Today, the third Saturday in October, is Sweetest Day, a Valentine-like holiday that originated in my hometown of Cleveland, Ohio. The holiday was started in 1922 by candy employee and philanthropist, Herbert Birch Kingston as a way to give something or do something nice to those less fortunate than ourselves. Originally called “The Sweetest Day of the Year,” Sweetest Day has evolved into a romantic holiday, similar to Valentine’s Day. Either way, it’s a nice excuse to do something nice for someone today.
(photo © istockphoto)

Today, October 9 (2008), is Yom Kippur, the Jewish Day of Atonement. The observance began last night at sunset and continues through today. Yom Kippur, one of the most holy days in the Jewish calendar, marks the end of ten days of contemplation and prayer that begins on Rosh Hashanna.
Most able-bodied Jews fast for 24 hours from sunset on Yom Kippur eve to sunset on Yom Kippur. The day itself is spent in prayer and reflection on the preceding year. The breaking of the fast is celebrated with a feast for family and friends.
(photo © Newscom)

In addition to being the month of Halloween, October is Apple Month, National Book Month, Seafood Month, and Caramel Month. It’s also Vegetarian Month and German-American Heritage Month. Below are just a few of the daily holidays we’ll be talking about in October:

October 1 – World Vegetarian Day
October 3 – World Animal Day
October 6 – German-American Day
October 8 – Yom Kippur
October 13 – Columbus Day
October 13 – Thanksgiving in Canada
October 16 – Bosses Day
October 18 – Alaska Day
October 21 – Apple Day
October 26 – Austria National Day
October 31 – Halloween
(photo © Newscom)