Holidays4Earthfolk.com

NationAL Culture Day ...Japan ...November 3rd

Culture Day ( 文化の日 Bunka no Hi? ) is a national holiday held annually in Japan on November 3 for the purpose of promoting culture, the arts, and academic endeavor. Festivities typically include art exhibitions, parades, and award ceremonies for distinguished artists and scholars. As Culture Day exists to promote the arts and various fields of academic endeavor, local and prefecture governments typically choose this day to hold art exhibits, culture festivals, and parades. For example, Hakone in Kanagawa Prefecture holds the annual Feudal Lord's Parade ( 箱根大名行列 Hakone Daimyō Gyōretsu? ) to exhibit Edo Period clothing and costumes. It is common for universities to present new research and projects on Culture Day. Primary and secondary schools often have a "culture festival" on or near this day

Calan Gaeaf ( End of Summer ) Wales November 1st

Halloween is linked to the Celtic festival of Samhain, whose original spelling was Samuin. The name is derived from Old Irish and means roughly "summer's end". A similar festival was held by the ancient Britons and is known as Calan Gaeaf. Nos Calan Gaeaf is the night before Calan Gaeaf, the end of the summer. Children and women would dance around a village fire and, during this process, everyone would write their names on rocks and place them in and around said fire. When the fire started to die out they would all run home- whereas if they stayed, 'Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta' (a bad omen that took the form of a tailless black sow with a headless woman) would devour their souls.[2] It is believed that the traditions and stories surrounding 'Yr Hwch Ddu Gwta' were survived by local parents as a means of ensuring their children would return home safely and as early as possible on this cold, dark night. One particular rhyme shows how the last child out on Nos Calan Gaeaf was at risk of being eaten by the fearsome beast:

Liberty Day ...U.S. Virgin Islands ...November 1st.

Commonly referred to as "Bread and Bowl Day" Held as a public holiday in the U.S. Virgin Islands annually on 1 November, Liberty Day commemorates David Hamilton Jackson and the institution of Free Press in the Danish West Indies, now the U.S. Virgin Islands. As a territory of Denmark, the Danish West Indies were under severe censorship on all publications. David Hamilton Jackson, who was born in St. Croix in 1884, petitioned the King of Denmark for freedom of press. Jackson was successful in his efforts to remove strict censorship in the Danish West Indies that had been in place in 1779. He started the first free newspaper, the Herald, and helped organize the first labor union in the Danish West Indies during the early 20th century. “Liberty Day” is celebrated on 1 November—the day Jackson printed the first addition of the Herald in 1915—in appreciation of his efforts on behalf of the people.

National Family Literacy Day ...U.S.A. ...November 1st

In 1994, the 103rd Congress passed Joint Resolution 413 Designating November 1 National Family Literacy Day. The sponsors of the bill, Senator Paul Simon and Representative Bill Goodling, joined President George W. Bush for green eggs and ham at the White House in honor of the inaugural event. National Family Literacy Day®, celebrated across the U.S., focuses on special activities and events that showcase the importance of family literacy programs. First held in 1994, the annual event is officially celebrated on November 1st, but many events are held throughout the month of November. Schools, libraries, and other literacy organizations participate through read-a-thons, celebrity appearances, book drives, and more

National Deviled Eggs Day ...U.S.A. ...November 2nd

The first known print reference referring to the term “deviled” in reference to food, appeared in 1786. It was in the 19th century that it came to be used regularly when referring to spicy or zesty food, including eggs prepared with mustard, pepper or other ingredients stuffed in the yolk cavity. Deviled Eggs Ingredients: 6 hard boiled eggs, chilled, peeled and cut lengthwise , 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon dry ground mustard, salt and pepper to taste real bacon bits, paprikaHow to make Deviled Eggs: Carefully scoop yolks out of egg halves. Set egg white halves aside on a plate or a piece of waxed paper. In a bowl, mix together with a fork the egg yolks, mayoanaise, mustard, and a dash of salt and pepper. Fill the empty egg whites with the egg yolk mixture. Sprinkle a few bacon bits on top of each egg. Sprinkle a little paprika over the egg for effect. Set finished eggs onto a serving dish. Serve chilled.

National Men Make Dinner Day ...U.S.A. November 3rd

National Men Make Dinner Day was created for two reasons. First, it is to give the ladies a break from the cooking chores. Secondly, it seeks to encourage men who do not cook, to learn to cook, beginning by making a meal on this day. Of course, even men who do cook, should celebrate this day by making a meal. For the experienced male cook, we encourage you to make something challenging. It is also called Make Your Wife Dinner Day. Okay guys, be a sport. Give the ladies in your life a break. Set them in their favorite chair in the living room, put a glass of wine in their hands, and tune the Tv to their favorite "Chick Flick". Then, grab a beer, find a recipe and make dinner all by yourself!

