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November

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November is the eleventh month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. It is the penultimate month, meaning it is the second to last month before the year ends. This month consists of exactly 30 days. The name has deep historical roots in the Roman calendar. It comes from the Latin word "novem," which translates to "nine." Originally, November was the ninth month in the calendar of Romulus. Even after January and February were added to the Roman calendar, the name remained.

Chrysanthemums
Chrysanthemums

The seasons experienced during November depend on your location on Earth. In the Northern Hemisphere, November is characterized by late autumn. Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, it is the season of late spring. This means November in the south is the seasonal equivalent of May in the north. These seasonal shifts influence everything from weather to biological cycles. Scientists also monitor temperature trends during this period. In recent decades, the number of warm temperature records has outpaced cold temperature records across much of the Earth's surface.

11 November - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA
11 November - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA

Astronomy provides many spectacular sights during this month through meteor showers. Several different showers occur throughout November. The Andromedids run from September 25 to December 6 and peak around November 9 to 14. The Leonids occur from November 15 to November 20. Another shower, the Alpha Monocerotids, occurs from November 15 to November 25, peaking on November 21 or 22. The Northern Taurids occur from October 20 to December 10, while the Southern Taurids run from September 10 to November 20. The Phoenicids occur from November 29 to December 9, with a peak on December 5 or 6. The Orionids also sometimes extend into November.

Cultural and historical observances vary widely across different eras and regions. The Anglo-Saxons referred to this month as Blōtmōnaþ. In the French Republican calendar, November fell within the months of Brumaire and Frimaire. Ancient Rome held several specific celebrations during this time. The Ludi Plebeii took place from November 4 to November 17. Epulum Jovis was held on November 13. Additionally, Brumalia celebrations began on November 24. Note that these ancient dates do not correspond to the modern Gregorian calendar.

2005-11-05 - London - Battersea Park - Guy Fawkes Night - Bondfire (4887823453)
2005-11-05 - London - Battersea Park - Guy Fawkes Night - Bondfire (4887823453)

Symbols and astrology are often used to represent the month. The birthstone for November is the topaz, particularly the yellow variety, which symbolizes friendship. Citrine is another gemstone associated with this month. The official birth flower is the chrysanthemum. In Western astrology, November contains two zodiac signs. The first is Scorpio, which spans from October 23 to November 21. The second is Sagittarius, which runs from November 22 to December 21. The Earth passes the junction between these two signs at specific times, such as 20:39 UT/GMT on November 21, 2020.

Topaze1
Topaze1

Many global traditions and holidays occur during these thirty days. In the United States, Thanksgiving is a major holiday celebrated in November. In the United Kingdom, Guy Fawkes Night is observed on November 5. November 1 marks World Vegan Day. Various religious traditions also have specific observances. In the Catholic tradition, November is the Month for prayer for the Holy Souls in Purgatory. Many countries also use the month for awareness. For example, it is a month for Lung Cancer Awareness and Diabetes Awareness.

World Vegan Day baking giveaway
World Vegan Day baking giveaway

November serves as a significant time for both personal and professional life. It includes many awareness months like National Native American Heritage Month in the United States. It is also a time for academic writing and family reunion planning. Many international observances occur, such as World Philosophy Day on the third Thursday. There are even specific days for small businesses and national adoption. This month connects various social, scientific, and cultural threads together. It remains a vital part of the yearly cycle for people worldwide.

Thanksgiving-Brownscombe
Thanksgiving-Brownscombe
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🖼️ Images & Media (8)
File:11 November - Percent of global area at temperature records - Global warming - NOAA.svg
11 November - Percent of global area at...
File:Chrysanthemums.jpg
Chrysanthemums.jpg
File:Topaze1.jpg
Topaze1.jpg
File:Citrine taillee.jpg
Citrine taillee.jpg
File:Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg
Thanksgiving-Brownscombe.jpg
File:World Vegan Day baking giveaway.jpg
World Vegan Day baking giveaway.jpg
File:2005-11-05 - London - Battersea Park - Guy Fawkes Night - Bondfire (4887823453).jpg
2005-11-05 - London - Battersea Park -...
File:Miraculous medal.jpg
Miraculous medal.jpg
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