Want To Know About October Facts? Here Are Some For You

Oluwatosin Michael
Oct 17, 2023 By Oluwatosin Michael
Originally Published on Jan 16, 2022
spring in Southern Hemisphere regions
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Age: 3-18
Read time: 7.5 Min

October marks the beginning of fall, which means snug clothing, your favorite chilly season dishes, and stunning scenery. 

The term October comes from the Latin word 'octo,' which means eight since it represented the eighth month of the ancient Roman calendar. However, when the Romans switched to a 12-month calendar, the term October stayed, regardless of the simple reality that it has become the tenth month!

The Saxons gave October the name Wintirfyllith because it coincided with the very first full moon of the fall season. Every year, October ends on the same weekday as February.

Hardly five first ladies have been born in October, yet more presidents were born in October than just about every other month, and Bill Gates, one of the world's wealthiest men, was also born in October.

Tourmaline and opal are the famous birthstones for October, and Libra and Scorpio are the zodiac signs for October.

Opal is said to have all the favorable properties of life. In the month of October, John Logie Baird tested the first functioning television, and the Statue of Liberty was gifted to the United States by France in no other month but October.

It’s time to find out more fun facts about October! After reading about the history of the name October and facts related to events celebrated during the month, also check September birthday facts and September fun facts.

Place Of October In Calendar

October is frequently connected with spring in Southern Hemisphere regions and falls in portions of the Northern Hemisphere. Read on for some interesting October facts regarding its place in the calendar.

But did you know that October used to be the eighth month of the year, and it became the tenth month only after a few reforms were introduced!

The Southern Hemisphere's seasonal counterpart is early April or vice versa. The earliest Roman calendar was just a lunar calendar, introduced by Rome's first ruler, Romulus.

October was earlier the eighth month of the year, but then later, January and February were added to the calendar after the Julian calendar reform. Thereafter, October became the tenth month of the year.

Highlights Of October

The original and interesting beer festival, Oktoberfest, was held in Munich, Germany. It began in 1810 as a spectacle to celebrate the Bavarian royal wedding. From mid-September until the first Sunday in October, the carnival featuring rides, food, and, as always, beer tents are held.

Many people from around the world attend this festival. In October, the Daylight Saving Time (DST) season begins in Australia and concludes in most European nations. As per old traditions, the night of the spirits on Oct 31 may be traced back to the Celtic celebration of Samhain, which served to mark that winter begins.

A few important highlights of October 2021 are: North Korea reportedly restored relations with South Korea on Monday, September 4. On Friday, October 8, the United Nations issued a report on healthcare in Afghanistan.

On Saturday, October 9, the United States and Afghanistan met for the first time since the pullout. On Monday, October 11, Iraq counted ballots following the lowest-ever election participation.

On Thursday October 14, Beirut witnessed some of the worst violence in recent years. As dozens of demonstrators marched towards the Justice Palace, shooters and snipers opened fire from rooftops. On Sunday October 17, various nations in the Asia-Pacific area revealed that they had already ordered Molnupiravir, an antiviral medication that had not yet been licensed.

According to leaked information, Brazil's legislative panel is poised to decide on accusations against President Bolsonaro on Tuesday, October 19. On Wednesday, October 20, it was announced that experts are closely monitoring a new subtype of the Delta variation that is causing an increase in infections in the United Kingdom.

On Wednesday, October 20, the WHO issued a study stating that the epidemic will last until 2022 since poorer nations lack access to the vaccine.

On Monday, October 18, it was revealed that 17 missionaries from the United States and Canada had been kidnapped in Haiti the previous Saturday. Barbados elected its first president on Monday, October 25, with Queen Elizabeth II serving as the head of state.

Princess Mako of Japan wedded her non-royal college lover in a low-key wedding on Tuesday, October 26.

Sudan declared a state of emergency on Monday October 25, after the military disbanded the country's power-sharing elected government. The final countdown to the Winter Olympics formally started on Wednesday October 27, with only 100 days remaining. Many other events are celebrated during the month of October as it marks the beginning of the last quarter of the year.

