October is often a whirlwind of commercial holidays and shopping mania, pulling us into a cycle of consumption that can feel both overwhelming and disconnected from our roots.
But what if we used this month to re-orient ourselves, to reconnect with the Earth and its cycles? Celebrating earth-centric holidays offers us a timely reminder of our symbiotic relationship with our planet. It’s not just an act of remembrance but a meaningful pause—a chance to step out of our busy schedules and consumerist tendencies to emotionally, physically, and mentally bond with Earth’s natural rhythms.
Below you’ll find a curated list of alternative, earth-centric holidays in October that offer a rich tapestry of experience and understanding, deeply rooted in natural phenomena and human history.
To help you easily embrace this mindful approach to holidays year-round, check out our Alternative Holiday Calendar.
5 Earth Centric Holidays in October
World Vegetarian Day – October 1
What is World Vegetarian Day?
World Vegetarian Day marks the beginning of Vegetarian Awareness Month. The holiday draws attention to the ethical, environmental, and health benefits of a plant-based diet—a diet deeply connected to the Earth’s ecosystem.
Why Celebrate World Vegetarian Day?
Embracing a vegetarian lifestyle even for a day can deepen your emotional and physical relationship with the planet. It’s a step towards ethical eating, a conscious choice that has implications for sustainability and animal welfare.
👉 Learn more about how to celebrate World Vegetarian Day in our detailed blog post.
German Harvest Festival: Erntedankfest – October 6 (varies)
What is Erntedankfest?
Erntedankfest is a traditional German harvest festival that honors the Earth’s bountiful harvest. Rooted in agrarian culture, it’s a living testament to humanity’s age-old dependence on the planet for sustenance.
Why Celebrate Erntedankfest?
Participating in Erntedankfest activities can rejuvenate your mental and emotional state, fostering gratitude and an appreciation for Earth’s natural resources.
👉 Discover more about Erntedankfest and how to bring this rich tradition into your life here.
World Food Day – October 16
What is World Food Day?
Celebrated globally, World Food Day seeks to address issues like hunger, malnutrition, and food security, all of which are deeply linked to the planet’s health and its agricultural cycles.
Why Celebrate World Food Day?
The day offers an opportunity to reflect on how your food choices impact your well-being and the Earth. It can be a profoundly emotional and educational experience, urging you to make more sustainable choices.
👉 Read more on how to mark World Food Day in an earth-centric way.
Orionids Meteor Shower – October 21, 22
What is the Orionids Meteor Shower?
This annual meteor shower is a cosmic event tied to the Earth’s orbit around the sun, connecting us to the larger universe and its celestial rhythms.
Why Celebrate Orionids Meteor Shower?
Watching the Orionids can be a spiritual and mind-expanding experience, offering a sense of cosmic awe that can refresh your perspective on life.
👉 Find out how you can celebrate this celestial marvel in our informative blog post.
Samhain – October 31
What is Samhain?
Samhain is an ancient Celtic festival that marks the end of the harvest season and the onset of winter. The day is deeply connected to the Earth’s natural cycles, and it has been celebrated for millennia.
Why Celebrate Samhain?
Celebrating Samhain allows you to tap into ancient practices that honor the Earth and its cycles, offering mental and emotional grounding as you prepare for winter.
👉 Discover more about Samhain and how to celebrate it in an earth-centric way here.
These alternative holidays offer different avenues to connect deeply with the Earth, each in their own unique way. To find out how you can celebrate each, click through to our detailed blog posts, each filled with both simple and elaborate ways to mark the occasion. Happy celebrating! 🌏
Try something new this year!
Alternative Holiday Calendar
Ever felt holidays could be more meaningful? Celebrate alternative holidays grounded in nature-centric wisdom and science. Ready to reshape your year?