King Tut Day ...International ... November 4th

This Day celebrates the date of the discovery of King Tutankhamen's Tomb. Over 3,000 years ago, King Tutankhamen became the King of Egypt at the age of 9. He died at the age of 19. He is commonly called "King Tut". The tomb of Egypt's "child king" was discovered on November 4, 1922. The tomb was discovered nearly intact in Egypt's Valley of Kings. King Tut's rule lasted a short nine years, from 1333 B.C. to 1324 B.C. The cause of his death is uncertain. Murder and an innocent accident are the two main theories. How to celebrate this special day: Spend a little time with your nose in the Egyptian history books. Learn more about King Tut, along with the culture and times of Ancient Egypt.

https://www.amazon.com/Complete-Tutankhamun-King-Royal-Treasure/dp/0500278105

Guy Fawkes DAy U.K. November 5

In 1603, King James I took the throne in England. An avid Protestant, he began persecuting Catholics in the country. He forbid Catholics from practicing their religion ,and punished Catholics who did not convert to the Protestant church. The Gunpowder Conspirators were a group of Catholics who sought to take action against the king. They plotted to blow up the British Houses of Parliament. They planned to do so, when the king and his supporters were in the buildings. Their plot was uncovered on November 5, 1605. Thirty six barrels of gunpowder were found in the basement of Parliament. Guy Fawkes, the leader of the conspiracy, was arrested and tortured until he confessed. He was arrested just as he was about to ignite the gunpowder.

The Lewes Festival Parade and bonfire

The Lewes Bonfire Night, or the #LewesBonfire Night Celebrations, is the biggest celebrated Fifth November Event in the world, and is held in the usually peaceful county town of Lewes (pronounced “lu-is or loo-is”), East Sussex, every year on 5th November, and the carnival or festival is known as either the Lewes Bonfire Night Celebrations, Lewes Bonfire Night or just simply the Fifth.

The PA Bacon Festival ...U.S.A. First weekend in November

Located in historic Easton, PA, the PA Bacon Fest has grown into one of the region’s most popular events. With 100+ vendors, 20+ musical acts, and 8 stages, the two-day festival attracts more than 50,000 attendees. In 2014 PA Bacon Fest was named one of the TOP 300 FESTIVALS IN THE WORLD by 300FEST.com!! And locally, voted BEST CULINARY EVENT in Lehigh Valley Style magazine’s Best of the Lehigh Valley 2015 contest.The PA Bacon Fest grew out of the Easton Farmers’ Market, America’s oldest continuous open-air market, established in 1752. Each year, the fest features dozens of treats featuring bacon and even crafts paying homage to the delectable, savory breakfast staple. It’s a grassroots, volunteer-driven event and attendees can expect to experience the highest quality farm-to-table fare and locally-sourced crafts that the surrounding Easton area has to offer. The farmers’ market remains the heart of the festival, so attendees should be sure to help themselves to some local fruit and veggies as well.

Bonhams London to Brighton Veteran Car Run ...Great Britain November 5th

The Run takes place on the first Sunday of every November and commemorates the Emancipation Run of 14 November 1896 which celebrated the passing into law of the Locomotives on the Highway Act, which raised the speed limit for 'light locomotives' from 4 mph to 14 mph and abolished the requirement for these vehicles to be preceded by a man on foot. The early law required the man on foot to carry a red flag but that requirement was abolished in 1878. The Locomotive Act was still widely known as the 'Red Flag Act' and a red flag was symbolically destroyed at the start of the Emancipation Run, as it is today just before the start in Hyde Park. In 2016 we are celebrating the 120th anniversary of the very first Run. Today, it represents a rare opportunity for participants to take their extraordinary automobiles on this historic 60-mile journey from Hyde Park in central London to the seafront in the Sussex resort of Brighton.

National Nacho's Day ...U.S.A. ...November 6th

Eating Southwestern today ! ....It is believed that Ignaci “Nacho” Anaya created the original nachos in the city of Piedras Negras, Coahuila, Mexico, just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. The story talks of a group of United States military wives stationed at Fort Duncan in Eagle Pass who traveled to Piedras Negras on a shopping trip. Following shopping, they arrived late to a restaurant after it had closed for the day. Maître d, Ignacio “Nacho” Anaya served them a snack which he invented from what little was available in the kitchen: tortillas and cheese. Anaya cut the tortillas into triangles, topped them with shredded cheddar cheese and quickly heated them. He then added sliced jalapeno peppers and served them to the ladies. When Anaya was asked what the dish was called, he replied, “Nacho’s especiales”. As the word of this new creation traveled, people tried them, loved them and over time, the name changed and Nacho’s “specials” became “special nachos”.

Unity Day ...RUSSIA ...November 6th

Unity Day commemorates a Russian popular uprising that freed Moscow from Polish-Lithuanian occupation forces on November 4, 1612. Leaders of the uprising, Kuzma Minin and Dmitry Pozharsky, became national heroes. In 1649, Russian Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich made November 4 (October 22 of the then used Julian calendar) a public holiday. Many Russians celebrated this day until 1917. In 1918, the Bolsheviks replaced it with a new holiday, November 7, to commemorate the Revolution of 1917. November 4 once again became a public holiday in 2005, when the Russian Parliament removed November 7 from the list of official public holidays and introduced Unity Day.

United States Election Day ...U.S.A. ...Nov -Tuesday

Election Day in the United States is the day set by law for the general elections of public officials. Election Day is on "the Tuesday next after the first Monday in the month of November." The earliest possible date is November 2, and the latest possible date is November 8th. For federal offices ( President, Vice President, and United States Congress ), Election Day occurs only in even-numbered years. Presidential elections are held every four years, in years divisible by four, in which electors for President and Vice President are chosen according to the method determined by each state. Elections to the United States House of Representatives and the United States Senate are held every two years; all Representatives are elected to serve two-year terms and are up for election every two years, while Senators serve six-year terms, staggered so that one third of Senators are elected in any given general election. General elections in which presidential candidates are not on the ballot are referred to as midterm elections. Terms for those elected begin in January the following year; the President and Vice President are inaugurated ( "sworn in" ) on Inauguration Day, which is usually on January 20.