October is the tenth month of the year and ends on the same day every year as February.

Holidays In October

October is a very memorable month, with 31 days of fantastic festivities. Everyone and their family and friends will be excited for October to start, with significant historical dates and fun national and worldwide events. These are some of my favorite October events.

October is also jam-packed with food-related holidays like National Dessert Day and artistic celebrations like National Art Day and others. World Ballet Day, International Music Day, Farm Animals Day, Temperance Day, Animal Day, Teacher's Day, Mental Health Day, and International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

World Smile Day, National Homemade Cookies Day, and World Town Planning Day are also important days in October.

People celebrate these festivities as per their regional costumes and traditions. Halloween is, of course, on 31 Oct, when you can go trick-or-treating, enjoy delicious treats, and wear costumes like your iconic characters for a fantastic night.

Some of the most unusual but extraordinary holidays observed in the United States deserve to be included separately. National Noodle Day is October 4, National Fossil Day is October 16, Sweetest Day is October 17, and Boss's Day is October 19.

Fun Facts About October

October is also an excellent time to start loading up on firewood for the long winter season so you can stay cozy until spring arrives. Calendula is the traditional October flower, representing comfort, recovery, security, and elegance.

On Oct 31, the eve of All Hallows' Day, Halloween is observed by many nations. It is thought that ghosts are free to roam the world on this day. This is a popular time for people to dress up in various costumes. Christmas only surpasses Halloween in terms of spending.

The Bolsheviks' famed October Revolution in 1917 occurred in November, although the interesting fact is that the Russians had not yet adopted the Gregorian calendar. It symbolizes the beginning of Russia's first communist administration, and it is called a watershed moment in Russian history.

October is also an excellent time to start loading up on firewood for the long winter season, so you can stay toasty until spring arrives. October is most known for its Halloween celebrations, but it is also a month full of national and international events celebrated by people.

In addition to scary fun, October's calendar contains several days dedicated to raising awareness about bullying. It also includes a day dedicated to bringing joy to pasta lovers, celebrating science and nature, honoring teachers, and more.

National Pizza Month, National Pasta Month, and Italian-American Heritage Month are commemorated in October. Italian Americans make up the fifth-largest ethnic community in America, with 18 million people.

Interesting days like American Cheese Month, Popcorn Month, and Cookie Month, October is also a great time to relax and look forward to the holiday season and winters. Another great thing about October is Adopt a Rescue Dog Month, whic also falls in October!

Marigolds are the flower of October. The flower contains golden blossoms similar to the hue of autumn leaves, as its name indicates. Marigolds represent passionate love, inventiveness, and fiery affection, and hence it has found a place of honor in everyone’s heart.

These are some facts about everybody’s favorite Fall month. The first part of October is Octo meaning eight in Latin. The United Nations was founded in October; hence we celebrate United Nations Day. Christopher Columbus Day is celebrated in October too. Columbus Day is a national holiday in other countries. Many celebrities are born in October too. 

The month of October signifies wealth, prosperity, peace, and fertility. People have opened to the idea of what a month or a week or day signifies around us. Every person born on any day of October is known to live longer. People born under the star sign of Libra or Scorpio celebrate their birthdays in the month of October.

As October has the first full moon of the winter season, Anglo-Saxons who used to live in the old times, gave October the name 'Winterfylleth.'

As per research from the University of Chicago, people who are born in autumn season months like October are likely to live for a longer period compared to others.

Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly facts for everyone to enjoy! If you liked our suggestions for Want To Know About October Facts? Here Are Some For You, then why not take a look at February facts or February leap year.

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Written by Oluwatosin Michael

Bachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

Oluwatosin Michael picture

Oluwatosin MichaelBachelor of Science specializing in Microbiology

With a Bachelor's in Microbiology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Oluwatosin has honed his skills as an SEO content writer, editor, and growth manager. He has written articles, conducted extensive research, and optimized content for search engines. His expertise extends to leading link-building efforts and revising onboarding strategies. 

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