On This Day – October 31st

For those of us in the West, Halloween is finally here – and it often marks the start of the holiday season for those of us in the US. However, there’s actually a little bit more to October 31st than just pumpkin carving and spooky treats. Let’s take a look at a few key reasons why today’s so important historically, and who you might share a birthday with if today’s a big day for you.

On this day

1The Last Judgement was finished.

In 1541, Michelangelo finished his painting of The Last Judgement in the Sistine Chapel. It remains one of the most famous murals in the world – and, if you know anything about the great Michelangelo, it’s that he never did things by halves. He was one of the most magnificent painters of the Renaissance.

2Casanova escaped!

In 1756, Giacomo Casanova escaped from prison in Venice by climbing onto the roof. He had been imprisoned for affront to religion and common decency. And, yes, he’s the one who gives his name to the term “casanova,” too – who else can say they left that kind of legacy and ended up in dictionaries for centuries to pass.

3The New Zealand Wars resumed in the Waikato.

In 1863, British forces under General Duncan Cameron pushed into the Waikato region of New Zealand, in one of the largest campaigns of the New Zealand Wars against the Māori King Movement. The wars led to huge confiscations of Māori land.

4The Spanish Flu struck the US.

In 1918, the Spanish Flu killed 21,000 people in the US in just one week. It remains one of the most devastating pandemics the country has ever faced – however, the total death toll associated with COVID-19 now outweighs that of the Spanish Flu crisis.

5The world reached seven billion people.

The United Nations chose 31 October 2011 as the day the world’s population reached seven billion. Just 11 years later, in November 2022, it passed eight billion.

Special Days Falling on October 31st

We all know what makes October 31st special, but, along with your Halloween festivities, consider some of these other events taking place around the world today.

National Unity Day

Every October 31st is National Unity Day in India. The day is dedicated to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, a famous Indian freedom fighter and the country’s first deputy Prime Minister and home minister once it was independent. He was key in uniting India, hence why today is a celebration of united India and all Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel did to create and maintain that unity.

Reformation Day

Every 31 October, many Protestants mark Reformation Day. On this date in 1517, the German monk Martin Luther is said to have nailed his 95 Theses, criticising the sale of indulgences, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, starting the Protestant Reformation.

Samhain

Of course, for many, October 31st is Samhain above all else. Samhain begins on the nightfall of October 31st and continues until the sunset on November 1st. It is an ancient Celtic holiday that celebrates the end of the harvest season and the beginning of winter.

This month in history

In 1995, the Million Man March took place in Washington, DC. The march was held under the direction of Nation of Islam head Louis Farrakhan, who delivered the main address. The march took place to unite African-American men and promote unity as well as family values.

Famous Birthdays on October 31st

• Peter Jackson, New Zealand film director, born 1961
• Jan Vermeer, Dutch painter, born 1632
• John Keats, English poet, born 1795
• Zaha Hadid, Iraqi-British architect, born 1950
• John Candy, Canadian actor, born 1950

If you were born on October 31st

…you’re a Scorpio! You’re sleek, strong, and independent, like the mighty scorpion itself! You tend to be well-loved by friends and family for your willingness to fight for what you’re passionate about. You certainly have a fiery streak, but you’re inspiringly ambitious all the same.

But, there’s so much more to you! Head over to our Scorpio facts page to learn more!