International Day of Radiology is November 8th.

We are celebrating this phenomenal day with a X-Ray Vision Post. X-rays were discovered in 1895 by German physicist Wilhelm Roentgen while working in his laboratory in Würzburg. Like so many other inventions, it was accidentally discovered. He also received the first Nobel prize for physics in 1901 for his discovery of X-rays. The International Day of Radiology is celebrated globally because radiation has played a key role in helping doctors diagnose and treat millions of people worldwide. In fact, in just one year, “more than 3,600 million X-ray examinations are performed, 37 million nuclear medicine procedures are carried out, and 7.5 million radiotherapy treatments are given.

National Harvey Wallbanger Day .... U.S.A. ....November 8th

It’s National Harvey Wallbanger Day! ...According to legend, this cocktail was named after a Manhattan Beach surfer, but no one knows for certain. Originally a California phenomenon, the drink gained national attention in 1970 when TWA featured the cocktail on its in-flight menu. Interested in making a Harvey Wallbanger? Mix up three parts vodka, one part Galliano, and six parts orange juice. Garnish with an orange slice and raise your glass in honor of National Harvey Wallbanger Day. .....Cheers!

International Go to an Art Museum Day November 9th

Remember how excited you were to go on a field trip to the museum as a kid? The first thing on your mind was probably, “Yeah, no class!,” but a big part of the appeal was the thought of going on an adventure. And art's all about exploration—in fact, that’s why we celebrate Go to an Art Museum Day on November 9. More than 30,000 museums around the world participate, and each year even has a different theme. So today, go to a museum and discover something new!

Chaos Never Dies Day ...U.S.A. ...November 9th

Chaos Never Dies Day recognizes the turmoil in modern, everyday life. Are things a little crazy at home? Is school a little on the wild side? Is your work place hectic and disorderly? We thought so. Just when things seem to calm down at work and home, along comes something to disrupt your life. Yes, disorder is everywhere. Hectic schedules, changes to plans, unexpected tasks and chores, the list goes on and on and on....... Today is designed for you. It's a day to recognize the chaos in your life. You can best celebrate this day, by recognizing that chaos never dies. Rather, its a way of life. You can partake in this special day, by putting just a little order back into your life. You can start, by picking one thing that is really disrupting your life, and change it...for the good.

United States Marine Corp Day ...U.S.A. ...November 10th

USMC Day celebrates the birth of the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps were created during the Revolutionary War. The Continental Congress of the newly created United States of America, authorized the creation of the Continental Marines on November 10, 1775. It was later renamed the U.S. Marine Corps. It is often abbreviated as USMC. The Marine Corps has proudly participated in every war that has involved the United States. If you see a Marine today, thank them for their contributions to protecting our country. Active or retired, they deserve our thanks and appreciation.

World Science Day for Peace & Development International ...November 10th

The 2016 World Science Day for Peace and Development is dedicated to the theme “ Celebrating Science Centres and Science Museums ”. Our starting point is clear. Science stands at the heart of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Addis Ababa Action Agenda, the Sendai Framework for Action, and the Paris Agreement on Climate Change. These agreements embody a new vision for prosperity, peace and the planet, to allow every society to create and share knowledge, to nurture every source of innovation and creativity, to craft a more inclusive, sustainable and just path to the future. Taking this forward calls for an ever greater expansion of science and for tighter linkages between science and society.

Wolfausteiben Festival, ...Northern Germany ...November 10th

The Wolfaustreiben takes place annually on the 11th of November. At the dawn of the dawn, usually after the lantern procession, young boys dressed as shepherds and wolf dressed with bells, and the goat's snorting through the villages. The custom probably goes back to the Celtic period. Interpretations of custom have tried to find an explanation for the Wolfaustreiben, however, there are several. In former times people drove wolves and bears with the cowbells and the whipping of whips. Another aspect was the expulsion of spirits before the contemplative Advent season. Others suspect that November was the very last date for the flushing of herds from mountains into the native stable areas before the Winter Season.

Veterans Day U.S.A. November 11th

On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, an armistice, or temporary cessation of hostilities, was declared between the Allied nations and Germany in the First World War, then known as “the Great War.” Commemorated as Armistice Day beginning the following year, November 11th became a legal federal holiday in the United States in 1938. In the aftermath of World War II and the Korean War, Armistice Day became Veterans Day, a holiday dedicated to American veterans of all wars.

http://www.va.gov/opa/vetsday/vetdayhistory.asp

Remembrance Day ...CANADA .... November 11th

The other common name for this day is Armistice Day which marks the date and time when armies stopped fighting World War I. on November 11th at 11am in 1918 (the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month). Some 100,000 Canadian soldiers died in the First and Second World Wars.In Canada, Remembrance Day is a federal statutory holiday - with a notable exception of NS, NWT, ON and QC - as it is in many other countries in the world where this day is observed on the national level.

National Mickey Mouse Movie Day ...U.S.A. ...November 12

Fantasia was first released on November 12th 1940 in theatrical roadshow engagements held in thirteen U.S. cities the following day. It received mixed critical reaction and was unable to make a profit due to World War II cutting off distribution to the European market, the film's high production costs, and the expense of leasing theaters and installing the special " Fantasound " equipment for the roadshow presentations. The film was subsequently reissued multiple times with its original footage and audio being deleted, modified, or restored in each version. As of 2012, Fantasia has grossed $76.4 million in domestic revenue and is the 22nd highest-grossing film of all time in the U.S.

