The “eighth” month
October is the tenth month of the year. It has thirty-one days. In
ancient Roman times, when the year began in March, October was the
eighth month of the year. This month got its name from octo, the Latin
word for \”eight.”
When the Romans made January the first month of the year, October became
the tenth month. The Roman rulers tried several times to rename this
month in honor of certain emperors or members of their families. But the
people continued to call this month October.
Long ago, the people in England had their names for this month. One name
was Win- monath, or \”wine month,” for this was the time of year they
made wine. Another name was Winterfylleth, meaning \”winter full
moon.” At that time, the people believed that winter began with the full
moon in this month.
