Written by Selina
Modified & Updated: 30 Jan 2024
Reviewed by Jessica Corbett
It’s the season of colorful foliage, pumpkin spice lattes, and cooler weather — welcome to October! As we immerse ourselves in the heart of autumn, let’s explore some of the exciting and intriguing aspects of this month. Here are 18 October fun facts that will leave you yearning for a cozy sweater, a good book, and a front-row seat to the fall’s kaleidoscopic display.
Eighth Month in the Old Roman Calendar
Did you know October was the eighth month in the ancient Roman calendar? The name ‘October’ is derived from ‘Octo,’ the Latin word for eight. However, when the calendar was revised into the Julian calendar by Julius Caesar, October became the tenth month, but it retained its original name.
Libra and Scorpio Rule October
Two zodiac signs share October – Libra and Scorpio. Those born from October 1st to 22nd fall under Libra, symbolized by the scales of balance. Individuals born from October 23rd to 31st are Scorpios, represented by a scorpion.
Opal and Tourmaline: October’s Birthstones
October has two stunning birthstones: opal and tourmaline. Opal symbolizes faithfulness and confidence, while tourmaline is renowned for its vast spectrum of colors and its ability to inspire artistic expression.
Vibrant Calendula: October’s Birth Flower
The beautiful and vibrant calendula, also known as the marigold, is the birth flower for October. Its bright orange and yellow colors perfectly echo the changing autumn foliage.
Home to Two Notable Holidays
October hosts two notable holidays: Halloween on October 31st, a much-loved celebration in many parts of the world, and Columbus Day on the second Monday of October, which commemorates Christopher Columbus’s arrival in the Americas.
Oktoberfest Isn’t Always in October
Contrary to what its name implies, Oktoberfest mainly takes place in September. This globally famous festival in Munich, Germany, typically begins in late September and concludes in the first week of October.
October is Pizza Month in the USA
Pizza lovers, rejoice! October is National Pizza Month in the United States. It’s the perfect time to indulge in a slice (or two) of your favorite pizza.
World Vegetarian Day Starts on October
October kicks off with World Vegetarian Day on the 1st. Established by the North American Vegetarian Society, it marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month.
A Big Month for Space Exploration
October has witnessed several landmark events in space exploration. For instance, the launch of Sputnik, the first artificial satellite, took place on October 4, 1957. Also, the famous Apollo 7 mission was launched on October 11, 1968.
A Month for Advocacy
October is known for its many advocacy campaigns, including Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Bullying Prevention Month, to name a few.
Fall’s Colors Peak in October
In many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, October is the month when fall foliage reaches its peak, creating a spectacular display of reds, oranges, and yellows.
The Great Chicago Fire Happened in October
One of the most notorious fires in American history, the Great Chicago Fire, began on October 8, 1871, and caused significant damage and loss of life.
October Revolution? Not Really in October!
The October Revolution, one of the pivotal events in Russian history, did not happen in October according to the Gregorian calendar. It started on November 7, 1917. However, according to the Julian calendar, which was in use in Russia at the time, it was indeed in October.
October Sees the World Celebrating Beer
Apart from Oktoberfest, October also hosts International Beer and Pizza Day on October 9. It’s the perfect combo!
The First Jack-o’-Lanterns Were Not Pumpkins
The tradition of carving Jack-o’-lanterns for Halloween originated in Ireland. However, the first Jack-o’-lanterns were not made from pumpkins but from turnips.
Walt Disney World Opened in October
The “Happiest Place on Earth”, Walt Disney World in Florida, officially opened its doors on October 1, 1971.
Nobel Prizes are Announced in October
Every October, the Nobel Prizes in Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature, and Peace are announced.
Baseball’s World Series Typically Happens in October
In the world of sports, October typically sees the major league baseball teams battling it out in the World Series.
Final Word
As we unravel these October fun facts, it’s easy to see why this month is special for so many reasons. With its myriad of cultural, historical, and natural features, October is indeed a month to celebrate and cherish. So grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy up, and watch as October unfolds its unique tapestry of events and celebrations!
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