October might just be the most wonderful — and busiest — month of the whole year. It brings its own birth flower, two sparkling birthstones, falling leaves, and not one but two holidays to explore. So we gathered all five of our October videos into one place: a little October hub your family can dip into all month long.
Quick answer: October’s birth flower is the marigold, its birthstones are opal and tourmaline, and its two big holidays are Columbus Day (second Monday of October) and Halloween (October 31). Start with our October fun-facts video below, then explore the flower, the stones, and the stories behind both holidays — all five videos are right here.
What Makes October So Special?
October is full of surprises. Did you know it was once the eighth month of the year? Or that the colors in fall leaves were hiding there all along? Our October fun-facts video explores it all: the Roman calendar’s eighth month, the simple science of why leaves change color, animals busily preparing for winter, Germany’s Oktoberfest, and Mexico’s Día de los Muertos. It’s the perfect first stop on your October adventure.
👉 Watch Now:
🎥 https://youtu.be/Y3Dm5a1gUCs
What Is October’s Birth Flower?
If you were born in October, your birth flower is the marigold — a bold, golden bloom whose name means “Mary’s gold.” Marigolds have ancient roots in Mexico, where the Aztecs grew the flower known as cempasúchil. To this day, marigolds are the flower of Día de los Muertos, when their bright orange and gold petals are said to guide the spirits of loved ones home. Our birth flower video shares the marigold’s meaning, its story, and a few surprising petal facts.
👉 Watch Now:
🎥 https://youtu.be/C5_Zz66t1bU
What Are October’s Birthstones?
October babies are lucky — they get two birthstones! Opal is famous for its play-of-color, flashing tiny rainbows as it catches the light, and tourmaline comes in almost every color imaginable, including a pink-and-green variety that looks like watermelon. Our birthstone video explores both gems, where they come from, and what they symbolize — a lovely watch for October birthdays, and a sweet gift idea for parents and grandparents, too.
👉 Watch Now:
🎥 https://youtu.be/VF8WKxqa_X0
What Is the Story Behind Halloween?
Halloween has a story thousands of years in the making — from the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, through All Hallows’ Eve, to the trick-or-treating, costumes, and jack-o’-lanterns families love today. Our full Halloween story video tells it in a gentle, kid-friendly way (you can also read our full Halloween story right here on the blog). Press play, carve a pumpkin, and enjoy the friendliest kind of spooky.
👉 Watch Now:
🎥 https://youtu.be/jkvLxzsd-eI
Who Was Columbus, and What Is Columbus Day?
Columbus Day, on the second Monday of October, marks Christopher Columbus’s 1492 voyage across the Atlantic with his three ships — the Niña, the Pinta, and the Santa María. Many places also observe Indigenous Peoples’ Day on the same date, honoring the Native peoples who were already living in the Americas. Our Columbus Day video shares the story in a balanced, kid-friendly way that’s a great conversation starter for curious kids.
👉 Watch Now:
🎥 https://youtu.be/Qim94a_yJLk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is October’s birth flower?
The marigold — a golden flower whose name means “Mary’s gold,” with roots in Aztec Mexico and a starring role in Día de los Muertos celebrations.
What are October’s birthstones?
October has two: opal, known for its rainbow play-of-color, and tourmaline, which comes in nearly every color. Both are featured in our October birthstone video above.
What holidays are in October?
October’s two biggest family holidays are Columbus Day (the second Monday of October, also observed in many places as Indigenous Peoples’ Day) and Halloween on October 31.
Why was October once the eighth month?
“Octo” means “eight” in Latin. In the ancient Roman calendar, October really was the eighth month — the calendar later changed, but the name stuck.
Which October Video Will Your Family Watch First?
The rainbow flash of an opal, the golden glow of a marigold, a pumpkin grinning on the porch, or a tiny wooden ship crossing a huge ocean — October has a story for every curious kid. Tell us in the comments which video your family watched first, and what your little one loved most. Happy October! 🍂
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October’s Birth Flower: Marigold 🌸
Every month has a birth flower, too! Marigolds are called “herbs of the sun” and their golden blooms follow the light. Watch the video: What Is October’s Birth Flower? · See all 12 months in our Birth Flowers of the Year playlist.