October Birth Month Symbols And Fun Facts

Welcome October! This month is a time of change and transformation. In the Northern hemisphere, October brings crisp days and pumpkin spice everything. Farmers’ Almanac invites you to discover delightful October birth month symbols: flowers, stones, zodiac signs, herbs, bird of the month and more! We hope these, along with the October fun facts, will help you embrace the metamorphosis that this month has to offer. Share your thoughts (and photos) in the comments, and let’s cherish this renewed month together.

October Birth Month Symbols

October birth month symbols involve abundance. The October birth flower marigold symbolizes good fortune, while the October birthstone opal is associated with hope, thought to bring necessary destruction and magic. Libra and Scorpio stand as the month’s zodiac guardians, bringing intelligence and passion to those born during this month. The vulture, October’s bird of the month, circling high with aptitude and adaptability. Catnip and October’s other healing herbs are associated with renewal and tranquility, adding even more meaning for those born in this month.

October Birth Month Flower: Marigold

The vibrant and cherished marigold has been rooted in history for centuries and long appreciated for its beauty, fragrance, and medicinal properties. Noted for their sunny disposition and robust aroma, marigolds add a pop of color to gardens, particularly in the fall after other blooms have died off.

Part of the Asteraceae family, related to sunflowers and asters, marigolds are among the hardiest annuals and are virtually pest-free, with French, African, and Signet being the most popular species grown. These low-maintenance and easy to grow blooms are often planted near other plants as a natural pest deterrent, making them a staple in gardens worldwide.

Often referred to as the “herb of the Sun,” the marigold’s fiery yellow, red, and orange hues carry a message of warmth, happiness, and optimism, as well as symbolizing abundance and good fortune. Many cultures also associate marigolds with darker emotions and are integrated into practices of remembrance and honoring the dead. 

RELATED: Seeing Dimes? Signs from the Deceased

Learn more about October Birth Flower Marigold.

October Fun Facts:

• The first recorded herbal use of marigolds can be dated back to 1552, to treat hiccups and being struck by lightning. In the 1500’s early Spanish explorers brought marigold seeds back from the Aztecs to Spain, where they were cultivated, grown in monastery gardens, and later spread to France and northern Africa. Shortly after the Revolutionary War, they were reintroduced to America gardeners and since the 1920s hundreds of new marigold varieties have been developed.
• Marigolds are heat-loving and thrive in full sun. Shade can cause your marigolds to become “leggy” and provide less blooms. Pinching back early flower buds will result in fuller, bushier plants with more climactic flowering, while regular dead heading spent blossoms throughout the summer will help to keep the plant producing into the fall.

October Birthstone: Opal

The beloved opal has left its mark on many cultures through history, prized for its kaleidoscope of colors and inner flashes of light. Derived from the Latin word opalus meaning ‘precious stone’ and the Greek word opallius which means to see a change in color.” Both words originating from the older Sanskrit word opala, which translates to “precious stone.”

Due to their opalescence and vibrant colors, at one point in history, it was thought that the opal was the most valuable gemstone and was referred to as “queen of gems” by Shakespeare.

There are two types of opals: common and precious. Common opals can come in a rainbow of colors, with the most recognizable being black and white, however only precious opals present the luminous mesmerizing optical effect of colors. Their unique internal colors are known as “play of color” is caused by the refraction of light, also known as opalescence.

Throughout history opals were not only worn as a symbol of wealth and status, but were also believed to strengthen the virtues of purity, hope, and truthfulness, with a strong link to magic. 

Related product: October Birthstone – Rose Quartz Necklace

October Fun Facts:

• Opals are a relatively soft stone and can dry out if not treated properly, leading to stone to dull or even crack, known as crazing. Prior to the science behind dulling and crazing was well known, many were led to believe that opal was bearer of bad luck.
• Opals were first discovered in Australia in the late 1880s, where 95% of the world’s market is supplied, however archaeological evidence suggests that opals were first mined in North America up to 10,000 years ago.

October Colors: Tiger Orange, Burgundy, and Indigo

October is associated with a dominantly warm color palette: tiger orange, burgundy—as well as a pop of indigo blue. The orange and burgundy are reminiscent of a season of pumpkin patches, mulled wineand meandering rides along roads lined with vibrant, changing leaves. The blend of blue and violet in Indigo is often associated with deep-thinking and self-reflection, and evoking a sense of calmness and relaxation, ideal for the October, a month of big change. 

October Fun Facts:

• A mix of brown and red with a tint of purple (a shade lighter than maroon), the color burgundy is named for wine from the Burgundy region of France.
• Indigo is one of the oldest dye colors, originally derived from the Indigofera Tinctoria plant. Indigo-dyed cloth has been revered by India, East Asia, Egypt, and the Mayans for over 5,000 years. Throughout the Middle Ages, indigo dye from India was one of the most pricey and valuable imports to the continent and today one of the most popular textile inventions ever, the blue jean, is colored with indigo dye. 

