Fact 1: Origin of November 12
November 12 is the 316th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. The month of November is derived from the Latin word 'Novem', which translates to 'nine'. This is because November was the ninth month in the ancient Roman calendar, which began in March.
Fact 2: A Day of Independence
November 12 is marked as Independence Day for two countries. Both Angola and Tuvalu celebrate their independence on this day. Angola gained their independence from Portugal in 1975, and Tuvalu from the United Kingdom in 1978 - two proud moments in history.
Fact 3: Commemoration & Remembrance
World Pneumonia Day falls on November 12. Established in 2009, this day aims to raise awareness about pneumonia, prevent the disease, and promote interventions to protect, prevent, and treat those afflicted.
Fact 4: National Pizza with The Works Except Anchovies Day
For food-lovers, November 12 has a surprising spin. It is celebrated as National Pizza with The Works Except Anchovies Day in the United States. The day pays tribute to the versatile delicacy, honoring all of its toppings, except for the controversial one - anchovies.
Fact 5: The Presence of 11/12/13
The sequential pattern of 11/12/13 was a special event that occurred on November 12, 2013. Such sequential dates are unique and occur rarely. The next similar sequence will be 01/02/03, but not until the year 2103!
Fact 6: The Birth of Great People
November 12 shares the birthdays of many notable figures. Grace Kelly, an inspirational American Actress and later Princess of Monaco; Auguste Rodin, famous French sculptor of 'The Thinker'; and Neil Young, the legendary Canadian musician were all born on this day.
Fact 7: A Landmark Nobel Prize Event
On November 12, 1903, Marie Curie was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics, becoming the first woman in history to win a Nobel Prize. She won the prestigious award along with her husband, Pierre Curie, and physicist Henri Becquerel.
Fact 8: Launch of Space Shuttle Atlantis
November 12, 1981, marked a significant achievement in space exploration. On this day, NASA launched its Space Shuttle Atlantis from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, signifying a new era in reusable spacecrafts.
Fact 9: National Young Readers Day
This day also celebrates youth literature as National Young Readers Day. It was started by Pizza Hut and the Center for the Book in the Library of Congress to promote the love of reading among children.
Fact 10: Honoring Chicken Soup
November 12 is also National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day. It is a celebration of the ways in which simple actions, words, or stories can make a difference in people's lives, inspired by the famous series of books by the same name.
Fact 11: The First Step Towards Women’s Rights in Brazil
In Brazil, November 12 is known for the approval of the Code of Women’s Rights in 1932, which defended their civil rights such as voting parameters, professional options, and equal pay initiatives.
Fact 12: National Happy Hour Day
An exciting and random fact about November 12 is it's known as National Happy Hour Day, a proper day to gather, unwind, and enjoy discounted drinks and food at local bars and restaurants.
Fact 13: Opening of Ellis Island
On November 12, 1954, Ellis Island, the passageway for over 12 million immigrants to the U.S, closed its doors after operating for almost 62 years. It later became part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument.
Fact 14: Connection with Shakespeare
One of Shakespeare's best-known tragedies, 'Othello', was first performed on November 12 in the year 1604. The play delivers timeless messages about the human condition.
Fact 15: Day of the Bucharest University Library
In Romania, November 12 is recognized as the Day of the Bucharest University Library, meant to acknowledge the establishment of the university and the inception of its integral library.
Fact 16: Death of an Aviation Pioneer
Sadly, November 12 also marks the death of French aviation pioneer, Louis Bleriot, in 1936. Bleriot was the first to fly a plane across the English Channel, making him a significant figure in the world of aviation.
Fact 17: A Meteor Shower’s Peak
For astronomy enthusiasts, the pinnacle of the North Taurids Meteor Shower usually happens around November 12. The shower is known for having a high percentage of fireballs, or exceptionally bright meteors.
Fact 18: Notorieties Linked with November 12
A German physicist and mathematician, Max Born, who made significant contributions to quantum mechanics, was also born on this day in 1882. A Google Doodle in 2017 marked his 135th birthday with an illustration depicting quantum mechanics.
Fact 19: Rum and Tsingtao Beer Day
Along with Happy Hour Day, November 12 is double-special as it recognizes National Chicken Soup for the Soul Day and is also World Quality Day which aims to raise awareness of the importance of quality in business.
Fact 20: A Solar Eclipse in History
November 12 has seen a historical astronomical event. On this day in 1833, spectators across North America saw the sky filled with shooting stars, in an event known as the Leonid meteor shower. This celestial event was among the greatest meteor showers in modern history.