Welcome November

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've included eighteen below. Of course there are many more so please, do feel free to share them in the comments below. 

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

2. November is the only month used to represent a letter in the phonetic alphabet. 

3. Although the word November dates back to Old English, the first known use of Novemberish, was by Robert Burns in 1793. 

4. According to research published in 2008, serial killers are more likely to be born in November than any other month. 

5. US Presidential elections are held every four years on the first Tuesday after the first Monday in November. 

6. According to the 17th-century astrologer Richard Saunders: “In this Moneth [November], Melancholy much increaseth.” He recommended eating eggs and honey and vomiting sometimes! 

7. In the US state of Indiana, November is the most likely month for a car to collide with a deer. 

8. “November’s sky is chill and drear, November’s leaf is red and sear [withered].” Sir Walter Scott. 

9. In the USA, November is sweet potato awareness month. 

10. In Finland, November is called “marraskuu” or “month of the dead”. It is the time of souls in Hell. 

11. On Monday, November 11, the planet Mercury will pass directly between the Earth and Sun. Appropriately filtered telescopes or binoculars are necessary for eye-safe viewing. 

12. November 14th is World Diabetes Day 

13. November 16th is National Button Day 

14. November 21st is World Hello Day

15. John F. Kennedy was assassinated on November 22, 1963. 

16. British statesman Sir Winston Churchill born on November 30, 1874. 

17. 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. 

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

There are so many other interesting things about November, I've only included 18 … you may know of some others, please include them in the comments.

Facts taken from here here and here

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)

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