November Is Here : Welcome Number Eleven

 

As we welcome November, we say hello to the eleventh month of the year and the last one to have thirty days. There are many facts about this month and I am only sharing a few. There are many others, so please, do feel free to share them in the comments below.

And the dead leaves lie huddled and still,

No longer blown hither and thither;

The last lone aster is gone;

The flowers of the witch-hazel wither …

–Robert Frost (1874-1963)

In Anglo-Saxon times, November was known as Blotmonaþ (blood month or sacrifice month).

Always starting on the same day of the week as March, and always ending on the same day of the week as August.

November is the only month never mentioned in any of Shakespeare’s works.

While November is likely to be blustery and full of falling leaves in the Northern Hemisphere, countries in the Southern Hemisphere are just getting into spring! That’s why things look much different in Australia this time of year – it’s due to how the Earth tilts towards the Sun.

November’s traditional birthstone is the topaz, usually a yellow to amber colour. The ancient Greeks believed that topaz could make a wearer invisible. A symbol of honour and strength, topaz was also believed to bring longevity and wisdom.

November’s birth flower is the chrysanthemum. Generally, chrysanthemums represent cheerfulness.

Scorpio and Sagittarius are the astrological signs for November. Birthdays from November 1st through the 21st fall under the Scorpio sign. November 22nd through November 30th birthdays fall under the sign of Sagittarius

A rather hairy spectacle occurs in various parts of the world including Australia, the US, and England every year in November. It’s called Movember, and the idea is to raise money for charity by growing a moustache. Participants must shave on the first morning of November and grow their moustache throughout the month, with the ensuing amusement as an incentive for others to donate to a good cause.

November is also host to Guy Fawkes’ Night, or Bonfire Night, in the UK. This day celebrates the capture and execution of Guy Fawkes, an attempted terrorist who tried blowing up the Houses of Parliament centuries ago. This event is celebrated by fireworks and food, and you may like to try this recipe.

Lentil and Vegetable Minestrone Stew / Casserole

a warming dish, its nutritional details per serving

Fat 5g Carbs 19g Fibre 6g Protein 6g

see recipe here

November is also the month where the world commemorates the end of World War One. Ceremonies take place across the globe on November 11th – in the UK, there are normally processions (Covid restrictions permitting) and poppy-laying ceremonies, with a nationwide silence taking place at 11am to commemorate those who gave their lives in action during the two World Wars and later conflicts.

Above taken from here and  here and here

During November it is also World Diabetes Day, this happens on the 14th November every year all around the world. This year marks 100 years since the discovery of a treatment that has saved millions of lives around the world – insulin.

Readers, we bring a variety of articles, studies etc. plus recent news/views and recipe ideas to this blog, we hope something for everyone to read and enjoy. Please note, not all may be suitable for you. If you may have any food allergies, or underlying health issues these must always be taken into account. If you are a diabetic and not sure how certain foods may affect your blood sugars, test is best, i.e. use your meter.

All the best Jan