When you think of October, a few things come to mind like dressing up, scaring people and eating lots of candy. However, this month has much more to offer like fall, football season and many fun facts. Here are a few October celebrations, famous birthdays and exciting tidbits.
Food. For all you foodies out there, October is your month. It is National Popcorn Poppin’ Month, National Cookie Month, National Caramel Month, National Country Ham Month, National Pizza Month and many more National [insert food] Months. Eat all the junk food you can in October. Order a large popcorn at the movies, make cookies every weekend and pour gallons of caramel on your ice cream and chalk it up to a celebration.
Awareness. October 16 was World Day of Food. However, this day is not devoted to eating large amounts of food all day but to calling attention to an issue. World Food Day started in 1979 to increase awareness surrounding the issues of hunger and poverty. So, when you eat breakfast, lunch or dinner this Sunday, think about your community and what you can do to help.
Awareness for hunger and poverty is just one cause addressed in October. This month spreads awareness for many illnesses and issues. It is Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, National Cyber Security Awareness Month, Pregnancy Loss and Infant Loss Awareness Month and Domestic Violence Awareness Month. October brings to light many issues that people face today and what we can do to help.
Celebrations and milestones. In other countries, October is a special month as well. On October 1, it is National Day in China and Independence Day in the Republic of Cyprus, Nigeria and Croatia. October 3 is German Unity Day and October 5 is Proclamation of Portuguese Republic in Portugal. On the second Monday (and the United States’ Columbus Day), it is Thanksgiving in Canada and Health and Sports Day in Japan.
For the United States, too, October is an important month because many life-altering events occurred. On Oct. 1, 1908, the first “Model T” Ford was put on the market. The Great Chicago Fire began on Oct. 8, 1871 and burned for 30 hours. Comedian Steve Allen died from a heart attack in his son’s home on Oct. 31, 2000.
October is also called “Red October” due to the Russian revolution of 1917. In the 19th century, October was dedicated to the devotion of the rosary in Roman Catholic countries and for all you sports fans, the last week in October is the only time of the year when all four major North American sports leagues schedule games.
Birthdays. Many famous people were born in the “scary month,” like E.E. Cummings (poet), Jimmy Carter (39 U.S. president), and Ray Kroc (founder of McDonald’s).
October is more than just “Halloween Month.” You can celebrate National Popcorn Poppin’ Month or give money to a great cause like domestic violence. However, there are 11 months in the year, so stayed tuned. Next month we’ll learn about November fun facts.
