[Fact 1: Armistice Day]
November 11 is known worldwide for the commemoration of Armistice Day, marking the end of World War I. The war officially ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. It signifies the cease of hostilities between the Allies and Germany on the Western Front.
[Fact 2: Veterans Day]
In the United States, November 11 is observed as Veterans Day, honoring all American veterans. Originally known as Armistice Day, it was later renamed Veterans Day in 1954 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to include veterans of all wars.
[Fact 3: Remembrance Day]
In Canada and other Commonwealth countries, November 11 is observed as Remembrance Day. Essentially, it's an Armistice Day equivalent, set to honor those who have given their lives in service to their country.
[Fact 4: Pocky Day]
In Japan, every November 11, the country celebrates Pocky Day—an entire day dedicated to the popular snack brand Pocky. The date was chosen because the numbers "11/11" look like four Pocky sticks!
[Fact 5: Singles Day]
November 11 serves as the biggest shopping holiday globally, known as Singles Day in China. Chosen for its representation of "bare branches" (11/11), symbolizing people who are single, it was popularized by Alibaba, who turned it into a massive online shopping event.
[Fact 6: Equal Pay Day]
In Switzerland, November 11 is known as Equal Pay Day. The date signifies how far into the year women, on average, must work to earn what men did the previous year, demonstrating the ongoing gender wage gap.
[Fact 7: Origami Day]
November 11 is also International Origami Day. The Japanese paper- folding art form has an international community of artists and enthusiasts, who honor the day with displays, workshops, and folded tributes.
[Fact 8: Poland's Independence]
In Poland, November 11 is celebrated as Independence Day, marking the restoration of Poland's sovereignty in 1918 after over a century of partition by Russia, Germany, and Austria.
[Fact 9: Nonsensical Holiday]
November 11 marks the celebration of National Absurdity Day in America. It's a day to commemorate everything bizarre, unusual, and nonsensical—a little light-hearted fun in the gloom of winter.
[Fact 10: World Run Day]
Celebrated since 1999, November 11 is also recognized as World Run Day. Created to celebrate and promote the sport of running, it has participants from over 24 countries worldwide.
[Fact 11: Sundial Day]
Sundial Day is observed annually on November 11, as an ode to the ancient method of time telling using the sun and shadows.
[Fact 12: Immuno-Oncology Day]
November 11 is designated as World Immuno-Oncology Day, calling attention to the remarkable advancements made in the fight against cancer, specifically using the body's immune system.
[Fact 13: Rhyme with Heaven]
In folklore, November 11 has been considered a "lucky" day because it rhymes with "seven," widely considered the luckiest number.
[Fact 14: End of Monarch Power]
November 11, 1918, marks the day when Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany abdicated his throne, effectively ending monarchial control of Germany.
[Fact 15: The November Meteor Shower]
Every year, between November 6 and November 30, the Taurids meteor shower can be observed. However, it peaks on November 11, making it an exciting astronomical event.
[Fact 16: King Tut Day]
On November 11, 1922, the entrance to King Tutankhamun's (King Tut) tomb was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Now, November 11 is known as King Tut Day.
[Fact 17: Start of Muharram]
The Islamic New Year, also known as Muharram, often falls on November 11. It is considered one of the sacred months in which fighting is forbidden.
[Fact 18: Latvian Freedom Fighters' Remembrance Day]
In Latvia, November 11 is celebrated as Lāčplēsis Day. It is dedicated to the commemoration of Latvian freedom fighters and named after the national epic hero, Lāčplēsis.
[Fact 19: A Novel Writing Month]
Every November, aspiring authors challenge themselves to write a 50,000-word novel from November 1 to November 30 for National Novel Writing Month, with November 11 marking the momentum-building phase of the challenge.
[Fact 20: The November Birthstone]
Those born on November 11 have topaz as their birthstone. This precious gem is a symbol of friendship and said to have healing qualities. A perfect end to our fun facts, symbolizing the unity and peace commemorated on this significant day.