November: Exploring the 11th Month's Significance

November is the 11th month of the year as per the Gregorian calendar and consists of 30 days. The word November comes from the Latin word 'Novem' meaning nine.

If you're wondering why November isn't the ninth month then, it is because the early Roman calendar consisted of ten months which began with March. Thus, November was initially the ninth month.

November

November is a month of late autumn or cold winter in the Northern Hemisphere whereas countries in the Southern Hemisphere experience late spring.

November History: Why It is The 11th Month

Romulus, the first King of Rome, invented the early Roman calendar around 753 BC. The calendar only consisted of ten months:

Martius
Aprilis
Maius
Junius
Quinctilis
Sextilis
September
October
November
December

It was Numa Pompilius, the second King of Rome, who added two more months- Januaris and Februaris later on. According to this early Roman Calendar, March, May, and July had 31 days, February had 28 days and the rest of the months had 29 days which totaled 355 days in a year.

Scientists from back then realized that the total number of days was not in accordance with the Solar year which is why another month, Mercedonis, was added.

The calendar underwent further changes in 46 BC giving rise to Julian Calendar which was once again found to be inaccurate. Thus, in 1582, the Julian calendar was changed giving rise to the Gregorian calendar we use today.

"Fallen leaves lying on the grass in the November sun bring more happiness than the daffodils."

- Cyril Vernon Connolly

November Festivals and Celebrations

November is a beautiful month that heralds the onset of winter and the highly anticipated Christmas season – a time cherished by many. Countless festivals, celebrations, and observations take place worldwide, some of which are:

Thanksgiving - It is a day to reflect and express gratitude for all the blessings you have received in your life.
Veterans Day - Veterans Day honors all the veterans who have served their country including those who sacrificed their lives.
Remembrance Day - Similar to Veterans Day, Remembrance Day honors all the people in the armed forces of Commonwealth member states who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Universal Children's Day - Children are an integral part of our lives and their rights need to be strictly protected. This was the main objective behind the establishment of Universal Children's Day.
Diwali - Diwali, or the festival of lights, is a grand celebration in India. On this day, people light up their homes with Diyas, candles, fairy lights, and so on.
Guy Fawkes Day - Guy Fawkes Day is a cherished yearly tradition in the UK where communities gather to enjoy fireworks and bonfires. The history behind this celebration is quite interesting.
All Saints' Day - This is a very important day for Catholics as they celebrate the virtuous Church saints who now reside in heaven.
Black Friday - Celebrated after Thanksgiving, Black Friday marks the beginning of a shopping spree when discounts and lucrative deals are offered everywhere.

Besides these, some informal and special days are also celebrated in November. This includes World Kindness Day, World Television Day, World Vegan Day, World Tsunami Day, National Cancer Awareness Day and International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women.

November Interesting Facts

November has two birthstones- topaz and citrine (color mostly ranges from pale yellow to brownish orange).
The two zodiac signs associated with November are Scorpio and Sagittarius.
On November 1, 1993, the European Union was formed.
On November 22, 1963, President John F. Kennedy was assassinated.
Have you ever wondered why Presidential elections, in the US, are held in the month of November? It is because, by November, agricultural harvests are mostly done so it would not disrupt the agrarian life, the backbone of every country and everyone can vote without worry.