National Indian Pudding Day ...U.S.A. ...November 13th

Today is a day to enjoy puddings created by native American Indians. It seems appropriate to hold this day in mid November, as we approach Thanksgiving. Native American Indians were very much a part of the first Thanksgiving feast. It is quite likely that these puddings were served, and enjoyed, at that first Thanksgiving. American Indian puddings are defined as a number recipes of native American Indian origin. Generally, they include molasses and cornmeal. Apples were often an ingredient. They were usually baked. Make sure to enjoy your American heritage, and a dish or bowl of Indian pudding, as you celebrate National Indian Pudding Day.

RECIPE ...2 quarts milk, 1 teaspoon nutmeg, 1 1/2 cups cornmeal, 1/3 teaspoon ginger, 2 cups molasses, 2 1/2 cups milk, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 1/2 cups whole eggs, 1 teaspoon cinnamon ...Bring 2 quarts of milk to boil in a heavy pan. Add cornmeal to milk and blend with a wire whisk until it thickens. Add molasses, salt, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger and bring to a boil. In a separate container, blend the 2 1/2 cups of milk and eggs and add the hot mixture to it and stir. Place in a very large, buttered and sugared casserole. Bake in a 350 degree oven approximately 1 hour. Test pudding with a knife . Let stand and then serve with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

World Orphans Day Earth Event November 13th

Tragically, millions of children all over the globe have become orphaned for many reasons: war, famine, displacement, disease or poverty. To make sure that they are not forgotten, once a year there is a special day dedicated just to them: World Orphans Day, which falls on the second Monday of each November. This special day has been put in place in order to draw attention to the plight of the world’s orphans, and so on this day, people are encouraged to actively participate in helping raise awareness, support, and funding for motherless and fatherless children worldwide. A noble cause if there ever was one!

7-5-3 Day ...JAPAN November 15th

Shichi-go-san, 七五三, takes place on November 15 and it celebrates girls who are 7, boys who are 5, and boys and girls who are 3 years old. These numbers were chosen because odd numbers are considered lucky in Japan. It’s celebrated on the 15th because 7 + 5 + 3 = 15 and November 15th is considered to be the luckiest day of the year. On Shichi-go-san the children dress up in special clothes, usually kimonos, hakamas, dresses or suits. The kids are taken to the Shinto shrine, where their parents pray for the children’s future health and longevity. The children are also given long chitose-ame (thousand year) candy, colored red and white, in long bags decorated with turtles and cranes. These are all symbols of longevity in Japan. At night families gather together for a special feast in honor of the children.

National Pickle Day ...USA ...November 14th

Pickles take their name from the Dutch word for ‘brine’, and they began to be a popular food some 4,000 years ago, when cucumbers were first imported from India, as they hadn’t really existed in Europe or North Africa before then. Cleopatra is said to have attributed her looks and youth to the green treats among other things. Nowadays, no pensioner can go without a pickle in some parts of the world, while some pregnant women are said to crave them alongside ice-cream as part of their bizarre pregnancy-related food cravings.

World Diabetes Day International November 14

World Diabetes Day was created by a joint-venture between the International Diabetes Federation and the World Health Organization in 1991. It was created due to the fear of the escalation of the disease in people all over the world. In 2006, the United Nations made it an official holiday when they passed U.N Resolution 61/225. In 2007, a blue logo was adopted as the global symbol for diabetes awareness. https://www.nationalgeographic.org/thisday/nov14/world-diabetes-day/

National Philanthropy Day ...U.S.A. ...November 15th

According to the official National Philanthropy Day website, this day is set aside to "recognize and pay tribute to the great contributions that philanthropy – and those people active in the philanthropic community – have made to our lives, our communities and our world." Great philanthropist are known in history for their many and frequent monetary contributions, big and small. Many of them do so in a quite way, not looking for recognition. While we commonly view Philanthropy as a monetary contribution, the voluntary efforts at fund raising is also within the definition of philanthropy. So, if you have little extra money to contribute, you can turn your labor effort into charitable cash contributions by participating in fundraisers, making you a Philanthropist!

http://www.mrt.com/lifestyles/article/Philanthropy-and-fellowship-go-together

Pirates Festival ...Cayman Islands ...Mid-November

HOW ABOUT a pirate vacation to the Cayman Islands ? ..... Perhaps no other Caribbean nation celebrates its pirate legends and cultural heritage quite like the Cayman Islands, which erupts into a festival of spectacle and pageantry during our annual ....Pirates Week in November. Events include mock "invasions" of pirates, along with Heritage Days in each district. Spectators will also enjoy a series of parades and fireworks displays, street dances, costume contests, happy hours, a celebration of traditional foods, music and much more, stretching across all three islands.

http://www.piratesweekfestival.com/

National Fast Food Day ...U.S.A. ...November 16th

Following World War I, automobiles became popular and more affordable. At that time drive-in restaurants were introduced. In 1921, White Castle, an American company founded by Billy Ingram and Walter Anderson in Wichita, Kansas, opened, selling hamburgers for five cents each. Anderson had opened the first White Castle in 1916 as a limited menu, high-volume, low-cost, high-speed hamburger restaurant. The United States has the largest fast food industry in the world. American fast food restaurants are located in over 100 countries. Standard fast food menu items include hamburgers and other sandwiches, fish, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, tacos, pizza, hot dogs, french fries, onion rings, breakfast biscuits, coffee and ice cream.

