By Aneta Manningtonova
November is a time for looking forwards and looking back. Forward to Christmas, the New Year and the adventures that they and the future offer. Looking backwards there are notable anniversaries approaching such as Guy Fawkes Night on November 5th and the centenary year of the First World War, with Remembrance Sunday on November 11th.
Remember remember the 5th of November. For over four hundred years this date has been officially commemorated after Guy Fawkes, the leader of a gunpowder plot to blow up the House of Lords and kill King James, was arrested and later executed. Bonfires were spontaneously lit to celebrate their thwarting and the tradition remains; effigies of Guy Fawkes are often burnt inside the bonfires.
On the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th Month in 1918 the First World War was officially over. Seeing as the war began in 1914, this Remembrance Day marks the century of when WW1 began. The poppy has long been a symbolic feature of Remembrance Day, because when the earth had been disturbed the beautiful red flower grew naturally. In the First World War when everything had been destroyed, fields of poppies started to grow. They brought life, hope and colour back to the world after the war ended. Some people now wear poppies around November and there is a two minute silence at 11am on 11th November every year, all in memory of those who have been affected.
November is also now becoming famously known as ‘Movember’. This is due to a leading global charity organisation called ‘The Movember Foundation’ being committed to changing the face of men’s health and literally men’s faces! Men from all ages and all over the world take part in this new tradition of growing a moustache, and so far the Movember community has raised an amazing £346 million.
Now focusing on one of my favourite parts of the run up to Christmas is Hyde Parks Winter Wonderland, where there is something magical for everyone; thrill seeker rides, a giant ferris wheel to overlook the London sky, the Bavarian Great Hall to enjoy a stein of German beer, ice skating on the UK’s largest and most magical ice rink, exploring the 200 wooden chalets filled with unique gifts, handmade crafts and Christmas decorations and most importantly an exciting chance to meet Father Christmas. Winter Wonderland always highlights the beginning of Christmas festivities, which excitedly opens on 21st November.
So as I said November is a time to reflect on the past and look forward to future. Good luck with your moustache attempts and wrap up warm.