Full Hunter’s Moon (Or Harvest Moon)

October’s full moon is usually known as “The Full Hunter’s Moon” or “The Full Harvest Moon,” depending on its proximity to autumnal equinox. Roughly every three years or so, the Harvest Moon occurs in October. The Hunter’s Moon is the first full moon to follow the Harvest moon, meaning it can occur in either October or November. 

The Hunter’s Moon is an Anglo-Saxon name originating from the time that signals to hunters that game has fattened up and it is time to prepare for the upcoming cold months ahead  This time of year the leaves have also begun fallen and the fields are reaped, allowing for prey to be more visible for hunters. Some Native American names for Octobers full moon also include “Falling Leaves Moon” and “Moon of the First Frost.” See your region’s first frost dates.

Learn more about the October full Moon

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October Fun Facts:

• Like the September Harvest moon, due to it occurring close to the equinox, the Hunter’s Moon rises around the same time for several nights, lighting up the night skies to assist with harvesting and hunting.
•  “Sanguine” or “Blood Moon” have also been used for October’s full moon, in reference to the blood from hunting or the red color of the changing leaves. This moniker should not be confused with a Blood Moon–another name for a total lunar eclipse. See when the next eclipse will occur.

October Zodiac Signs: Libra And Scorpio

Two zodiac signs associated with the September birth month are Libra and Scorpio.

Libra (September 23-October 22)

Libra, the seventh sign of the zodiac, symbolizes kindness and selflessness. The scales of justice characterize this sign, placing large value on harmony. Libras are skilled at seeing the viewpoints of others and are masters of compromise and diplomacy. Libras blossom when they achieve balance in their life: their schedule, partnerships, friendships, and social justice.

Libras are frequently perceived as indecisive, when they are really just thoroughly contemplating their options. They favor keeping the peace and are often non-confrontational, often putting others before themselves. They are great team-players at work and home, placing great value on their relationships, whether it’s with their partner, friends, family, or co-workers.

Scorpio (October 23-November 21)

The eighth sign of the zodiac, Scorpios are the most intense and focused of the horoscope signs. Bold, creative, and passionate, Scorpios are unafraid to carve their own path, making a statement wherever they go. This mysterious sign is often the most misunderstood zodiac sign.

Like their namesake, the scorpion, their outer shell gives them a prickly appearance, often coming across as closed off or even intimidating. This water sign may initially have the air of being gruff or even harsh, but they are actually very in tune with their emotions. 

Scorpios can easily get caught up in their feelings, which can make them feel vulnerable, while also strengthening them. Once you have penetrated a Scorpio’s hard outer shell, you will discover a deeply passionate and caring person—a loyal partner, friend, and co-worker.  

October Fun Facts:

• Scorpio’s modern ruling planet is Pluto, which is associated with death, the underworld, and rebirth. Before Pluto was discovered in the 1930s, Scorpio was ruled by the action-oriented planet, Mars.  
• Scorpio is a fixed sign. The four fixed signs are: Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, and Aquarius. These fixed signs fall in the middle of a season, with Scorpio falling in the middle of fall, which makes sense that they are the “stabilizers” of the zodiac. Those under a fixed sign also tend to be the most reliable friends and creative, who will see an idea through to the end.

October Herbs of the Month

Herbs are thought to be connected to specific zodiac signs. Certain herbs are believed to occupy distinct traits that accentuate each zodiac sign which can foster healing and ease symptoms.

From this perspective, specific herbs are presumed to strengthen the favorable attributes of those born under specific signs, or to relieve any negative obstacles that they may encounter.

Libra Herbs (September-October): Dill’s refreshing and cleansing profile is frequently associated with rejuvenation and security. During ancient times dill’s lace-like blooms were believed to help repel negative energy and help ward off evil spirits.

Considered a lucky charm in many cultures, dill was often used in traditional rituals to draw wealth and good fortune, a common inclusion in bridal bouquets. In Greek and Norse mythology, it was related to strength and love, being used in love potions and rituals.

Scorpio Herbs (October-November): Catnip is most commonly known for its soothing properties for cats. However this herb is also revered for its calming effect on humans, being used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Catnip’s charming flowers are thought to boost tranquility and are associated with spiritual consciousness, helping connect individuals with heightened states of awareness and aiding in releasing unwanted energies. Growing catnip in your garden is said to attract positive vibes and good luck. Catnip flowers are often used in meditation practices to improve relaxation and focus.

