Historical & Cultural Significance
September was originally the seventh month in the ancient Roman calendar, and its name comes from the Latin word “septem,” meaning seven.
September (Month) - Facts for Kids
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Facts About September (Month) For Kids
September marks the start of the school year in many countries around the world, with millions of children beginning new classes.
Long ago, Anglo-Saxons often called September “Haefest-monath” which means “Harvest Month” because it was when they gathered in their crops!
September hosted the First Continental Congress in Philadelphia in 1774, where America’s leaders met to unite against British laws.
September contains the Mid-Autumn Festival in Chinese culture, when families gather to admire the full moon and eat mooncakes.
September sometimes sees the Islamic New Year — but not every year, because the Hijri calendar is based on the moon, so the date shifts by about 11 days each year!
September was when ancient Romans celebrated Ludi Romani, their oldest and most important games festival.
September brings Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, when people eat apples dipped in honey for a sweet year ahead.
September was when the first newspaper in North America, “Publick Occurrences Both Forreign and Domestick,” was published in 1690.
September includes Mexico’s Independence Day celebration on the 16th, marked by the famous “El Grito” (The Cry of Independence).
Natural World & Weather
September brings the autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere, when the Sun crosses the equator and day and night are almost (but not exactly) the same length!
September sees monarch butterflies begin their amazing 3,000-mile migration from Canada to Mexico.
Starting in September, humpback whales begin swimming back to Antarctica to feast — but these days, they’re arriving even earlier than they used to!
September signals squirrels to start collecting and storing nuts and acorns for winter.
September marks the start of apple-picking season in many parts of North America and Europe.
In September, leaves in many forests begin changing colors as the green fades away and yellow, orange, red, and purple pigments appear!
In many northern regions, September can bring the season’s first frost, which tells plants to start getting ready for winter!
September is when many birds begin their autumn migration to warmer climates.
Modern Celebrations & Observances
Early September brings International Literacy Day on September 8, a special day to celebrate how reading and writing open doors for everyone!
September hosts International Talk Like a Pirate Day on the 19th, when people say “Arrr!” and “Ahoy!”
September includes World Peace Day on the 21st, when people worldwide promote peace and understanding.
September celebrates Grandparents Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States.
September celebrates Grandparents Day on the first Sunday after Labor Day in the United States.
In California and Nevada, people celebrate Native American Day on the fourth Friday in September, but in many other states, the celebration of Native American cultures happens on different days.
September includes International Day of Sign Languages, celebrating deaf culture and communication.
September hosts World Maritime Day, recognizing the importance of ships and sailors.
September brings National Comic Book Day on the 25th, celebrating superheros and storytelling.
September includes International Dot Day, inspired by Peter H. Reynolds’ book “The Dot” about creativity.
September contains World Rivers Day, promoting the value of our waterways.
Astronomical & Calendar Features
September begins with Virgo as its zodiac sign and ends in Libra.
Every year we get a Harvest Moon, which is the full moon closest to the autumn equinox — but most years, that happens in September, even though sometimes it falls in early October instead!
September’s equinox occurs around the 22nd or 23rd, marking the official start of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
In September, days in the Northern Hemisphere get noticeably shorter, losing about 2 to 2½ minutes of daylight each day!
September’s night sky features the Summer Triangle, formed by the bright stars Vega, Deneb, and Altair.
September shows Perseus and Andromeda constellations prominently in the northern night sky.
September’s morning sky often displays Venus as the “morning star” before sunrise.
September’s equinox happens around the 22nd or 23rd, and the word ‘equinox’ means ‘equal night’ in Latin — though daytime is still a little longer than night.
September’s full moon is traditionally called the Corn Moon by many Native American tribes.
September marks the point when the sun crosses the celestial equator, moving southward.
Traditions & Symbols
September’s birthstone is the sapphire, symbolizing wisdom and royal connections.
September’s birth flowers are the aster and morning glory, representing love and magic.
September’s traditional colors are deep sapphire blues, inspired by its birthstone, and warm rust tones that reflect autumn leaves.
September traditions include harvest festivals in many agricultural communities worldwide.
September brings the tradition of the Swiss Alps cattle descent, when decorated cows return from mountain pastures.
September maintains the tradition of collecting conkers (horse chestnuts) in Britain for traditional games.
September continues the ancient tradition of grape harvesting and wine-making in many regions.
September keeps alive the tradition of moon-viewing parties in Japan during the harvest moon.
Global Perspectives
September marks the beginning of spring in the Southern Hemisphere.
September brings cherry blossoms to New Zealand and parts of Australia.
September starts the rainy season in many parts of Southeast Asia.