International Home-Made Bread Day Earth Food November 17th

Today is Homemade Bread Day! Nothing beats the aroma of freshly baked bread wafting through the air. For hundreds of years, baking fresh bread was part of the daily routine for most families. Some even made their own yeast! Today, homemade bread making has been simplified by the invention of the bread maker machine. This appliance was first released in Japan in 1986. Since then, its popularity has spread worldwide to Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Some bread machines can also be set to make other things such as pasta dough, jam, or Japanese style rice cakes. To celebrate Homemade Bread Day, find a recipe for your favorite type of bread and try your hand at some old-fashioned homemade bread baking!

International Occult Day ...Earth Event ...November 18th

Occultism is the study of occult or hidden wisdom. To the occultist it is the study of “truth”, a deeper truth that exists beneath the surface: “The truth is always hidden in plain sight”. It can involve such subjects as magic (alternatively spelled and defined as magick), alchemy, extra-sensory perception, astrology, spiritualism, lithomancy, and numerology. There is often a strong religious element to these studies and beliefs, and many occultists profess adherence to religions such as Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Luciferianism, Satanism, Thelema, and Neopaganism. While Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism, Buddhism, and Islam are generally not considered occult, some of their modern interpretations can be, as the interpretation of Hinduism within Theosophy or the various occult interpretations of the Jewish Kabbalah. Orthodox members of such religions are likely to consider such interpretations false; for example, the Kabbalah Centre has been criticised by Jewish scholars.”

National Apple Cider Day ...U.S.A. ...November 18th

Apples are not a fruit native to the North American continent. After finding only inedible crab apples on the continent, apple seeds were brought to America by colonial settlers from England in the 17th century. The first apple orchard in North America was planted in Boston in 1625. Seeds from Europe were cultivated on Colonial farms as well as spread throughout Native American trade routes. John Chapman, known by many as “Johnny Appleseed,” traveled ahead of western-bound settlers in America and began to plant small cider apple orchards across the Midwest. Cider can be enjoyed cold or “mulled” by making the cider hot and adding spices like clove and cinnamon. If you would like to celebrate Apple Cider Day, try some of these great recipes!

REVOLUTION DAY ...MEXICO ...3rd Monday of November

The Mexican revolution started in 1910 to get rid of president Porfirio Díaz. He originally tried to revolt against Benito Juárez in 1871, but did not come into power until 1876, when he was president for one month. He was also president from 1877 to 1880, and from 1884 until 1911. While economic growth and modernization occurred, this progress did not filter through to many Mexicans, including labor workers and people in the poorer parts of Mexico. Several key players, including Francisco Madero, organized the revolt against Díaz. Madero was then elected as president in 1911.November 20 was the original public holiday date for Revolution Day until 2005. A change in Mexico’s labor law instituted that Revolution Day would be a public holiday across the country on the third Monday of November as of 2006.

DISCOVERY DAY ...PUERTO RICO ...NOVEMBER 19th

On September 24th 1493, Christopher Columbus embarked on his second voyage to the new world with 17 ships and over 1,200 soldiers. On November 19th 1493 he anchored in a bay on the northwest coast of the island He named the island San Juan Bautista in honor of Saint John the Baptist. It has to be said that Columbus' naming convention seems to have been pretty haphazard - some islands got named after saints either because it was their feast day or honoring a church back in Spain. Some islands simply got named after the day of the week that he sighted them (Dominica - Sunday). However, in Puerto Rico's case none of this mattered in the end...

World Toilet Day ...International ...November 19th

World Toilet Day is a day to raise awareness and inspire action to tackle the global sanitation crisis – a topic often neglected and shrouded in taboos. Today, 2.4 billion people are struggling to stay well, keep their children alive and work their way to a better future – all for the want of a toilet. The Sustainable Development Goals, launched in 2015, include a target to ensure everyone everywhere has access to toilets by 2030. This makes sanitation a global development priority. In 2013, the United Nations General Assembly officially designated November 19 as World Toilet Day. World Toilet Day is coordinated by UN-Water in collaboration with governments and partners.

Universal Children's Day ...Earth Event ...November 20th

Universal Children's Day takes place annually on 20 November. First proclaimed by the United Kingdom in 1954, it was established to encourage all countries to institute a day, firstly to promote mutual exchange and understanding among children and secondly to initiate action to benefit and promote the welfare of the world's children. That is observed to promote the objectives outlined in the Charter and for the welfare of children. On 20 November 1959 the United Nations adopted the Declaration of the Rights of the Child. The United Nations adopted the Convention on the Rights of the Child on 20 November 1989 and can be found on the Council of Europe website.

Gingerbread Day ....Earthfood ...November 21st

It could be a good day to fill your house with the smell of oven baked gingerbread! "Gingerbread Day" actually comes twice a year, June 5th and November 21st. Ginger first originated in the rain-forests of Southeast Asia, the first recorded use of ginger dates to 992, when Gregory of Nicopolis, an Armenian monk, brought it to Europe and taught French priests how to cook it. During this time, gingerbread meant “preserved ginger”, which came from the Old French term “gingerbras”, which itself was derived from “zingebar”, the Latin term for the spice. Gingerbread came into prominence in the 18th century and can range from a soft cake to harder treats such as biscuits and cookies.

