100+ Words Related to October

July 28, 2025

From national holidays to celebrating the supernatural, October is jam-packed with events. And guess what? That also means there are plenty of words tied to this time of year. Here are some of them — and why they matter.

Related:

Table of Contents

Columbus Day

Columbus Day is typically observed on the second Monday in October, and it has long been recognized as a symbol of exploration and knowledge of the “New World.”

But the holiday has become controversial because of its links to colonization and the long-term impact on Indigenous communities. While it’s sometimes mentioned in the same conversation as Indigenous Peoples’ Day (more on that later), they’re not the same thing and aren’t celebrated in the same way.

Halloween

You may already be familiar with Halloween, but do you know its origins? Well, its roots can be traced back as far as ancient Celtic traditions, which believed that on this night, spirits of the dead returned to the living world. To ensure their safety, they dressed as scary creatures to blend in and avoid detection.

Tip: The word ‘Halloween’ is capitalized.

National Cat Day

No matter if your kitty is a fan of costumes or gives them the side-eye, October 29 is all about showing some love (and maybe even a little embarrassment with tiny witch hats).

The International Fund for Animal Welfare founded this initiative in 2002. The objective is to raise public awareness of cats and how to support and protect them.

Indigenous Peoples’ Day

Remember the Indigenous Peoples’ Day we mentioned at the start of our list? This event also occurs in October, specifically on the second Monday of October.

So, what is the celebration about? It was first proposed at a 1977 United Nations conference as a strategy to combat discrimination against indigenous communities and the historical inaccuracy of portraying Christopher Columbus as the discoverer of the Americas.

Alaska, Oregon, and Vermont have officially designated Indigenous Peoples’ Day as a state holiday. In contrast, many other states recognize it through annual proclamations. Some of the earliest cities to implement this observance were Berkeley, Seattle, and Minneapolis.

Full Harvest Moon

The Full Harvest Moon is one of the most poetic phenomena of October (It can also happen in September, by the way!). This moon, which occurs closest to the autumn equinox, used to help farmers harvest late into the night. Today, it’s a visual delight —a giant, golden orb rising early and glowing intensely.

Pumpkin

While pumpkins may be a simple fruit, in October, they’re everywhere — in food, decorations, and especially on Halloween.

The tradition of using pumpkins for Halloween celebrations dates back to the 1800s. Irish immigrants brought the legend of Jack O’Lantern to the U.S.

Calendula or Marigold

What does marigold have to do with October? Well, it’s the birth flower of the month! It is not only beautiful, but it is also known for its medicinal properties and plays a significant role in Día de Muertos traditions.

Cosmos

The cosmos flower may not be as flashy as the calendula, but it’s no less special (and yes, it is also the birth flower of October).

The word “cosmos” is derived from the Greek word “kosmos,” meaning harmony or order, which is fitting for the flower’s neat and symmetrical shape.

Opal

October’s birthstone, opal, is a beautiful mix of color and light. Unlike diamonds or rubies, opals reflect a spectrum of colors.

You might have heard that opals are thought to bring bad luck, but that doesn’t have to be true! These beautiful gems are actually a symbol of creativity, passion, and transformation.

Libra

Wondering why Libra is in this list? Well, that’s because this seventh sign of the zodiac is from September 23 to October 22. Libras, whose symbol is a scale, have diplomatic, social, and courteous personalities.

Scorpio

The next zodiac sign after Libra is Scorpio (from October 23 to November 22). A fixed water sign, Scorpios are known for their emotional intensity, determination, and magnetism

Oktoberfest

Oktoberfest, an annual celebration, culminates on the first Sunday of October. U.S. cities, particularly those with significant German American communities, host Oktoberfests modeled after the original event in Munich. These well-attended events, which offer beer and traditional German cuisine, are designed to replicate the Bavarian concept of gemütlichkeit —a sense of cordiality that lasts for 16 days.

Fun Fact: The festival originated on October 12, 1810, to commemorate the wedding of the Crown Prince of Bavaria, who subsequently ascended to the throne as King.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month is also in October. The celebration is symbolized by pink ribbons. But why pink? Why not red or blue?

Well, the decision to use pink was made in 1992 by Alexandra Penney, editor of Self magazine, and Evelyn Lauder of Estée Lauder.

Because of this association, October is recognized as “pink month” in the medical community. Various activities and campaigns are held throughout this month to promote self-exploration, attention, and raise funds for research.

Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta

One of the most magical events of the year, the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta fills the skies of New Mexico each October. Just picture it: hundreds of hot air balloons —shaped like cows, astronauts, and cartoon characters —floating across a gorgeous sunrise.