September is the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar and is associated with the beginning of the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere and the spring season in the Southern Hemisphere.
The name “September” comes from the Latin word “septem,” which means “seven,” as it was originally the seventh month in the old Roman calendar. In many cultures, September is associated with harvest festivals and the start of the academic year.
The month is also recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States and celebrates important days such as Labor Day, International Literacy Day, and the International Day of Peace.
Additionally, September is known for the start of the traditional Oktoberfest in Germany and the Autumnal Moon or Harvest Moon, which usually occurs in September.
September Facts
1. September is the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar
September is the ninth month of the Gregorian calendar, which is the most widely used civil calendar worldwide.
Also Read: Facts About October
The Gregorian calendar was introduced in 1582 by Pope Gregory XIII to reform the Julian calendar, which had been used since ancient Rome.
September has 30 days and is preceded by August and followed by October.
2. The name “September” comes from the Latin word “septem”
The name “September” comes from the Latin word “septem,” which means “seven,” as it was originally the seventh month in the old Roman calendar.
The Roman calendar only had ten months, and September was the seventh month. Later, when two more months were added, September became the ninth month of the year.
Also Read: August Facts
However, the name “September” was still retained, even though it is no longer the seventh month.
3. September marks the beginning of the autumn season in the Northern Hemisphere
September marks the beginning of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. The exact date of the beginning of autumn or spring is determined by the September equinox, which usually occurs around September 22 or 23.
During the September equinox, the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in equal day and night lengths in most parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, the September equinox marks the beginning of autumn, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it marks the beginning of spring.
4. The birthstone for September is sapphire, and the birth flower is the aster or the morning glory
The birthstone for September is sapphire, which is a precious gemstone typically blue in color but can also come in other colors like pink, yellow, and green. It is believed to symbolize wisdom, loyalty, and truth, and has been associated with royalty throughout history.
The birth flower for September is the aster, which symbolizes love, faith, and wisdom. Asters are daisy-like flowers that come in a range of colors, including white, pink, purple, and blue.
Morning glory is also considered a birth flower for September, which is a climbing vine with trumpet-shaped flowers that typically bloom in the morning. The morning glory is associated with affection, love, and mortality.
5. September is associated with harvest festivals
In many cultures, September is associated with harvest festivals and the start of the academic year. In many agricultural societies, September marks the time of year when crops are harvested, and therefore, it is a time of celebration and giving thanks for the harvest.
In addition, September is also the time of year when schools and universities typically start their academic year in many countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and India, among others.
As such, September is often associated with new beginnings, learning, and growth, as students embark on a new academic journey.
6. September 1 is celebrated as Knowledge Day in Russia
September 1 is celebrated as Knowledge Day in Russia and other former Soviet countries, marking the beginning of the school year.
On this day, students across the country go to school dressed in their best clothes and attend ceremonies and events to mark the start of the academic year.
Knowledge Day is a highly significant holiday in Russia, and it is often celebrated with parades, concerts, and speeches by local officials and teachers. It is a day to celebrate the importance of education and to honor the role that teachers and educators play in shaping the future of the country.
7. September 8 is International Literacy Day
September 8 is celebrated as International Literacy Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of literacy and education around the world.
The day was first designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in 1966, and it has been celebrated annually since then.
The goal of International Literacy Day is to highlight the importance of literacy as a key driver of social and economic development, and to promote efforts to ensure that all individuals have access to basic education and literacy skills.
Each year, the day focuses on a specific theme related to literacy and education, such as literacy and digital skills, or literacy and sustainable development.
8. The September Equinox usually occurs around September 22 or 23
The September Equinox usually occurs around September 22 or 23 and marks the start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere and spring in the Southern Hemisphere. During the equinox, the sun is directly above the equator, resulting in nearly equal day and night lengths in most parts of the world.
In the Northern Hemisphere, the September Equinox marks the start of autumn, when the days begin to shorten, and temperatures gradually start to cool.
In contrast, in the Southern Hemisphere, the September Equinox marks the beginning of spring, when days start to become longer, and temperatures begin to warm up. The equinoxes occur twice a year, in September and March, and mark the changing of seasons on the Earth.
9. The United States celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September
The United States celebrates Labor Day on the first Monday of September to honor the contributions of workers to the country’s economy and society.
Labor Day has been celebrated as a federal holiday in the United States since 1894, and it is a day to recognize the importance of the labor movement and the role of workers in building and sustaining the country.