Dignity and Freedom Day ...Ukraine ...November 21st

Dignity and Freedom Day is a Ukrainian observance that marks the anniversary of Euromaidan, a wave of demonstrations and civil unrest that led to the 2014 Ukrainian revolution. Celebrated on November 21, it was established by President Petro Poroshenko on November 13, 2014 and has been observed every year since. In 2013, the Ukrainian government was supposed to sign the Ukraine—European Union Association Agreement but decided to suspend the signing, instead proposing a three-way trade agreement between Ukraine, Russia, and the EU. This decision sparked a wave of protest and civil unrest. It was, for all intents and purposes, the last straw for people tired of government corruption, abuse of power, and violation of human rights.

National Cranberry Day ....U.S.A. ...November 21st

Cranberries have pockets of air inside the fruit. Because of this, cranberries float in water, and thus, the bogs can be flooded to aid in removal of fruit from the vines. Water reels, nicknamed “egg-beaters” are used to stir up the water in the bogs. By this action, cranberries are dislodged from the vines and float to the surface of the water. Wooden or plastic “booms” are used to round up the berries, which are then lifted by conveyor or pumped into a truck to take them to the receiving station for cleaning. More than 90% of the crop is wet harvested. Wet harvested cranberries are used for juices, sauces, sweetened dried cranberries, ingredients in other processed foods or in nutraceutical products.Among the fruits and vegetables richest in health-promoting antioxidants berries such as cranberries rank right up there at the top of the list. Antioxidants are essential to optimizing health by helping to combat the free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA. Provided that you do not experience any digestive difficulty, we recommend enjoying cranberries raw because they provide you with the best flavor and the greatest benefits from their vast array of nutrients, and may also offer the benefit of digestion-aiding enzymes.

World Television Day ...International ...November 21st

By the 1920s, when amplification made television practical, Scottish inventor John Logie Baird employed the Nipkow disk in his prototype video systems. He created his prototype in a little village called Santa Cruz on the island of Trinidad where he was recovering from an illness. He had also started work on the first color television. On March 25, 1925, Baird gave the first public demonstration of televised silhouette images in motion, at Selfridge's Department Store in London. In December 1996 the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed November 21st as World Television Day commemorating the date on which the first World Television Forum was held in 1996. “ There are already three United Nations days encompassing similar subjects: World Press Freedom Day; World Telecommunication Day; and World Development Information Day.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terrestrial_television

National Rutabaga Day ...U.S.A ...November 22nd

Rutabaga has many national and regional names. Rutabaga is the common American and Canadian term for the plant. This comes from the old Swedish word Rotabagge, meaning simply "ram root". In the U.S., the plant is also known as Swedish turnip or yellow turnip. The term swede is used instead of rutabaga in many Commonwealth Nations, including much of England, Wales, Australia, and New Zealand. The name turnip is also used in parts of Northern and Midland England, the Westcountry (particularly Cornwall), Ireland, Manitoba, Ontario and Atlantic Canada. In Scotland, it is known as turnip, and in Scots as tumshie or neep. Some areas of south east Scotland, such as Berwickshire and Roxburghshire, still use the term baigie, possibly a derivative of the original Swedish rutabaga. The term "turnip" is also used for the white turnip. Some will also refer to both swede and (white) turnip as just "turnip". In North-East England, turnips and swedes are colloquially called snadgers, snaggers (archaic) or narkies.

http://www.udc.edu/docs/causes

Thanksgiving Harvest Festival ...JAPAN ...November 23rd

Celebrated on November 23rd or the following Monday if it falls on a Sunday. Labor Thanksgiving Day is a modern name for the ritual of Harvest Festival (Niinamesai). In the ritual, the Emperor makes the season's first offering of freshly harvested rice to the gods and then eats the rice himself. The history of Niinamesai goes back many centuries; the first written account is found in the Chronicle of Japan - one of the oldest histories of Japan, dating from 720 - which says that a Niinamesai took place in November of 678AD. The actual origin is believed to be much more ancient, possibly going back to when rice cultivation first arrived in Japan over 2,000 years ago. Niinamesai came to be held on November 23rd during the Meiji era (1868-1912) and was a nationally celebrated event. After the second world war, Labor Thanksgiving Day was established to mark the fact that fundamental human rights were guaranteed and the rights of workers were greatly expanded in the postwar constitution.

Blackout Wednesday ...USA ...Drinking Holiday before Thanksgiving

Blackout Wednesday, sometimes referred to as Drinksgiving Day, takes place the night before Thanksgiving Day, and in some parts of the United States is one of the biggest drinking and party nights of the year. Many college students come back to their hometown for Thanksgiving, and go to bars the night before to meet their friends whom they haven't seen while away at school. Many bars mark the occasion by having promotions and drink specials as well. Thanksgiving is usually a low stress holiday for college aged kids, where gifts don't need to be purchased, and older family members do the preparing of meals. This leaves college aged kids with more expendable cash, and the luxury of eating a big meal the day after drinking without having to prepare it.

