October
This month’s name came 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, even though it’s now the 10th month!
- 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
The Leaves They Are a-Changin’
With the autumnal equinox in late September, foliage season has officially begins across much part of the globe
Why do leaves turn color? Did you know that fall’s vivid colors are actually hidden underneath summer’s green? The main reason for 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. Trees with a lot of direct sunlight will produce red leaves, while other trees may turn yellow, orange or brown.
October Birth Flowers
October’s birth flowers are the cosmos and the calendula or marigold. Cosmos is a symbol of joy in life and love and of peace. The calendula (aka garden, English, or pot marigold) represents winning grace, grief, or chagrin in the language of flowers.
October Birthstone
The October birthstone is the opal, which symbolizes faithfulness and confidence.
September, in Old England, was called Haervest-monath (Harvest Month). This is the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months.
Joke Of the Month
Q. What is a pumpkin’s favorite sport?
A. Squash!
FOLKLORE FOR THE SEASON
- When deer are in a gray coat in October, expect a hard winter.
- Much rain in October, much wind in December.
- A warm October means a cold February.
Activities Done by the children
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