September is the ninth month of the year, according to the Gregorian calendar, which is used in most of the world today. It was the seventh month of the early Roman calendar, and its name comes from the Latin word septem, meaning seven. September became the ninth month when the ancient Romans moved the start of the year from March 1 to January 1. September had 29 days in this early calendar, but later Roman calendar reforms eventually gave it the 30 days it has today.
The autumnal equinox in the Northern Hemisphere (vernal equinox in the Southern Hemisphere) occurs on September 22 or 23. On this day, the sun shines directly on the equator, and the lengths of day and night are nearly equal. Japanese Buddhists observe Higan on the equinox. During this time people honor their ancestors, often visiting their graves.
September has long been a month for harvesting crops and giving thanks. Today, many cultures still hold September harvest celebrations. Onam is a harvest festival in India. People in China and other countries of East and Southeast Asia celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival or Moon Festival. On the night of the full moon, families often gather to watch the moon and have a feast or picnic that includes round “moon cakes.” Ghana’s Yam Festival marks both the harvest and the New Year.
Some religious holidays fall in September. Rosh Ha-Shanah, the Jewish New Year, usually begins in this month and lasts for two days. Jews observe Rosh Ha-Shanah as a solemn time of prayer and asking for forgiveness. Challah bread and apples dipped in honey are special Rosh Ha-Shanah foods. Other Jewish holidays including Tzom Gedaliah, a fast day; Yom Kippur, the Day of Atonement; Sukkot, the Feast of the Tabernacles; and Simhat Torah, a day of rejoicing, are all celebrated in September or early October. Hindus begin the 10-day celebration of Durga Puja, or the Festival of the Divine Mother, in September or October.
Various other celebrations take place in September. Labor Day falls on the first Monday of the month in Canada and the United States. Mexico’s Independence Day is on September 16. National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 in the United States. Many Chinese celebrate the birth of Confucius in about 551 B.C. on September 28.
Flowers associated with September are the morning-glory and the aster. The month’s gem is the sapphire.