Day of the Tardis ...International ...November 23rd

November 23: TARDIS Day ( also called Doctor Who Day ). This is the “official” unofficial Doctor Who holiday ( or Wholiday ). It’s the date in which the very first episode of Doctor Who aired, introducing the world to The Doctor, his companions, and the Time and Relative Dimensions in Space ( TARDIS ). This is the time when Whovians celebrate their fandom with everything from watching parties to gift swaps. On November 23rd at 6:15 pm, the British science fiction television program Doctor Who from the BBC is shown on TV for the first time. "the Doctor" played by William Hartnell in the first series travels through time and space in the TARDIS ( A blue 1950's police box ) . Over 50 years featuring a number ( 13 ) of doctors fighting alien baddies including the Daleks "Doctor Who" has gained a cult status in Britain and is also the longest-running science fiction television show in the world.

World Evolution Day ...Earth Event ...November 24th

This year's World Evolution Day marks the 157th anniversary of the publication of Charles Darwin’s seminal book, On the Origin of Species. His theory of evolution - that all living creatures, including humans, change over time due to the process of natural selection - is universally accepted by scientists. Yet controversy still shrouds this influential concept, despite it being widely supported by evidence such as fossils that prove creatures evolved - and the fact that bacteria rapidly evolve to deal with antibiotics. Since the 1859 publication of the British naturalist’s account, which was written for the general public and not just academics, the theory’s chief challenger has been religion. At the heart of the debate is a dispute over evidence that humans evolved from apes millions of years ago.

WORLD OLIVE DAY ...EARTH EVENT ...NOVEMBER 24th

The IOC celebrated World Olive Day on 24 November with a ceremony attended by the delegations of the member countries, representatives of the sector, authorities and members of the diplomatic corps. At the event, the Executive Director read out a joint Declaration of all IOC member countries joining in the celebration of World Olive Day. Under its call to “Choose olives to protect our planet and our health!” this declaration highlights the role of olive growing in the sustainable economic and social development of a number of countries, and as part of the solution in combating global warming.

National Supermarket Day ...U.S.A. ...The day before Thanksgiving

In 1930, Michael Cullen, a former executive of both Kroger and A&P, opened his first King Kullen store, widely cited as America’s first supermarket, although others have some legitimate claim to that title as well. King Kullen was located in a warehouse on the fringes of New York City, and offered ample free parking and additional concessions in a bazaar-like atmosphere. Merchandise was sold out of packing cartons and little attention was paid to décor. The emphasis was on volume, with this one store projected to do the volume of up to one hundred conventional chain stores. The volume and the no frills approach resulted in considerably lower prices. Today, the day before Thanksgiving is one of the busiest " Last Minute " times for grocery shopping. ...Don't forget that EGG NOG !

Thanksgiving Day ...U.S.A. ...Last Thursday in November

On October 31, 1939, President Franklin D. Roosevelt signed a presidential proclamation changing the holiday to the next to last Thursday in November, for business reasons. On December 26, 1941, he signed a joint resolution of Congress changing the national Thanksgiving Day from the last Thursday in November to the fourth Thursday.Thanksgiving is celebrated with big parades, festivals of food and maybe to much drinking the night before. It is often the time when families come together for a large TURKEY dinner and lively conversation.

Black Friday ...U.S.A. ....Day after Thanksgiving

In the United States, the day after Thanksgiving has become known as Black Friday and is considered the official kick-off for holiday shopping. Retailers across the country slash prices, offer door buster deals on popular big-ticket items and often open in the wee hours of the morning to extend early bird specials. Dedicated and thrifty shoppers line up outside the stores to be the first to grab that special deal or this season’s popular and hard to find gift.

http://www.history.com/news/whats-the-real-history-of-black-friday

Native American Heritage Day / MONTH ...U.S.A. ...Day after ThankSgiving

Heads up! The day after Thanksgiving is not just Black Friday, It’s also Native American Heritage Day, thanks to a bill signed into law by President George W. Bush during his presidency. According to its history, the bill was signed as a day to pay tribute to Native Americans for their contributions to this country. It encourages Americans of all backgrounds to celebrate the day. If you would rather celebrate this day and skip the malls and the lines for the best deals, then consider visiting: In addition, Welcome to Native American Heritage Month 2019 at DOI! ALSO: ...On October 31, President Trump issued a proclamation designating November 2019 as National Native American Heritage Month. This November and every month, we celebrate the culture and heritage of these remarkable Americans who deeply enrich the quality and character of our Nation.

http://nativenewsonline.net/currents/presidents-native-american-heritage-month

Harvest Day in Turkmenistan Near East November 26th

The festive events dedicated to the Harvest Day, which is celebrated each year on the last Sunday of November, were held throughout the country. In Ashgabat, the festivities centered on the equestrian sports complex, where the ceremonies in honor of renowned tenant farmers, machine operators, scientists, agronomists, breeders and agrarians, who had made a worthy contribution to the development of Turkmenistan’s agricultural sector, took place.

National Cake Day ...U.S.A. ...November 26th

It’s National Cake Day! On this day, we celebrate one of the world’s favorite desserts—cake. The cake we know and love today evolved from early leavened breads, which were sweetened with honey, fruit, and nuts. Did you know that the word “cake” comes from the Old Norse word, “kaka,” meaning a baked flour confection? Whether you prefer vanilla, chocolate, red velvet, or even the pineapple-upside-down variety, grab a slice of your favorite cake to celebrate this delicious day! Happy National Cake Day!

