01/09/2025
For the UK, the meaning of September is tied to its position in the Gregorian calendar as the ninth month, with 30 days. It also marks the official start of autumn for meteorologists on September 1st, even though the astronomical autumn begins later in the month.
Other key meanings and traditions of September in the UK include:
Harvest: Historically, September was known as Haervest-monath (Harvest Month) in Old England, a time for gathering crops. The tradition of a Harvest Festival is still celebrated in many parts of the UK.
"Back to School": September is the month when students in the UK typically return to school after their summer break.
Unique Festivals: The month features unique local events, such as the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance in Staffordshire, which is considered one of Britain's oldest surviving ceremonies, and "Clipping the Church," a tradition of holding hands to form a chain around a church.
Michaelmas: September 29th is Michaelmas, or the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel. It was once a significant day in the Christian calendar and marked the end of the harvest season.
