In Ancient Rome, Ludi Plebeii was held from November 4–17, Epulum Jovis was held on November 13 and Brumalia celebrations began on November 24. These dates do not correspond to the modern Gregorian calendar.
November 11 is Veterans Day (U.S.) and Remembrance Day (Canada). If you’re fortunate, you may experience an “ Indian Summer ” in November, but according to the traditional definition, it can only occur between November 11 and 20!
While November might remind us of historical events like the first official Thanksgiving, the Kennedy assassination or Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address, here are a few lesser-known November facts:
Explore November holidays and observances, from national days to awareness and seasonal celebrations. Browse by date and see what to celebrate.
November’s history dates back to ancient Rome, with its name and position in the calendar evolving over time. Let’s explore some fascinating facts about its origins and naming.
November, 11th month of the Gregorian calendar. Its name is derived from novem, Latin for “nine,” an indication of its position in the early Roman
History of November In the old Roman calendar, November was called mensis november, the ninth month, because the Roman calendar started in March. November initially had 29 days. In 154 BCE, a rebellion forced the Roman senate to change the beginning of the civil year from March to January 1st.
The word November is derived from the Latin novem meaning nine. On the Roman calendar, November was the 9th month of the year. Like October, Numa Pompilius moved November when January and February were added to more accurately reflect the length of a year on Earth.