The Month of November (by Rubbina Singh, University of Calgary,Canada)

The Month of November,

Rubbina Singh, University of Calgary, Canada

November comes from the Latin word novem meaning “nine”, and was originally the ninth month on the old Roman calendar, which had 10 months in the year. March was then the first month until the calendar reform when January and February were added. November thereafter became the eleventh month, but it retains its name in Julian and Gregorian calendars. In Old English, November  was called  Blōtmōnað, literally “blood month.”  November was then the month of heavy animal sacrifice, during which the early Saxons stocked up on food (mostly meat) for the winter. Chrysanthemums are common among flowers that grow in most places.

In November, Sikhs traditionally celebrate The Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak, their First Guru (Spiritual Teacher), who was born in 1469. Guru Nanak’s Ninth Successor,  Guru Teg Bahadur’s day of Martyrdom for Protection of Human Rights (called Joti-Jot Divas), is also observed with devotion and solemnity. This is followed by the day (known as Gur Gaddi Divas) of his succession by the Tenth Guru, Sikhs’ Spiritual and Temporal Leader, Guru Gobind Singh (in 1675).

Some other important days observed in November include the following.

November  1: All Saints Day, World Vegan Day (Since 1994),  and Prime Meridian Day (Location at Greenwich, England).

November  4: World Science Day for Peace and Development.

November 6:   Fall Back of the “Daylight-Saving Time” (by one hour at 2 a.m.) in some countries (including parts of North America), to reverse the Spring Forward, by the same duration in March, meant to increase the availability of more working time during the day.

November 11: Remembrance Day, in memory of the veteran soldiers, in Canada.

November 14: UN World Diabetes Prevention and Care Day (Since 2007).                                                   

November 17: Guinness Book of World Records Day (Started in 1955.)

November  19: International Men’s Day and Stand Up to Bullying Day.                    

November 20: U N Universal Children’s Care Day (Since1954).