How to thrive in September!

WELCOME TO SEPTEMBER, THE 9th MONTH OF OUR YEAR

September’s Name Comes from the Latin Word septem, Meaning Seven

It Actually Began as the 7th Month of the Early Roman Calendar Before January & February Were Added

“There are flowers enough in the summertime,

More flowers than I can remember,

But none with the purple, gold, and red

That dye the flowers of September!”

Mary Howitt, 1799-1888

The Aster is the September birth flower
September’s birth stone is the sapphire. This is the Logan Sapphire from the National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Photo by Tomas Ruedas (own work)

September has 30 days, and the most notable is probably the Autumnal Equinox or better known as the start of fall, and here in the northern Hemisphere it will occur on the 22nd Pacific Time.  It is that time of year when it reminds us how connected we are to Mother Nature, through the harvesting of bounties she provides.   Light a candle to acknowledge the light in the dark; take some time to journal all that you are grateful for; and to affirm the blessings and lessons you have learned. 

In Old English September was called Haervest-Monath or Harvest Month, the time to gather up the rest of the harvest and prepare for the winter months.  Interestingly, it is the same today. 

So, what happens in the month of September, there’s a little something for everyone.  The last days of summer and the first days of fall.  

Here is just a sampling of the fun and interesting celebrations the September 2023 Calendar holds:

September 4th—the first Monday of the month is Labor Day, a National Holiday here in the U.S., and Labour Day in Canada. 

 

September 11th—Patriot Day, held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the 9-11-2001 terrorist attacks.

September 11th—Grandparents Day.  Honor your Grandparents today and every day.

September 11th—National Hug Your Hound Day.

September 15th—Rosh Hashanah, a Jewish Holiday that marks the beginning of the New Year.

September 17th—Constitution Day.  This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787 (just five years before the founding of The Old Farmer’s Almanac.

September 19th—Harvest Moon.  September’s full moon reaches peak illumination.

September 21st—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 23rd—Autumnal Equinox.  There are approximately the same number of hours of daylight and darkness.

September 24th—The start of Yom Kippur at sundown.

September 26th—Johnny Appleseed Day, celebrating John Chapman and everything apple.

September 29th—Michaelmas, an ancient Celtic “Quarter Day” marking the end of the harvest season.

September 29th—My BoomerGuy’s 77th birthday.

September’s zodiac signs are Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) and Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22)

Observances and Awareness include:

  • Atrial Fibrillation Awareness Month—which serves as a way to help patients and healthcare providers learn more about this complex condition.
  • National Courtesy Month
  • National Literacy Month
  • Baby Safety Month
  • Classical Music Month
  • Hispanic Heritage Month

And lastly, one of the most interesting traditions around the world includes the Moon Festival.  This holiday has been celebrated for at least 3,000 years and is said to be the second-largest festival in China after the Chinese New Year. Observed on the 15th day of the eighth month of the traditional Chinese lunar calendar, it can occur in either September or early October in the Gregorian calendar. 

This autumn festival occurs during the full Moon nearest the fall equinox, which is traditionally said to be the brightest and roundest. Local festivities might involve brightly colored lanterns, dances, games, and other entertainment. Families and friends celebrate into the evening to give thanks for the harvest and for being together, offering each other wishes for happiness and long life and remembering loved ones who live far away. 

Celebrants may make offerings to the Moon goddess Chang’e or share traditional mooncakes by moonlight. These round pastries, which symbolize the full Moon and reunion, are often filled with red bean or lotus seed paste surrounding a salted egg yolk in the center.  Oh, Yummy, I think?  

Please enjoy your celebrations in this fun-filled month.

Contributions and Acknowledgement from Almanac, 

Catherine Boeckman and Wikipedia