October Product Launches

October's name comes from the Latin "octo" (eight), reflecting its original position as the eighth month in the early Roman calendar, which started in March.

Though January and February were later added, shifting October to the tenth month, it kept its numerical name. Attributed to Romulus, October had 31 days, a length maintained by Julius Caesar in the Julian calendar and in the Gregorian calendar used today. Historically, it was an important month for harvests and preparing for winter. Despite temporary renaming attempts by emperors like Commodus and Domitian, the name October persisted.

October Today

October in the U.S. marks peak autumn with vibrant foliage and crisp weather, ideal for harvest activities and seasonal foods. Halloween is the dominant cultural event, featuring costumes, trick-or-treating, decorations, and haunted attractions.

The month also recognizes Hispanic, Filipino, Italian, German, LGBTQ+, and Polish American heritage, alongside health and social awareness campaigns for breast cancer, ADHD, Down Syndrome, domestic violence, bullying prevention, and mental health. Overall, October is a lively transitional month characterized by autumn's beauty, Halloween festivities, cultural recognition, and important awareness initiatives.

The October Zodiac

October in Western astrology is divided between Libra (September 23 - October 22), symbolized by the Scales and ruled by Venus, known for their desire for balance, diplomacy, and appreciation for beauty; and Scorpio (October 23 - November 21), symbolized by the Scorpion and ruled by Pluto and Mars, known for their intensity, passion, and determination. Individuals born in October will be either a Libra or a Scorpio based on their birth date.

The October Birthstone

October has two birthstones: Opal and Tourmaline, both known for their diverse colors. Opal, from the Sanskrit "upala" (precious stone), displays a "play-of-color" caused by light diffraction in its silica structure. Admired for centuries and historically sourced mainly from Australia, it was once believed to bring prophecy and protection.

Opal forms as silica-rich water evaporates, leaving deposits. Tourmaline, from the Sinhalese "turamali" (stone of mixed colors), gained recognition in the 1800s and is found worldwide. Some tourmaline exhibits multiple colors (watermelon) and can become electrically charged.

Added as an October birthstone in 1912, possibly for durability, different colors symbolize various properties. Both gems offer beauty, history, and diverse options for October.

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