International Electric Guitar Day ...Earth Event ... November 27th

National Electric Guitar Day is a tribute to all electric guitarists on Planet Earth, The electric guitar may be the most important and popular instrument of the last half-century in American music. Certainly its introduction brought a major change to American musical technology and has shaped the sound and direction of modern musical styles. This day is also a personal tribute to James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix ( born Johnny Allen Hendrix; November 27, 1942 – September 18, 1970 ) was an American rock guitarist, singer, and songwriter. Although his mainstream career spanned only four years, he is widely regarded as one of the most influential electric guitarists in the history of popular music, and one of the most celebrated musicians of the 20th century. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame describes him as "arguably the greatest instrumentalist in the history of rock music"

National Cyber Monday ...U.S.A. .... Monday after Thanksgiving

The term "Cyber Monday" was created by marketing companies to persuade people to online shop online. The term made its debut on November 28, 2005, in a Shop.org press release entitled "Cyber Monday Quickly Becoming One of the Biggest Online Shopping Days of the Year". More than 154 million consumers whipped out their wallets over Thanksgiving weekend, up from 151 million shoppers last year in 2015. From a survey by the Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics. ...More Americans made purchases online than in stores. “ This year we still expect Cyber Monday to surpass Black Friday and become the largest online sales day in history with $3.36 billion," said Tamara Gaffney, principal analyst and director of Adobe Digital Insights, in a statement.

https://blackfriday.com/cyber-monday

International Red Planet Day ...MARTIAN EVENT ... November 28th

Each November 28 is celebrated as “Red Planet Day.” Red Planet Day commemorates the launch of the Spacecraft Mariner 4 on November 28, 1964. ... Fortunately, in November the skies are usually clear, and Mars can sometimes be seen in the early morning. The planet Mars is referred to as the "Red Planet" because it appears red in color. Red Planet Day honors our celestial neighbor, the fourth planet in the solar system. Is Mars truly red in color? Scientists debated this question, even after the Mars Rovers landed and began to explore the planet. Why? Because the lenses used to take photos are tinted. On Red Planet Day, take a few minutes to look upwards into the sky, and gaze at our neighbor. Hopefully, you will have a cloudless night sky for viewing. You can also recognize this day by reading up about Mars, and viewing pictures of it. There are plenty of pictures online. We've noted some of those sites below in the "More Information"section.

National French Toast Day ...USA ...November 28th

French toast has gone by many different names, and wasn't referred to as French toast until it appeared in print as such in 1871. In America it has been known as "nun's toast," "German," and "Spanish." It is often called "pan perdu" in France, which means lost bread. It was given this name because lost bread—bread that is leftover or stale—is often used to make it. This term survived in the United States in Creole and Cajun cooking. It has been called "poor knights pudding" and "Poor Knights of Windsor" in England, Denmark, and Germany, and "torriga" in Spain. National French Toast Day is being observed today! It has always been observed annually on November 28th.

National ELECTRONIC GREETINGS DAY ...U.S.A. ...November 29th

Observed annually on November 29th, Electronic Greetings Day reminds us of how things have changed. The convenience and speed of sending an electronic greeting allows more people than ever to participate in this thoughtful process. We all enjoy it when someone remembers our birthdays, anniversaries and other important life events. While greeting cards continue to be used, electronic greetings are far more cost effective and mean equally as much.

Saint Andrews Day in Scotland November 30th

Celebrations of the festive season, as its known in Scotland, begin in the days leading up to and including Saint Andrew’s Day on 30 November. Saint Andrew is the patron saint of Scotland and his day is Scotland’s national day. It is often the signal for Christmas lights to be lighted at home and in public venues, too, and for families and business associates to gather for festive meal.According to legend a monk called Regulus brought relics of St Andrew to Scotland where he was given land to build a church by a Pictish king. The settlement grew into the town of St Andrew’s, where the cathedral became a place of religious pilgrimage and the university, the oldest in Scotland, was founded in 1413.

http://perceptivetravel.com/blog/2015/11/17/scotlands-winter-festivals/

Bonifacio Day ...Philippine ...November 30th

This National Philippine Holiday is held on 30 November, or the Monday nearest this day to create a long weekend. Unlike the main national hero, José Rizal, ...Bonifacio Day is celebrated on his day of birth, rather than his day of death. This is because Andre Bonifacio was killed by his fellow countrymen, rather than at the hands of foreign colonizers. Born in 30 November 1863, ( Andre's Bonifacio ) is considered as the Father of the Philippine Revolution against Spanish colonization. He, along with some others, started a movement known as the ‘Katipunan’ in 1892. The Katipunan was a secret revolutionary society that instigated military revolts against the Spanish colonizers. On this holiday, Families and friends may choose to spend time at the many public venues such as shopping centers and parks that remain open for the day. People also visit monuments dedicated to Bonifacio to reflect on what he did for the country.

National Mousse Day ...USA ...November 30th

Various types of mousse can be found on the menu of many restaurants and coffee shops, so you can celebrate the National Mousse Day by going out with your family, friends, or significant other. You can also make tasty mousse yourself using the following recipe. “Mousse” is the French word for “froth” or “foam”. The dish was so named because of its light and airy texture. Such texture is achieved due to tiny air bubbles from whipped cream or whipped egg whites that are carefully folded in. Mousse is usually flavored with chocolate, puréed fruit, or vanilla. There also are savory mousses that can be made with fish, liver, avocado, and other ingredients.

Major events, festivals and holy days during the month of November