ABC in KMC: Notable November

The month of November tends to be rather foggy, rainy and windy. In addition, a number of historic events shaped the course of history. However, on a positive note, a few events can light up the season and bring color to dreary days.

Allerheiligen

For most Germans in the region November kicks off with a public holiday on the first of the month and All Saints’ Day on Nov. 1 is a religious celebration and public holiday in many parts of the nation. As its name suggests, the Catholic Church honors not only its well-known saints, but also the women and men who had secretly lived and defended their beliefs, and proclaimed the Christian message, but were not officially canonized.

During the course of the first decades after Christ, it became increasingly difficult to individually honor each saint with a celebration. As early as in the fourth century, an annual celebration was then held the first Sunday after Pentecost in honor of all of them. At the end of the eighth century, the religious celebration was moved to Nov. 1 in Ireland, which coincides with the Celtic New Year and marks the beginning of winter. This tradition eventually spread to the European continent.

A modern tradition is to decorate graves of deceased with dried-flower bouquets, wreaths or flower bowls and cover existing plants with fir branches to protect against frost. So-called grave or eternal lights with candles are also placed on graves in memory of beloved family members.

All Saints Day is celebrated on Nov. 1 in the state of Rheinland-Pfalz, Saarland, Nordrhein-Westfalen, Baden-Wurttemberg and Bavaria as a public holiday with all stores and public offices being closed.

Other German states in the northern and eastern regions as well as Hessen celebrate “Reformationstag” (Reformation Day) in honor of Martin Luther, initiator of the Protestant Reformation, on Thursday, Oct. 31 instead.

St. Martin

Although not a public holiday, another exciting event takes place in the evening on or about Nov. 11. St. Martin might ride through your town on a white horse and bring joy to children. Saint Martin of Tours in France figures prominently in the development of Christianity in fourth-century Europe. This gentle, humble servant, known best for helping those most in need, was chosen by the people of Tours as their spiritual leader, and is considered to be the patron saint of all children.

Tradition has it that children in the region build and decorate lanterns in his honor. They parade through towns singing “Laterne, laterne, Sonne, Mond und Sterne…(Lantern, lantern, sun, moon and stars….). Many villages organize cheerful parades and music with children carrying their colorful hand-made lanterns bringing light into the dark.

This may be an inspiration for creative activities at pre-school or elementary school in the KMC, as villages are thrilled to share the event with other children. Show off your handcraft skills, join in the fun and grab the opportunity to meet other neighborhood kids. There may be bonfires with food and drinks as well as pretzels for kids in your village. Check your local “Amtsblatt” for exact dates and event times in your individual community.

November Eleven

In Germany Nov. 11 marks the beginning of the Karneval or Fasching Season, also known as the “fifth season” of the year. Celebrations kick off at 11:11 a.m. on the eleventh day of the eleventh month. Cities such as Cologne, Düsseldorf and Mainz celebrate the event with colorful parades and parties.

In the United States, Veterans Day is always celebrated on Nov. 11, regardless of the weekday. It is mainly intended to thank living veterans for their service, to acknowledge that their contributions to national security are appreciated, and to underscore that the fact that all those who served, not only those who died, have sacrificed and done their duty. The holiday was originally known as Armistice Day in commemoration of the end of World War I on Nov. 11, 1918.

National Day of Mourning

On a solemn note, Sunday, Nov. 16 is observed as the National Day of Mourning in commemoration of members of the armed forces of all nations and civilians who died in armed conflicts. This includes fallen soldiers of both world wars, recent armed conflicts, and civilian victims of armed aggression. Every year U.S. Army and Air Force leadership representatives lay wreaths during ceremonies at cemeteries within the KMC along with their German counterparts.

Advent

This year the Advent season, the four weeks leading up to Christmas, starts on Sunday, Nov. 30 to wrap up the month. However, many markets in the area start at the middle of the month, such as the outdoor Christmas Market in Kaiserslautern on Nov. 17 and Culture Market on Nov. 27. Colorful lights and decorations, sweets and treats at the markets are sure to make your mouth water and brighten up your evenings. Stay tuned for a full list of German and neighboring country markets in the Nov. 28 edition.

Notable dates in November:

• Nov. 1, 1348 – The Black Death, a bubonic plague, reached London and is thought to have arrived via a ship traveling from the Far East.
• Nov. 1, 1512 – Michelangelo’s iconic work on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel was revealed to the public.
• Nov. 5, 1605 – Guy Fawkes was arrested in the cellars beneath Westminster after the plot to murder the English king.
• Nov. 6, 1429 – Henry VI, of the house of Lancaster, was crowned King of England at just nine months old.
• Nov. 9, 1799 – Napoleon Bonaparte, an experienced young military man, became the dictator of France after his successful coup to overthrow the weak French government and establish a new regime.
• Nov. 9, 1918 – Germany was declared a republic after Emperor Wilhelm II abdicated and fled the country.
• Nov. 9, 1989 – The Berlin Wall fell after the government announced free travel. The spontaneous assembly of people at the border prompted border guards to open the gates, leading to East and West Berliners celebrating together and marking a pivotal moment in history. 
• Nov. 11, 1918 – After a total of four years and 97 days, the guns finally fell silent as World War I ended at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918.
• Nov. 17, 1558 – At the age of 25, Elizabeth I ascended the English throne following the death of her half-sister, Queen Mary (also known as Bloody Mary).
• Nov. 22, 1963 – President John F. Kennedy was shot and killed in Dallas, Texas.
• Nov. 26, 1922 – Archaeologists Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in Egypt.
• Nov. 27, 2025 – Thanksgiving Day followed by Black Friday shopping fun!