The word October was derived from the Latin “Octo” meaning eight (8). October retained its name from the Latin origin when July and August, named after Julius and Augustus Caesar respectively, were inserted into the calendar that had originally been created by the Romans. It is now considered the tenth (10th) month in the now widely used Gregorian calendar. Consequently, it is the gateway into THE LAST QUARTER OF THE Gregorian calendar

It falls on the eighth (8th) month Cheshvan of the Biblical Sacred calendar and the second (2nd) month according to the Biblical civil calendar. (1 Kings 6:38; 1 Kings 12:32, 33).

The number 8 symbolizes a new beginning after the completeness of the number 7. The eighth month depicted “plumpness” as if a surplus above the perfect seven. Figuratively it symbolizes fatness, richness, lusty and plenteous. Thus the eighth month is meant to be a time of abundance and plenty. Most nations in the northern hemisphere experience rains during this time of the year when summer is drawing to a close while the southern hemisphere picks up warmer temperatures.  

During the autumn/fall creation prepares for the coming winter season. Creatures like ants and other hibernators gather food in summer and autumn and store it up in preparation for winter rest and recuperation. It is a time of the late harvest for crops that mature during late summer. There is a drying up and dying off of leaves and plants that had blossomed and borne fruit during spring and summer months as they prepare for the starkness of winter.

The Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) which commenced on September 28 will end on 6 October. The prayer directions for this are in the September prayer guide.

In many cultures, it is the season for the celebration of festivals and renewal of covenants with their deities; thus fortifying their altars as power bases . This 31st October to 2nd November brings a pagan celebration of Halloween; the ungodly “new year” and the All Hallows mass respectively.

All these unGODly festivals are marked by offerings and sacrifices to their gods. It is a season of religious processions, music, dancing and theatrical exhibitions; a time of sporting activities, relaxation, joy, etc. Even the dead and idle were not forgotten e.g Cheung Yeung Festival for tomb-sweeping in Hong Kong and ancestral worship, in Japan known as Choyo. In various African cultures graves are also cleaned in this season to appease ancestors and  for the participants to assure themselves that they too will be taken care of when they die.