Advent Calendar Day
National Advent Calendar Day is celebrated on the first Wednesday in November. It’s a day to mark the start of the holiday season and the countdown to Christmas with the release of Advent calendars. Advent calendars can be celebrated by people from many Christian traditions, including Protestant, Roman Catholic, and Orthodox. However, the word Advent comes from the Latin word adventus, which means “arrival”. This means that non-Christians can also celebrate Advent as a fun way to count down to Christmas.
Calzone Day
National Calzone Day is a celebration of this delicious Italian turnover, observed on November 1 each year. A calzone is a folded pizza traditionally stuffed with a variety of fillings, such as mozzarella, ricotta, meats, and vegetables, then baked or fried to perfection. Originating from Naples, Italy, calzones are a portable, hearty meal, perfect for those who love pizza but want a twist!
November 1st has a rich historical significance across various fields and cultures.
Historical Events
1512 – Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel Ceiling Unveiled: The ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City, painted by Michelangelo, was opened to the public. This iconic work of Renaissance art took four years to complete and remains one of the most famous works of art in the world.
1604 – Shakespeare’s Othello Debuts: William Shakespeare’s tragedy Othello was performed for the first time at Whitehall Palace in London. The play explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and racism and has become a classic of English literature.
1765 – Stamp Act Enforced in the American Colonies: The British government imposed the Stamp Act, taxing printed materials in the American colonies. This led to widespread opposition and was a precursor to the American Revolution.
1800 – John Adams Moves Into the White House: President John Adams became the first U.S. president to reside in the newly completed Executive Mansion, now known as the White House, in Washington, D.C.
1894 – Nicholas II Becomes the Last Tsar of Russia: Nicholas II ascended to the throne, later leading Russia through major upheavals before his abdication and subsequent execution during the Russian Revolution.
1952 – First Hydrogen Bomb Test: The United States conducted the first successful detonation of a hydrogen bomb on the Enewetak Atoll in the Pacific, marking a major advancement in nuclear weapons.
1993 – Maastricht Treaty Establishes the European Union: The Maastricht Treaty officially came into effect, creating the European Union and introducing policies that laid the groundwork for a unified Europe, including the euro currency.
Notable Birthdays
1512 – Anne of Cleves, the fourth wife of King Henry VIII of England.
1871 – Stephen Crane, American author known for The Red Badge of Courage.
1935 – Gary Player, South African golfer and one of the greatest in the sport’s history.
1960 – Tim Cook, CEO of Apple Inc.
1963 – Rick Allen, English drummer for Def Leppard.
Notable Deaths
1517 – Francesco Francia (b. 1450)
An influential Italian painter and goldsmith, Francia contributed to the development of the Bolognese school of painting and worked alongside Raphael and other renowned artists of the Renaissance.
1700 – Charles II of Spain (b. 1661)
The last Habsburg ruler of Spain, Charles II’s death without an heir triggered the War of the Spanish Succession. His rule marked the end of Spanish Habsburgs and led to a shift in European power dynamics.
1894 – Alexander III of Russia (b. 1845)
Emperor of Russia from 1881 to 1894, Alexander III was known for his conservative policies and efforts to strengthen autocratic rule. His son, Nicholas II, would be the last Tsar of Russia.
1903 – Theodor Mommsen (b. 1817)
German classical scholar, historian, and Nobel laureate in Literature, Mommsen was highly regarded for his work on Roman history. His History of Rome remains an important reference for ancient Roman studies.
1955 – Dale Carnegie (b. 1888)
An American writer and lecturer, Carnegie is best known for his self-improvement books, including How to Win Friends and Influence People. His work has influenced modern communication and leadership training.
1972 – Ezra Pound (b. 1885)
An American poet and critic, Pound was a major figure in early modernist poetry. His works and ideas influenced writers such as T.S. Eliot and James Joyce, and he helped define 20th-century literature.
1993 – Severo Ochoa (b. 1905)
Spanish-American biochemist and Nobel laureate in Physiology or Medicine, Ochoa was renowned for his work in RNA synthesis, contributing significantly to genetic research.
2008 – Yma Sumac (b. 1922)
A Peruvian soprano with an extraordinary vocal range, Sumac was internationally celebrated for her unique voice and was a prominent figure in the exotica music genre during the 1950s.
2018 – Carlo Giuffrè (b. 1928)
An Italian actor and director, Giuffrè was known for his work in Italian theater and film, including classic comedies and collaborations with prominent directors.