In many cultures catnip flowers represent youth and fertility, while portraying love and fleeting beauty in literature and art. In Greek and Egyptian mythology, catnip is associated to the goddess/god of fertility. While in Roman mythology this herb is tied to Venus, the goddess of love.

October Fun Facts:

• Preserve dill by drying it post-harvest. To dry dill, hang the leaf sprig upside down in a warm, well-ventilated area for several weeks. Once dried, remove the leaves and store in an airtight container.
• Catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family, and often confused with its landscaping cousin, catmint. The chemical responsible for its calming effects is called Nepetalactone, with similar properties to chamomile.

October Birth Month Bird: Vulture

The patient vulture symbolizes resourcefulness, embodying those born in October. Vultures are adaptable and use all of their senses to get what they need in life.

Vultures survive in feast or famine, being able to go long periods of time without food. Their brilliant adaptations have not only ensured their survival, but also help to clean up the environment, keeping our ecosystems healthy and preventing the spread of disease.

In many cultures, the vulture symbolizes death and rebirth, a guardian between life and death, between the physical and spiritual worlds (perfect for those born in the month of Halloween).

 

October Fun Facts:

• Vultures have strong stomach acids that allow them to safely eat bacteria-laden carcasses, that would be otherwise dangerous to other animals.
• In Tibet, vultures are seen as sacred birds and are associated with reincarnation, feeding on only the dead and cleansing the county. They are celebrated with festivals where they vulture will feed on the dead, taking their soul to heaven to await the next incarnation.

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What Does “October” Mean?

The month of October stems from octo, Latin for “eight,” referencing its position in the early Roman calendar, when the new year would begin in March. In 700 BCE, the Roman ruler, Numa Pompilius gave the calendar a lunar makeover, adding January and February to the calendar, making October the tenth month of the year.

October Fun Facts:

• The Anglo-Saxon or Old English name for the month of October is Winterfylleth or “the full winter moon,” because winter was said to begin on the first full moon in October.
• In the Catholic Church, the month of October is dedicated the Holy Rosary (since 1571).

October Weather Lore

For centuries, before the creation of modern meteorology, we looked to the skies to help foresee nature and the imminent weather forecast. Each month is fruitful in its own series of weatherlore and sayings, to help foretell changes in weather patterns.

October is full swing into the autumn. Temperatures drop, leaves change, and some parts of the country may even spot a snowflake or two. Prepping harvests and planning for the winter months ahead have lead generations past to rely of folklore to know what is coming and how to plan their days ahead. 

One popular saying this month is “Full moon in October without frost, no frost till the full moon in November.” What do you believe? You’ll have to look to the sky, note the weather, and find out for yourself! See your regional forecast now.

Some other October weather lore that connects nature to patterns:

• When it freezes and snows in October, January will bring mild weather. If it is thundering and heat-lighting, the winter will resemble April in temper.
• Warm October, cold February.
• If October brings much frost and wind, then January and February will be mild.
• When birds and badgers are fat in October, a cold winter is expected.
• Much rain in October, much wind in December.
• When deer are gray in coat in October, expect a severe winter.
• Gnats in October are a sign of long, fair weather.

October Night Sky

In the Northern Hemisphere, October is a splendid month for night skygazing. After the autumnal equinox, we are graced with darker night skies for a star-filled panorama experience.

Shooting Stars

The Draconid Meteor Shower and the Orionid Meteor Shower are two showers that annually grace skies during the month of October. The Orionids are arguably the greatest event in the October night sky, with up to 20 meteors visible every hour and are produced when Earth passes through the debris or ice and dust left behind from Halley’s Comet. To spot the Orionids, look for the constellation Orion in the eastern sky, since the showers originate near the highly-recognizable constellation. 

Milky Way Views

While the Milky Way galaxy can be visible year-round, the “Milky Way Season” stretches from February to October. Catch the core of the Milky Way arch across the night sky this October before it disappears from the night sky for a few months. With the naked eye they can look like a hazy form of stars, but binoculars and telescopes can improve your viewing experience.

If you’re in the Northern Hemisphere, look to the South on a clear night, without too much moonlight. While moonlight can sometimes help illuminate the sky, too much light, including light pollution, reduces visibility.

October Fun Facts: 

• The best time to watch the meteor light show is after midnight, once the moon has set, or even in the early morning before dawn. To view a meteor shower, find a secluded viewing spot, away from the city lights and lie down on the ground and look at the sky. Be patient, watching a meteor shower can be a waiting game.
• The Ancient Romans called our galaxy Via Lactea which means “the road of milk.” Also, the word “galaxy” is derived from a Greek word for “milk.” The name was likely derived from the Milky Way’s bright and milky band across the night sky. According to legend, our galactic home was formed after some milk spilled over accidentally when Hera was breastfeeding Heracles. See the Best Days to Wean.

