September, even though it means seven in Latin, (septem), is the ninth month of the year.The old Roman calendar originally began in March until the Roman senate changed the calendar in 153 BC. In the original calendar, September was the seventh month. September became the ninth month after the calendar was changed. September is also the first month of fall. The September Equinox usually falls on September 22nd or 23rd and is the start of the astronomical fall in the northern hemisphere.
There are a number of songs with September in the title. Think of “September Morn” by Neil Diamond, “See You in September,” by the Four Seasons, “Maybe September,” by the late great Tony Bennett, and “Wake Me Up When September Ends,” by Green Day; all great songs but by far my favorite remains “September,” by Earth, Wind and Fire. The refrain, “Do you remember the 21st of September?” is especially appropriate, as that date does indeed mark the end of summer.
While I am sad to see summer end, autumn is a wonderful time of the year. Memories of picking apples, vibrant fall foliage, falling leaves, pumpkins, corn fields, chrysanthemums, and bales of hay come to mind. The fall colors are breathtaking. September 29 is the first full moon of September, and it’s called the Harvest Moon. Perhaps poet Mary Howitt best described autumn in her poem.
“There are flowers enough in the summertime, more flowers that I can remember – but none with the purple, gold and red that dye the flowers of September.” Mary Howitt, (1799- 1888.)
The morning glory and the aster are the flowers of September. The morning glory opens in the morning and closes at the end of the day. It is a sign of undying love. The Aster symbolizes faith, love, and wisdom. The jewel of the month is sapphire a gem used by royalty thought to have healing powers and stood for truth.
Of course, in September you also have the beginning of the new academic year and “back to school.” There is a return to order in a sense as well as the feeling of new beginnings. Many of the holidays we celebrate commemorate this very theme.
It is very fitting that Labor Day, September 4 this year, begins the month. There is a return to work and celebration of labor. Work is considered a blessed endeavor. Labor Day was the idea of Peter J. Maguire, a labor union leader who, in 1882, proposed a celebration honoring the American worker. Peter Maguire was the general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and co-founder of the American Federation of Labor.
President Grover Cleveland signed a law making the first Monday in September a legal national holiday every year. It was commemorated by parades, speeches and the celebration of labor and labor unions.
Labor Day is a great opportunity to reflect on the work you do and how it is not only a way to earn a living but how it contributes to society and helps others. How is your career or job building up the world and those in it? Think of all the workers who built the roads, bridges, railways, skyscrapers, churches and homes Think of the teachers, lawyers, doctors, nurses, real estate brokers, builders, and so many others who are in helping professions.
Many people celebrate Labor Day with an end-of-summer barbecue, lobster bake, or picnic. Catch a parade, eat some corn, watermelon, and top it off with apple pie & la mode. Do you have a Labor Day tradition? What are some of your favorite “eats “ for Labor Day weekend?
After Labor Day, there are a number of memorable holidays in September:
September 11 is Patriot Day held in honor and remembrance of those who died in the September 11 terrorist attacks. “Never forget.”
September 11 is also Grandparents’ Day this year. Honor your grandparents today and every day.
September 15 is Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year.
September 17 is Constitution Day. This day celebrates the adoption of the U.S. Constitution which occurred on September 17, 1787.
September 21 is recognized as the annual International Day of Peace. Observances range from a moment of silence at 12 noon, (what a wonderful practice) to events such as peace walks, concerts, and volunteering in the community.
September 23 marks the start of fall.
September 24 is Yom Kippur – the day of atonement in the Jewish religion.
September 26 is Johnny Appleseed day, celebrating everything apples. For me, I need no excuse to eat apple pie.
Best of all, September is National Happy Cat Month – what a great time to adopt a shelter cat. Make a cat happy as well as yourself; and if you do, then maybe name the kitten September.
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