The month of October (by Rubbina Singh)

Posted byDr. (Prof) Surjit Singh BhattiPosted inUncategorized
The Month of October

Rubbina Singh, University of Calgary  

October originally got this name from the Latin word “Octo”, for “eight”. In the Roman calendar, October was the 8-th month of the year. When January and February were added for calendar reform, October became the 10-th month, as it is now. October ends on the same day as February in that year. The weather in Northern Hemisphere is similar to April in Southern Hemisphere. Green leaves of trees begin to change their colours during this month. The flowers of Marigold (Calendula) blossom in this season. These are believed to symbolise comfort, healing, protection, and grace.   

Sikhs celebrate the Birth Anniversary of Guru Ram Das Ji and Gur-Gaddi (succession) of  Guru Har Krishan Ji (after Guru Har Rai) during this month. 

Jews observe Yom Kippur as two holy days for prayers and charity, when they wear only white clothes. The Bible refers to Yom Kippur as Shabbat Shabbaton (“Sabbath of Solemn Rest,” or “Sabbath of Sabbaths”).

Halloween is a festival celebrated in some countries on October 31st, when people disguised in various costumes, pursue their traditional beliefs.

The other important days in October are:

01 October: International Day for the Elderly, supported by a UN resolution to honour Senior Citizens and appreciate their sacrifices for society.

04 October: World Animal Welfare Day, to stress the role of animals in the ecological balance. October 4 is the feast day of Francis of Assisi, the Patron Saint of Animals.

05 October: World Teachers’ Day, inaugurated by UNESCO in 1994 to honour teachers, recognize their contributions to society and highlight their concerns.

08 October: Indian Air Force (IAF) Day, is celebrated to pay tributes to the valour of the IAF during war and peace (founded in 1932 to help the Royal Air Force of the UK).

10 October: World Mental Health Day, observed by WHO, for education and advocacy against stigma about diseases like anxiety and psychotic disorders.  

11 October:  International Girl Child Day, declared by the UN (in 2012) to protect the rights of education, food, health, and the honour of every girl child in the world.

HAPPY OCTOBER 2022 !

Leave a comment