October Gardening

The peaking leaves and falling temperatures signal that the first frost is on the way in many parts of the Northern Hemisphere, with many outdoor tasks revolving around prepping for its arrival. As we bid farewell to the last of the season’s flowers and the leaves drop, fall clean-up and maintenance take a starring role this month, as we prepare for the coming winter.

• Take inventory of this year’s garden. Do you need to plant more or less of something next year? What didn’t thrive? What adjustments can you make for next year?
• Remove any dead tree branches or limbs from trees. As the leaves fall off, visibility improves. 
• Remove annual plants from flower beds and pots before the first frost hits.
• Clean any containers or pots from soil and debris before store for the winter. 
• Fall is prime time for planting spring-blooming bulbs, such as daffodils, daylilies, and iris. Think about adding new varieties to your garden that are timed to successively bloom throughout the spring. 6 Must-Read Tips for Planting Bulbs in the Fall.
• Shred excess leaves to use as mulch for perennials and garden beds to prevent weeds from germinating over the winter. (A lawn mower works well, but watch out for any sticks and stones.) Add any extra leaves to your compost. 
• Keep your compost pile active by tossing in layers of green material (grass clippings, and spent annuals or perennials, while avoiding adding weeds and diseased material) and brown material (dead leaves and dried grasses). Keep moist and amend with soil, turning regularly. 
• Thin late season vegetables: carrots, beets, greens, or lettuce.
• Sow cool weather veggies, such as carrots and beets, broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage, and leafy greens like lettuce and arugula. Plant These Veggies For A Fall Garden.
• Plant your garlic and onions and cover with mulch. Want to know more about when and how to grow garlic?
• Harvest any other hardy vegetables in your garden such as spinach, lettuce, kale, Brussel sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and winter squash. Now is also a good time to dig up your sweet potatoes. 
• Take a soil sample and send away to be analyzed. This will give you insight on fertilizer recommendations for the following gardening season. 
• Remove any attractions for rabbits or rodents to take up residence in your garden over the winter. Cut down appealing winter habitats, such ornamental grass, tall perennials brush piles, or other debris.   
• Start an indoor herb garden in pots with plant herbs like basil, chives, parsley, rosemary, and sage.Place in by a window that gets ample sunlight.

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October Trivia

• The World Series of Major League Baseball always starts in October. The first World Series took place on October 1, 1903, with the Boston Americans winning it all.
• October 1st is International Coffee Day. Here are lots of ways to brew a cup of coffee.
• October 9 is Leif Erikson Day, honoring the first recorded Nordic explorer to have visited North America.
• October 10 is World Mental Health Day. 21 Ways To Beat The Winter Blues.  
• Columbus Day (U.S.) is observed on the second Monday in October. This federal holiday recognizes the historic voyage and arrival of Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus who sailed to the Americas on October 12, 1492. Columbus Day: History, Traditions, and Changes
• Indigenous Peoples’ Day (US)—a holiday that is celebrated alongside or in lieu of Columbus Day, celebrating the history and cultures of indigenous peoples native to what is today the United States. 
• Diwali, the Indian festival of lights, often falls in October (or November).
• October 17 is National Pasta Day. Make Fresh Pasta For National Pasta Day.
• October 29 is National Cat Day.
• Halloween also known as All Hallows Eve is October 31. Halloween: Spooky History, Legends, and Recipes.
• October is National Pizza Month. Check out this reheating pizza tip.
• Oktoberfest, the German festival, is often celebrated in October. This 16 day beer-based festival was first held on October 12, 1810, as a wedding celebration between Crown Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen.
• The Cuban Missile Crisis was a tense thirteen-day military and political standoff over the installation of nuclear armed Soviet missiles on Cuba, just 90 miles from U.S. shores. 
• The Great Fire of Chicago, one of the most devastating first in U.S. history took place on from October 8-10, 1871. This catastrophic event destroyed about 3.3 square miles of the city, claimed approximately 300 lives, and left more than 100,000 homeless.
• The United Nations was founded in October 1945.
• Musicians John Lennon, Tom Petty and Chuck Berry, first lady Eleanor Roosevelt, artist Pablo Picasso, “Queen of Gospel” Mahalia Jackson, presidents John Adams, Theodore Roosevelt, Dwight D. Eisenhower, and Jimmy Carter, poet Sylivia Plath, co-founder of Microsoft Bill Gates, writer Oscar Wilde, actress Rita Hayworth, comedian Norm MacDonald, playwright Arthur Miller, baseball player Mickey Mantle, and first female Vice President Kamala Harris were all born in the month of October. 

Join The Discussion

Is your birthday in October?

Do you have any favorite symbols for October?

How about some interesting October fun facts, symbols, or folklore not mentioned above?

Share with your community here in the comments below!