October, the tenth month in our modern calendar, has a fascinating history rooted in ancient Rome. Its name comes from the Latin word "octo," meaning eight. Wait, isn't October the tenth month? Well, it wasn't always!
In the original Roman calendar, October was the eighth month. This calendar, said to be devised by the legendary founder Romulus around 750 BCE, had only ten months, starting in March and ending in December. That made October the eighth in line.
The confusion arose later, around 450 BCE, when the Romans adopted a 12-month calendar by adding January and February. Despite being bumped to the tenth position, October kept its name. Interestingly, other months also retained their numerical names—September (seven), November (nine), and December (ten)—though they no longer reflected their actual place in the calendar.
October has always carried significance beyond just its name. In Roman times, it was a month dedicated to various religious festivals and harvest celebrations. In modern times, October has shifted its focus from gods and harvests to a season of change, marking the heart of autumn in the Northern Hemisphere.
As the leaves begin to turn, and cooler temperatures settle in, October brings a mix of cultural traditions—from Oktoberfest to Halloween—carrying both ancient and modern meanings. The next time you sip on a pumpkin spice latte or carve a jack-o'-lantern, remember that October's roots run deep, back to the days of Roman legions and harvest rites.
By David Edge
David Edge is a retirement lifestyle writer and contributor to the ARA monthly newsletter. His articles blend personal stories with practical insights on living well in retirement.
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Easy Eddie's Take
David's take on October's history got me thinking about how many things in our lives carry forward from the past, even when they don't quite fit anymore. It's a lot like retirement planning—we're still using systems and ideas that were built for a different time.
Take Social Security, for example. The Social Security Act was signed in 1935 when life expectancy was much shorter. Now in 2026, people retiring at full retirement age (67 for those born in 1960 or later) might live another 20 or 30 years. Just like October kept its "eighth month" name while becoming the tenth month, we're working with a retirement system that's evolved but still carries its original structure.
The good news is that understanding these historical quirks—whether it's why October sounds like it should come earlier in the year, or why Social Security was designed the way it was—helps us plan better for today. A little knowledge about how things came to be makes the present make a lot more sense.