The Month That Still Thinks It’s the Ninth
November’s still clinging to its old-school name, but it’s a month that’s all about transitions and traditions. Curious how this ninth-turned-11th month got its quirky name? Let’s dive in! Yeah! It doesn’t make much sense, especially considering November in Spanish is noviembre, meaning the ninth month (el noveno mes). ¨What are you talking about, Willis?¨
Well, welcome to November—where tradition meets confusion and the calendar shrugs. It’s a month caught in time, a relic of ancient Rome that just refuses to change its mind, no matter how much logic begs it to.
A Month with Identity Issues
So, November. It’s the 11th month of the year, but its name comes from novem, Latin for “nine.” Wait—what? How is it the 11th month but still called the ninth? Good question. Incredible, right?
It turns out the ancient Romans had a little mix-up in their calendar, and even though the year was restructured, November didn’t get the memo. It stayed in its old slot, with a name that didn’t quite fit anymore. The ancient Romans had a calendar that started in March, making November the ninth month back then.
Why They March in March?
So, Julius Caesar changed things up in 45 BCE and shoved January and February at the start of the year. Want to know why the Romans used to ring in the year in March? Because they marched in March? Nop! Find out by checking out our article on New Year’s in March. But November? It wasn’t having it. It just stuck with the old name, like that one friend who refuses to drop their high school nickname. Classic Rome, huh?
November’s Role in Roman Times
November wasn’t just a month of confusion in Rome. It was also the time for Novemdiales, a special festival held to honor the spirits and celebrate the harvest. It was all about paying respect to the gods and ensuring a good agricultural cycle. In a sense, the Romans were preparing for the colder months, reflecting the month’s role as a time of transition.
Family & Tradition: Modern Times Celebration
Fast forward to today, and we’ve got our own November traditions. For many, it’s Thanksgiving (in the U.S.), a holiday inspired by the harvest, although today it’s more about indulging in turkey, stuffing, and questionable political debates than honoring Roman gods. Still, there’s something beautifully ironic about the way both the Romans and modern cultures associate this month with food and family.
The Absurdity of a Month Named for “Nine”
Now you understand how absurd humans can be—November’s name still means “nine,” even though it’s the 11th month on our calendars. “It’s like calling a grown-up ‘Kid’ because that’s what they were when you first met. But hey, who’s counting, right?”
This name-game highlights how stubborn the calendar system is. Sure, it’s based on ancient Roman traditions, but when you take a step back, you see just how much we’ve adapted the names and structures of months to fit our modern lifestyles.
November’s Transformative Spirit.
November is a transitional month in many parts of the world. In the Northern Hemisphere, it signals the final stretch of autumn before the chill of winter sets in. People start breaking out the heavier coats, lighting candles, and snuggling under blankets. It’s the month of cozy vibes, of hot drinks, and preparing for the holiday season to come. It’s also a time of reflection, as the days get shorter and the year winds down.
But November isn’t just about physical transformation. It’s a month that makes us look inward. We’ve got Thanksgiving (if you’re in the U.S. or Canada) or Día de los Muertos in Mexico—a time to remember loved ones and reflect on the year past. These celebrations tie back to ancient roots, much like the Roman Novemdiales, connecting past and present with rituals of remembrance and gratitude.
Irony and Tradition
Why November works, even if its name doesn’t? It’s a month of both ending and beginning. It’s the last full month before the New Year, and yet it’s all about reflection, preparation, and gratitude for what we’ve had. We may call it “nine,” but in our hearts, November has its own character—a blend of nostalgia, coziness, and a little bit of absurdity.
A Month of Reflection and Rituals
November’s diverse celebrations around the world highlight both its spiritual and seasonal significance. It’s a month where people come together to honor the past and prepare for the future. Let’s explore some unique November traditions from different cultures.
Peru: Remembering Ancestors
In Peru, November is marked by Día de Todos los Santos (All Saints’ Day) and Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). On November 1st, Peruvians honor the spirits of their ancestors. The day is filled with visits to cemeteries, where families clean graves and offer food and flowers to the deceased. On November 2nd, families celebrate with altars, food, and prayers, ensuring the spirits of the dead are remembered and honored.
Mexico: A Colorful Celebration of Death
November 1st and 2nd in Mexico are dedicated to Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), a vibrant celebration of life and death. This UNESCO-recognized tradition honors deceased loved ones with altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, marigolds, and traditional foods like pan de muerto (bread of the dead). It’s a joyous occasion where families remember their ancestors and invite their spirits to visit.
India: Diwali – The Festival of Lights
November often brings Diwali, the Festival of Lights, celebrated across India. This major festival marks the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness. Homes are decorated with oil lamps, fireworks light up the skies, and families gather to celebrate with feasts and prayers. Diwali is a time for renewal, bringing hope and prosperity into the home and heart.
Loy Krathong – Floating the Past Away
In Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam, Loy Krathong is celebrated in November, where people release small, decorated boats (krathongs) into rivers, lakes, and seas. The act symbolizes letting go of negativity and making wishes for the future. It’s a visually stunning and reflective event, highlighting the importance of both personal growth and the collective respect for nature.
A Month for Transition and Gratitude
Across these diverse cultures, November blends reflection with hope. Whether through the remembrance of ancestors or through rituals meant to usher in light and prosperity, November calls us to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the year’s journey.
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