Fact 1: The Autumnal Significance of November 21
In the Northern hemisphere, November 21 is a significant date because it's right around the time of late Autumn when the leaves have fallen, and people prepare for winter. It's the last hurrah for Fall before December creeps in with its frost and snow.
Fact 2: National Adoption Day Puzzlement
November 21 is National Adoption Day. The odd thing is, it’s only celebrated on this date if it falls on a Saturday. This day emphasizes the importance of giving orphaned children a permanent, loving home.
Fact 3: The Humble Beginnings of World Television Day
The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21st November as World Television Day in 1996. This is in recognition of the significant impact of television on decision-making by bringing global attention to conflicts and threats to peace and security.
Fact 4: Zodiac Crossover
November 21 is a unique day astrologically as it's the day when Scorpio (October 23 - November 21) ends and Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21) begins. This provides a unique and interesting blend of Scorpio's intensity and Sagittarius' philosophical outlook.
Fact 5: Espresso Excitement
Perhaps surprisingly, November 21 is known with coffee connoisseurs as National Espresso Day. This international holiday celebrates the robust coffee brewing method that originated from Italy.
Fact 6: The surprising theme of the UN
According to the United Nations, they have dozens of holidays each year representing various causes and November 21 is set aside to acknowledge World Fisheries Day. This day highlights the importance of sustaining our water ecosystems and the people who depend on them for their livelihood.
Fact 7: A Thanksgiving Oddity
In the United States, November 21 occasionally falls on Thanksgiving Day, which is always celebrated on the fourth Thursday of the month. The last time this happened was in 2019 and before that in 2013.
Fact 8: A Penny Farthing Premier
On 21st of November in 1869, the first bicycle, known as a "Penny Farthing" because of its unequal sized wheels, was patented. A fun fact for fans of cycling history!
Fact 9: First Commercial Gouda Export
On November 21, 1697, the first commercial gouda was exported from the Netherlands, making it a memorable day in cheesy history.
Fact 10: A Very Merry Unbirthday
In line with the theme of Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, every day is someone’s unbirthday. But November 21 is statistically the least common birthday in the United States, making it the biggest unbirthday celebration of all!
Fact 11: First Stirrings of Hollywood
In 1915, the now-famous "Hollywood" sign in Los Angeles was officially copyrighted by local real estate developer, Harry Chandler.
Fact 12: North Carolina's First Newspaper
On this day in 1751, North Carolina issued its first ever newspaper, 'The North Carolina Gazette'.
Fact 13: American Football Flashback
The Colorado Buffaloes completed a memorable season in football history by winning the Associated Press College Football Championship on November 21, 1990.
Fact 14: American Smokeout Day
Another unique event tied to November 21 in the United States is the Great American Smokeout. On this day, the American Cancer Society encourages people to quit smoking.
Fact 15: A Grand Slam Win
In 1982, the Vietnamese tennis player Catherine Tanvier won the final junior girls' singles at the French Open on November 21.
Fact 16: A Disc Jockey First
On November 21, 1866, the first ever DJ dance party was reported. A man named Reggie Fils-Aime tuned two phonographs at the same time to create continuous music.
Fact 17: The Worst International Fiery Balloon Incident
November 21, 1989 marked the worst fiery balloon disaster in history when twenty-one people died in Alice Springs, Australia after a series of hot air balloon accidents.
Fact 18: The Contradicting Winter and Summer Day
November 21 marks the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and the middle of summer in the Southern Hemisphere, making it a day with two faces.
Fact 19: A Day of Discovery
On November 21, 1783, Jean-François Pilâtre de Rozier and François Laurent d'Arlandes made the first manned free-balloon flight, a major milestone in the history of exploration.
Fact 20: A Moving Lift Record
Finally, on November 21, 1891, the first moving stairway, precursor to the modern escalator, was patented. The inventor, Jesse Reno, demonstrated his invention at the old Iron Pier at Coney Island, New York City, with the first escalator being just two years shy of a full century old.