres. Given that it frequently appears in the same area of the sky as the constellation Orion, it was given that name. Up to 20 meteors are visible every hour during the meteor shower's peak.

 

 

You can see that October is a really great month of the year.

 

No matter where you are in the world, the weather is just perfect, and everyone who steps outside is treated to a breathtaking exhibition of nature.

 

 

 

October drags on for a lot of folks until Halloween and all the festivities that go along with it, and then it's over way too quickly!