Welcome to November!
Symbols of November
- Birth stone: Topaz (symbolising friendship and the citrine)
- Flower: Chysanthemum
- Zodiac signs: Scorpio and Sagittarius
Events in November
- Movember, an annual event involving the growing of moustaches to raise awareness of men's health issues, such as depression in men, prostate cancer and other male cancers, and associated charities.
- In the Christian calendar, November 2 is All Souls Day. It is known in Mexico as el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), and the whole month of November is especially dedicated to praying for the dead.
- In Australia, the Melbourne Cup horse race is held annually on the first Tuesday in November.
- November 10 is the birthday of the United States Marine Corps.
- Remembrance Day is celebrated on November 11 in the Commonwealth of Nations and various European countries (including France and Belgium) to commemorate World War I and other wars. It is known as Veterans Day in the United States.
- Discovery to the Eastern World of Puerto Rico by Christopher Columbus on November 19, 1493.
- International Men's Day is commemorated on November 19.
- International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women on November 25.
On this day
- 1966: Viet Cong bombs Saigon
At least eight people are killed including an American officer when Viet Cong artillery shells the South Vietnamese capital. - 1970: Nightclub inferno 'wipes out generation'
A fire at a nightclub in France has killed 142 people, most of them teenagers. - 1986: Chemical spill turns Rhine red
A catastrophic fire at a chemicals factory near Basel, Switzerland, sends tons of toxic chemicals into the river Rhine, turning it red. - 1984: Violence follows Gandhi killing
Rioting breaks out in parts of India following yesterday's assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. - 1990: Howe resigns over Europe policy
The UK's deputy Prime Minister, Sir Geoffrey Howe, has resigned after disagreements over the government's Europe policy.