Welcome November...Noviembre.

Facts about November:
Its gemstone is the topaz and its flower the chrysanthemum. The name
comes from the Roman word 'novem' meaning nine, because it was the ninth month in their Roman calendar. Few people find November pleasant. The Anglo-Saxons called November
'Wind monath', because it was the time when the cold winds began to blow.
Traditions and Celebrations: On All Souls' Day the Roman Catholic Church remembers all those who have died - not just the great and the good, but ordinary man-in-the-street. Families visit graves with bunches of flowers and in church the names of the dead may be read out on request. In some parts of the country, All Souls' Day ends with a play or some songs. Bonfire Night is the most widespread and flourishing of all British customs. The day was declared a holiday by decree of Parliament after Parliament was saved from being blown up by Guy Fawkes in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. Until 1859, all parish churches were required to hold services this day. Unlike today, celebrations were heard throughout the day, with bells ringing, cannons firing and beer flowing.The story is remembered each 5th November when 'Guys' are burned in a celebration known as "Bonfire Night"... and in the United States Thanksgiving is celebrated.
Anniversaries:
In November 1969 the first colour TV advert aired in the UK for Birds Eye. On the 3rd of November 1957 the first living creature was sent into space. It was a Russian dog named Laika and the ship was called Sputnik 2. Laika could not be brought home. November 20th 1992 Windsor Castle is badly damaged by fire.

Noviembre era el noveno mes para los romanos y el desagradable mes del viento para los anglosajones. Entre sus tradiciones caben destacar la Fiesta de todos los Santos celebrada por los católicos que, al igual que aquí, consiste en llevar flores a los cementerios para recordar a los familiares fallecidos. Más británica es la fiesta de Guy Fawkes que conmemora el intento de volar el parlamento en 1605: cada 5 de noviembre se encienden hogueras para celebrar este día. Entre los aniversarios destacan la emisión del primer anuncio de publicidad en color en la televisión inglesa o el envío a la luna de la perrita Laika en el Sputnik 2, que nunca regresó a la tierra, o el incendio del castillo de Windsor.