October, Month of the Year

October is the tenth month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar and one of seven Gregorian months with a length of 31 days.  The eighth month in the old Roman, October retained its name (from the Latin “octo” meaning “eight”) after July and August, after Julius and Augustus Caesar respectively, when the calendar was originally created by the Romans.

The Symbol of October

The birth flower is calendula (please see picture above).  October’s birthstone is the opal. The opal is thought to have the power to predict illness. This is because the opal responds to heat. Sickness increases body temperature before signs of illness appear. The increased body heat causes the opal to lose its shine, leaving it dull and lacking color. It is also said that the opal will crack if it is worn by someone who was not born in October.

 

Why October?

October is such a unique month. It has always had 31 days, making it one of the more consistent months over the centuries. And so many popular days fall in the month of October including  my Blog’s and my birthday :-)

The most popular holiday in October is by far Halloween celebrated on the 31st of October (yes, it’s also my birthday).  Columbus Day is observed on the Second Monday in October. It commemorates the landing of the great explorer in the New World on 12 October 1492. In Canada Thanksgiving is observed on the second Monday in October.

October has been adopted by many organizations and causes. It is known variously as, “Eat Better – Eat Together Month”, “National Chili Month”, and “National Construction Toy Month” to name just a few. The month also contains “Spinning and Weaving Week”, “Mystery Series Week”, and “Squirrel Appreciation Week”. Days that have been singled out include “Mad Hatter Day”, “Pulaski Day”, and “Mulligan Day”. A popular day to popularize chemistry is Mole Day on the 23rd.

October is All About Pink

Web sites will Go Pink during the month of October to bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month, get people talking about breast cancer, and raise money for research. The hope is that you turn your site pink (in whatever way works for your site), educate yourself about the multiple issues related to Breast Cancer, then take that knowledge and tell someone else what you?ve learned.

Other Facts about October

The first frost usually happens in October in the North Temperate Zone. Leaves change to their brilliant colors, and begin to fall, making the ground a beautiful haven of color. The farmers have to finish harvesting of the crops, but winter isn’t here yet. The cold won’t stay. In fact, we will still have warm days ahead.

Most birds have left for the south by the first frost, but the sparrows love the weather. They are seed eaters, and eat many weed seeds that would otherwise damage the next field crops.

Farmers bring in the last of the fall crops and either store or ship them to other parts of the world. In some parts, apples and grapes are still on the trees and vines. Many apples are harvested at the end of October.

Football usually dominates the scene in October. Hockey also begins it’s season in October. And, the World Series will steal some of the spotlight from other sports.

October Food Idea 

October food should reflect the bounty and color of the season  

       Photo by faqs.org

and be touched with a bit of fun for the coming Halloween and birthday celebrations.

And my Idea for October food is …Spicy…. Pumpkin…. Chili

The chili can be made in endless ways, but the best chilies are rich,  spicy, and just a tad sweet. This recipe is all those things, plus a little more. Pumpkin makes for an unexpected creamy chili base, which creates an especially delicious dish.  It makes the whole house smell good and tastes great! Garnish with cheese and jalapenos if desired.

I first found the recipe of Spicy Pumpkin Chili in Allspices.com. I’ve tried it out with some modification and here is my version of

Spicy Pumpkin Chili:

Ingredients:

500 grams minced beef
1 large onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
1 can of Mexican kidney beans, drained
1 cup of tomato puree
1  cup of  pumpkin puree
1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tablespoon coarsely chopped jalapeno
1 teaspoon No Calorie Sweetener Powder

How to make:

In a large wok over medium heat, cook beef until brown; drain.
Stir in onion and bell pepper and cook 5 minutes.
Stir in beans, tomato puree and pumpkin puree.
Season with pumpkin pie spice, chili powder and the Sweetener.
Simmer for 1 hour. Remove from heat.
Garnish with cheese and chopped jalapeno if desired.

And this post is published on October the 13.

References:

Wikipedia
About.com
Good Housekeeping
eHow.com
Allspices.com
FreakNews.com
faqs.org


Filed under: My Recipes & Beyond, My Special Edition Tagged: all go pink, breast cancer awareness, calendula flower, chili, Gregorian, Halloween, harvest, October, october foods, opal, pumpkin, Roman calendar, Spicy Pumpkin Chili, Thanksgiving