Labor Day is typically celebrated with parades, picnics, and barbecues, and it also marks the unofficial end of the summer season.
The holiday has its roots in the labor movement of the late 19th century when workers began organizing to demand better working conditions, fair wages, and other rights. Today, Labor Day serves as a reminder of the contributions of workers to the country’s progress and prosperity.
10. September is also recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month in the United States, with the goal of raising awareness about suicide prevention and the resources available for those who may be struggling with suicidal thoughts or feelings.
World Suicide Prevention Day is observed on September 10 every year and is recognized internationally as a day to raise awareness about suicide prevention and the importance of mental health.
The day was first observed in 2003 and is organized by the International Association for Suicide Prevention. The theme for World Suicide Prevention Day changes every year, but the goal is always to raise awareness about suicide prevention and to promote the message that suicide is preventable.
During National Suicide Prevention Month, organizations across the United States hold events and activities to promote suicide prevention and to provide support and resources to those who may be struggling with mental health issues or suicidal thoughts.
11. September 21 is the International Day of Peace
September 21 is observed as the International Day of Peace, a day designated by the United Nations General Assembly to promote peace and nonviolence around the world. The International Day of Peace was first celebrated in 1982 and has been observed annually since then.
The theme for International Day of Peace changes every year, but the goal is always to promote peace and nonviolence through various activities and events.
The day is celebrated in many countries around the world, and organizations and individuals participate by organizing peace marches, vigils, concerts, and other activities that promote peace and understanding among people from different cultures and backgrounds.
The International Day of Peace highlights the importance of peaceful conflict resolution, respect for human rights, and the role of individuals and communities in promoting a culture of peace.
12. September is the birth month of several famous people
September is the birth month of several famous people across different fields, including entertainment, literature, and sports. Some notable people born in September include:
- Beyoncé, an American singer, songwriter, and actress, born on September 4, 1981.
- Tom Hardy, an English actor known for his roles in films such as “Inception” and “Mad Max: Fury Road,” born on September 15, 1977.
- Michael Buble, a Canadian singer, songwriter, and actor known for his pop and jazz music, born on September 9, 1975.
- Agatha Christie, an English writer known for her detective novels, born on September 15, 1890.
- Serena Williams, an American professional tennis player, born on September 26, 1981.
- Stephen King, an American author known for his horror and suspense novels, born on September 21, 1947.
These are just a few examples of famous people born in September.
13. In the United States, September is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month
In the United States, September 15 to October 15 is recognized as National Hispanic Heritage Month, a month-long celebration of the contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans to the country’s history, culture, and society.
The celebration began as a week-long event in 1968 and was later expanded to a month-long celebration in 1988.
During National Hispanic Heritage Month, events and activities are held across the country to recognize the achievements and contributions of Hispanic and Latino Americans, who have made significant contributions to the country in fields such as art, music, literature, politics, and science, among others.
The month also coincides with the independence days of several Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Mexico, and Chile.
National Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a time to celebrate the diversity and rich cultural heritage of Hispanic and Latino Americans and to promote understanding and respect among people from different backgrounds.
14. September is the start of the traditional Oktoberfest in Germany
September marks the beginning of the traditional Oktoberfest in Germany, a 16-day festival celebrating beer, Bavarian culture, and tradition. Oktoberfest is one of the world’s largest beer festivals, and it attracts millions of visitors from around the world each year.
The festival is held annually in Munich, the capital of the state of Bavaria, and it typically begins in late September and ends in the first week of October. During the festival, visitors can enjoy traditional Bavarian food, music, and dance, and of course, a wide variety of beer from the many breweries in the region.
Oktoberfest has a long history, dating back to 1810 when it was first held to celebrate the wedding of Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. The festival has grown in popularity over the years and has become a major event in Bavarian culture and tourism.
15. The Autumnal Moon, also known as the Harvest Moon, usually occurs in September
The Autumnal Moon, also known as the Harvest Moon, is a full moon that usually occurs in September and is the full moon that is closest to the September Equinox.
The Harvest Moon is named for its connection to the autumn harvest season, as it allowed farmers to work later into the night and use the moon’s light to harvest their crops.
The full moon during this time of the year also tends to be brighter and larger than usual, making it a popular sight for sky-watchers and photographers.
The Harvest Moon usually occurs in September, but it can also occur in early October depending on the year. In the Northern Hemisphere, the Harvest Moon is an important cultural and agricultural event, and it has been celebrated in various cultures around the world for thousands of years.