U.S. Holidays and Observations in October 2009

Halloween, Columbus Day, Sukkot, and Some Unusual Celebrations

Aug 27, 2009

U.S. holidays and observances in October 2009 include Columbus Day, Halloween, and some usual celebrations like National Chocolate Cupcake Day.

October 2009 brings images of red and yellow leaves falling off of trees, children in Halloween costumes, and maybe even a few early holiday shoppers. Here's a list of U.S. holidays and observations during this month.

Halloween: October 31

Of course, the best known American celebration of the season is Halloween, which falls on a Saturday this year—perfect for young trick or treaters and older party goers. An added bonus this year: there's a full moon on Monday, November 2, which means the moon will be nearly full this Halloween night.

Columbus Day: October 12

The only federal holiday in October 2009 is Columbus Day, which always falls on the second Monday of October. Columbus Day, which has been a federal holiday since 1970, celebrates explorer Christopher Columbus' voyage to the Americas in 1492. Some also see this holiday as a celebration of Italian heritage.

Columbus Day has become controversial because of the connection between Columbus' "discovery" of America and the beginning of the Native American holocaust. Alaska, Hawaii, and the Virgin Islands refuse to recognize Columbus Day, and some localities hold Native American celebrations on this day instead. Although Columbus Day remains a federal holiday, and offices such as the Post Office are closed, it's common for many businesses and school districts to remain open.

Sukkot: October 3

The festive Jewish holiday of Sukkot begins this year at sundown on October 3 and lasts for seven days. It is both a commemoration of the Biblical wandering of the Jews through the desert for forty years,. and a celebration of the fall harvest. Because the Jews lived in temporary huts in the desert for forty years, Jews today build a Sukkah, or a temporary, partially open housing structure that is typically decorated with fall vegetables, children's artwork, and other festive touches. Sukkot is a good deal of fun for Jewish children, who get to decorate the Sukkah and eat meals in the fort-like structures.

Bizarre, Unusual, and Noteworthy October 2009 Holidays

So what else is going on during October 2009? Here are some of the lesser-known October celebrations.

October may seem like a slow time for holidays, compared to the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas season.. However, there's plenty going on in this fall month. Have a happy October!

The copyright of the article U.S. Holidays and Observations in October 2009 in American Affairs is owned by Naomi Rockler-Gladen. Permission to republish U.S. Holidays and Observations in October 2009 in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.