November 2nd takes us deeper into fall in the upper hemisphere, and it’s also a date in history that many people remember for a variety of reasons. As always, we’re here to clue you in on some of the most interesting events to have taken place today, and to show you who you might be sharing a birthday with if you’re celebrating. Here’s everything you’ll probably need to know about November 2nd!
On this day
1Peace came to China.
In 1208, the peace treaty between the Chinese Jin and Song dynasties finally came into place. The Song dynasty continued paying tribute after two years of fighting. Sadly, as we all know, battles have raged on since – but any moment of peace is worth remembering.
2The Second Battle of Breitenfeld took place.
In 1642, the Second Battle of Breitenfeld, or the First Battle of Leipzig, took place. The Swedish army under Field Marshal Lennart Torstenson defeated the Holy Roman Empire army under Leopold Wilhelm, Austria’s Archduke.
3The CBC began broadcasting.
On 2 November 1936, the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC), and its French-language service, Radio-Canada, was launched, replacing an earlier public radio commission. It is still Canada’s national public broadcaster.
4The Cuban Adjustment Act came into effect.
In 1966, the Cuban Adjustment Act finally came into place. The act allowed 123,000 Cubans the opportunity to apply for permanent residence in the United States of America, after considerable tension between the two nations.
5Reagan signed Martin Luther King Jr. Day into law.
On 2 November 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed a bill creating a federal holiday in honour of Martin Luther King Jr., the civil rights leader. It was first observed in 1986, on the third Monday in January.
Special Days Falling on November 2nd
November 2nd is a very important day of celebration and commemoration all over the world! Here are some of the biggest events taking place across the miles today.
All Souls Day
Every November 2nd, Christians around the world celebrate All Souls Day. People celebrate by going to mass, praying, and lighting a variety of candles to help ease the suffering of the souls who died without being saved. Those souls, according to people who observe this holiday, are believed to be in purgatory.
Day of the Dead
On 1 and 2 November, Mexicans celebrate Día de los Muertos, the Day of the Dead, when the souls of loved ones are believed to return to visit the living. Families build altars, or ofrendas, decorated with marigolds, candles, food and photos of the dead, and visit and decorate their graves.
Arrival of Indentured Labourers
On 2 November 1834, the first indentured labourers from India arrived in Mauritius, brought to work on sugar plantations after slavery was abolished. Around half a million followed, and most Mauritians today are descended from them. The day is a public holiday.
This month in history
The Mayflower Compact was signed. In November 1620, before going ashore at Cape Cod, 41 men aboard the Mayflower signed an agreement to form a ‘civil body politic’ and obey its laws. It is often seen as one of the first steps towards self-government in America.
Famous Birthdays on November 2nd
- Edward V, King of England, born 1470
- Marie Antoinette, Queen of France, born 1755
- Steve Ditko, American comic legend (co-creator of “Spider-Man”), born 1927
- k.d. lang, Canadian singer-songwriter, born 1961
- David Schwimmer, American actor, born 1966
If you were born on November 2nd…
…you’re a Scorpio! While you’re occasionally known for being headstrong and wear your feelings on your sleeves, there’s still a lot of mystery about you – Scorpios will only trust others when they feel they are close enough to do so! You’re very protective and loyal; nothing means more to you than those you love. You’re represented by the scorpion in the Western Zodiac, and you can learn more about your sign on our Scorpio facts page.
Spotted something wrong? Suggest a correction
We check every suggestion and update articles when facts change. Thank you for helping keep facts.uk accurate.
Leave a Reply