Mensis October was the eighth month on the Roman calendar long before the months of January and February were added. In ancient Rome, October was associated with the harvest and the military.
Early in the month was a day called Mundus Patet , on which Romans believed the gate to the spirit worldwas opened, kind of like on Halloween. On this day, a giant stone that covered a huge pit in the city was removed. Romans would toss in fresh fruit and vegetables to honor the gods and spirits of the underworld. A week later, Romans held a festival called Meditrinalia , when they would drink the year’s freshest wine and pray for good health.
Mars, the god of war, was worshippedin October because that was when the Roman military finished its campaign season and returned home. In the middle of the month, there was a special chariotrace. One of the winning horses would be sacrificed to honor Mars. A few days later, another festival was held for the soldiers to purifytheir weapons and armorbefore storing them away for the winter. During the last half of October, Romans celebrated the end of the season with sports competitions.
