Ace Vee
For all of you folklore ghouls out there? September has a lot of its very own mystery, traditions, and mythology. Starting off with where September’s name originally comes from, that being a Latin word Septem meaning “seven.” Which was introduced alongside the Roman calendar in 738 BC by the founder of Rome, Romulus. According to Britannica, The Roman calendar established only 10 months including September as the seventh month. The calendar also ignored a large portion of the colder months. The 10 months come from Latin numbers five through 10. Martius, Aprilis, Maius, Junius, Quintilis, Sextilis, September, October, November, and December. Now, in the modern day there have been a multitude of calendars. Throughout different places around the world but today worldwide the Gregorian calendar is used. Consisting of 12 months, approximately 30 days for each month and a leap year.
Just like seasons change, so does September and its meaning. September is a transitional time especially in Folklore, it can be seen as an inbetween period for seasons. Starting with being between the warmth and development of Summer and the darkness and dormancy of Winter. September’s consistent theme is all about harvesting, maintaining a balance, appropriate endings, preparation for what is to come, gratitude and transformation.
September marks the shift to Autumn in the Northern Hemisphere, bringing crisp cool air along with gathering and maintaining crops associated with the season like apples, corn, grains, and grapes. Furthering the transition is the Autumnal Equinox which is September 22-23, where according to Britannica the sun crosses over the equinox creating a day and night of equal length, symbolizing balance and the start of light into darkness. Adding to the mystery and mystique is the Harvest moon, a full moon closest to the equinox sometimes occurs in October. The bright light radiating from the moon historically allowed farmers to continue on with the harvest throughout the evening.
Mythological figures are heavily included in this month. According to Britannica, Michaelmas, celebrated on September 29, is also associated with St. Michael the Archangel. It became an important seasonal date and great feast in Britain for agriculture because it marked the ending of the harvest season. Another famous myth connected to agriculture and the changing seasons is the Greek story of Demeter and Persephone. According to oldfolklore, Demeter was associated with agriculture and fertility while Persephone was associated with plants and Summer. Due to Persephone leaving her mother to become the queen of the Underworld. After Persephone separated from her mother, Demeter grew deep with grief to the point that Earth grew barren and void. Persephone did eventually return but she did have to go back to the Underworld at least part of each year there. Their relationship is like a seasonal cycle of growth, harvest, barren, and renewal.
