September is here. Everyone has an interpretation. To a common person on the street, the month September is just another random month to walk through like they did with August. To a student, September is the month of getting prepared to resume academic activities. To workers, the 1st of September is payday, and the rest of September is to continue official duties. But to the literati, not only writers now, the month of September is special for what it stands for.
The name September comes from the Latin word septem, meaning “seven.” Interestingly, September is now the ninth month of the year. Why then does its name mean seven? The answer lies in the ancient Roman calendar in 753 BC. Originally, the Roman year began in March and had only ten months: March, April, May, June, Quintilis (later July), Sextilis (later August), September, October, November, December
This explains why the last four months have numerical Latin names:
September – septem = seven
October – octo = eight
November – novem = nine
December – decem = ten
Later, January and February were added to the beginning of the calendar year by Julius Caesar in 45 BC, pushing September from the seventh position to the ninth. However, its original name was never changed.
September has also come to represent transition. In many cultures, it marks the movement from summer toward autumn, while in places like Nigeria, it often psychologically signals the beginning of the year’s final stretch – the famous “ember months.” September mostly symbolizes different things in different contexts: birthstone: Sapphire; birth flowers: Aster and Morning Glory; Zodiac: Virgo Aug 23 – Sept 22, Libra Sept 23 – Oct 22.
In the Christian context, seven depicts perfection as it makes the day God finished creating the world. Even though the number of September is nine on today’s calendar, its origin as seven means for a writer, the month of September is the month of perfection. So, in this month, you should finish that book, publish that book, finish that painting, finish that poetry, read those books, write down those critiques sitting agelong in your mind. The month of September is not for procrastination.
For both writers and other academics aspiring for masters and PhD, know that the month of September is the beginning of Fall. Applications will be opening in sequence. So, finish that statement of purpose, contact your lecturers and professionals for your letters of recommendation, redesign your CV and update it, update your portfolio, acquire new skill, improve. Apply to as many as you can.
We at Arts Lounge wish you a happy new month. May September be the brightest blue you will encounter. May your work glow and may you get all the acceptances and recognition you need.
Don’t forget, Arts Lounge is open for submissions. Check the requirements on our website.
