Month of September 

September is the first month of fall in the northern half of the world and the first month of spring in the southern half.

The name September comes from the old Roman word ‘septem’, which means seven, because in the Roman calendar it was the seventh month. The Anglo-Saxons called it Gerst monath (Barley month), because it was their time when they harvested barley to be made into their favourite drink – barley brew. They also called it Haefest monath, or Harvest month.
The Romans believed that the month of September was looked after by the god,Vulcan. As the god of the fire and forge they therefore expected September to be associated with fires, volcanic eruptions and earthquakes.
September is the start of the school year. Students return to school after the six-week summer holiday.
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September is the ninth month in the Gregorian calendar and has 30 days. It marks the start of the academic year in many countries—students return to school from their summer break—and the start of the church year in the Eastern Orthodox Church. The September Equinox usually falls on September 22 or 23 and is the start of astronomical fall in the Northern Hemisphere.

In the old Roman calendar, September was called mens september, the seventh month, because the Roman calendar started in March. September initially had 29 days.

In 154 BCE, a rebellion forced the Roman senate to change the beginning of the civil year from March to January 1st. With this reform, September officially became the ninth month in the year 153 BCE.

In the year 46 BCE, Julius Caesar introduced a new calendar system—the Julian calendar. He added ten days to the year and introduced the leap day. In the new Julian calendar, September was expanded to 30 days.

Why Is September Not the Seventh Month?

The meaning of September comes from ancient Rome: Septem is Latin and means seven. The old Roman calendar started in March, making September the seventh month. When the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BCE, the new year started in January, and September became the ninth month.

Important Holidays in September 2023

September 4, 2023: Labor Day in the United States. In the US, Labor Day is celebrated on the first Monday of September. It became a federal holiday in 1894 to add a holiday in the long gap between Independence Day in July and Thanksgiving in November. Many families use the long weekend to take a last summer trip.

September 29, 2023: Mid-Autumn Festival in China. Also known as Moon Festival, this is one of the most important celebrations in the Chinese calendar, second only to the Chinese New Year. All over China, people make lanterns and enjoy moon cakes, exchange gifts, and celebrate the Full Moon.

Astronomical Events in September

September Equinox: Equinox—from Latin aequus “equal” and nox “night”—is the time of year where night and day are almost equally long. The September equinox occurs either on September 22, 23, or 24. It marks the first day of fall and is called autumnal (fall) equinox in the Northern Hemisphere.

Harvest Moon: In many Native American cultures, September’s Full Moon is called the Full Corn Moon or the Barley Moon. The names refer to crops harvested in the early fall.

September Calendar

• September 4—the first Monday of the month—is Labor Day. Canadians also observe Labour Day.
• September 11 is Patriot Day, held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. 
• September 11 is also Grandparents Day this year. Honor your grandparents today—and every day!
• September 15 starts Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish holiday that marks the beginning of the new year.
• September 17 is Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, which occurred on September 17, 1787 (just five years before the founding of The Old Farmer’s Almanac, believe it or not!).
• September 21 is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace. Observances range from a moment of silence at noon to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.
• September 23 marks the start of fall! This year’s Autumnal Equinox occurs at 2:50 A.M. EDT on Saturday, September 23. On this date, there are approximately equal hours of daylight and darkness.
• September 24 marks the start of Yom Kippur, at sundown.
• September 26 is Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrating John Chapman and everything apple! 
• September 29 is Michaelmas. Michaelmas is an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” which marked the end of the harvesting season and was steeped in folklore.

September Birthstone and Birth Flowers

According to tradition, the birthstone for September is the sapphire, representing clear thinking. Its birth flowers are the forget-me-not, morning glory, and the aster.

Zodiac Signs in September

• Virgo (Virgin): August 23 – September 22
• Libra (Scales): September 23 – October 22