by: Lili Pad
The month of October
Its name came from the Latin word “octo” meaning eight and later became the 10th month of the year when King Numa Pompilius reformed the calendar and added the months January and February. October always had a length of 31 days. This month starts on the same day of the week as January in common years, but does not start on the same day of the week as any other month in leap years.
October in Other Languages:
• Latin Name – October Mensis (eight month)
• Anglo Saxons – Winterfyllith (winter full moon)
• Spanish – Octubre
• Danish – Oktober
• French – Octobre
• Italian – Ottobre
Birthstone
Tourmaline / Opal
October has two birthstones.
a. Tourmaline – is a favorite gemstone for many because it’s available in a rainbow of beautiful colors.
The name of this gemstone is believed to be derived from the Singhalese (Sri Lankan) word “toramalli”, a term applied to yellow, green or brown stones, which means “something little out of the earth.” Tourmaline has an unusual property. When it is warmed or rubbed, it attracts small bits of paper, lint and ash. This occurs because the gem becomes charged with static electricity.
b. Opal – are truly unique like our fingerprints because each gem is adorned with one-of-a-kind color combination.
Its name was derived from the Greek Opallos, meaning “to see a change (of color)”. In ancient times, the Opal was known as the Queen of Gems because it encompassed the colors of all other gems. Opal is a fragile hydrated silica material, made of submicroscopic silica spheres held together by more silica and water. It is a soft stone which is easily altered in appearance by changes in heat and pressure.
Birth Flower
Marigold / Calendula
This flower is often given as a sign of warm or fierce, undying love, or as a way of saying that you’re content with being with the recipient. Calendula normally has layered petals that are oval in shape and can grow to be 3-7cm across. The colors range through various shades of yellow and orange
Famous people celebrating their birthdays this month:
• Gwen Stefani – October 3
• Francis Magalona – October 4
• Simon Cowell – October 7
• Hugh Jackman – October 12
• Eminem October 17
• Bea Alonzo – October 17
• Lito Lapid – October 25
• Katy Perry – October 25
