In September or October, Jews believe that God opens the Book of Life for ten days, starting with Rosh Hashanah (the Jewish New Year) and ending with Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement). During these days, the holiest in the Jewish year, Jews try to atone for any wrongdoing and to forgive others. A ram's horn trumpet, known as the shofar, is blown before and during Rosh Hashanah and at the conclusion of Yom Kippur.
Blow a Virtual Shofar.

In 66 countries, the contributions of workers are honored on Labor Day. In New Zealand, Labor Day is marked on the fourth Monday of October and celebrates the campaign for the eight–hour workday. New Zealanders have an extra day of rest from work — and a three-day weekend for picnics and other activities.

On November 1 — called Día de Los Muertos — Mexicans remember their loved ones who have died by visiting them and having a meal right in the graveyard. Stores sell sugar–candy caskets, breads decorated with "bone" shapes, and toy skeletons.

See a Cartoon Time Line of the Day of the Dead.

Millions of tiny flames light up India during this festival of lights. The festival honors Lakshmi, India's goddess of prosperity. Small clay saucers filled with oil and a cotton wick are placed near houses and along roads at night. Women even float these saucers in the sacred Ganges River, hoping the saucers will reach the other side still lit.
See How One Indian City Gets Ready for Diwali.

During this holy time, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar year, Muslims do not eat, drink, or smoke from sunrise to sunset for an entire month. Instead, they spend their days in worship, praying in mosques. At the end of Ramadan, people celebrate with a festival known as Id-ul-Fitr. Because the lunar cycle is shorter than the solar cycle, Ramadan starts 11 days earlier each year. In 1999 and 2000, Ramadan starts in autumn.