History of November: That In-between Month
HISTORY OF NOVEMBER
November is the penultimate month of the year, meaning “next to the last.” It used to be the ninth month (Latin: novem) until the ancient Romans shoehorned in January and February.
November enjoys the distinction of being situated between the two biggest holidays in the American calendar… at least revenue-wise. October has Halloween, the #1 candy revenue holiday in America, and a sucrose-collecting bonanza for children nationwide. December features Christmas, #1 in everything else, and a favorite for those who are children-at-heart.
November is Interstitial
But November is somewhere in the middle. Certainly, it has Thanksgiving, no insignificant holiday, and something for which to be grateful. But it’s not widely observed outside the US, except for Canadians, who celebrate Jour de l’Action de grâce on the second Monday in October, and the English, who give thanks on July 4th.
Sure, there are month-long celebrations in November:
- Movember, though it is a newer holiday, tends to grow on you.
- Who could forget Sweet Potato Awareness Month? It’s always in good taste.
- For you aspiring writers, it’s Academic Writing Month (also known as “AcWriMo”) based on National Novel Writing Month (“NaNoWriMo”).
- And also National Blog Posting Month (“NaBloPoMo”). This would be an example of a blog article.
- Finally, big shock, it’s also Pulmonary Hypertension Awareness Month.
November and H.E.S.
November sees an increased incidence of what I call H.E.S., or Holiday Elision Syndrome. The following examples should be sufficient to explain this.
1) Here’s a question that your friendly neighborhood historian is frequently asked now that it’s November:
“Is it OK to listen to Christmas music now?”
In America, our Constitution guarantees us the right to listen to Christmas music all year long, regardless of date. Look it up. However, it is disturbing that TV stations abuse that freedom by showing horror movies in November, AFTER Halloween.
Is Nothing Sacred?
2) The popularization of Pumpkin Spice Everything, indeed the increasing “pumpkinization” of America, as discussed previously, has been a cultural eraser that minimizes distinctions between the end-of-year holidays of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.
3) Historically, Black Friday, following Thanksgiving, was the beginning of the Christmas season with street decorations, lights, commercials, merchandise, and even music. More recently, this is eliding into pre-Halloween appearances. I’m looking at you, Costco and Lowe’s!
4) Speaking of Halloween, it’s becoming a monster holiday. Home decorations are proliferating in a way that’s downright scary. And retailers are loving it.
From The Morning Brew:
Once the domain of kids and homemade costumes, has taken over store aisles earlier than ever as stores cash in on the popularity…
The National Retail Federation (NRF) expects Americans to spend $11.6 billion on Halloween this year after a record $12.2 billion last year…
Home Depot already had a reputation as a go-to stop for Halloween shopping thanks to Skelly, the 12-foot-tall lawn ornament that went viral in 2020.
Home Depot’s rival, Lowe’s, tried something of its own: It debuted a “Haunted Harbor” collection this year that featured an inflatable octopus and zombie fisherman.
Stores around the US began to display Halloween items early in a strategic play called “Summerween.” Michaels began selling Halloween decor on June 27, two weeks earlier than usual, and Home Depot, Lowe’s, and Costco broke out their spooky bona fides in July.
Lessons for Future Novembers
What can we learn from this historical lesson?
- Feel free to wear your Halloween costume the week before
- Drink your Pumpkin Spice Latte all Fall and Winter. Heck, even in the Summer before Labor Day.
- Listen to your Christmas music early; it’s your right.
But let’s try to keep each holiday separate. If we do, everyone will get more candy.
Sweet!
Bill Petro, your friendly neighborhood historian
billpetro.com
