On This Day – November 25th

November 25th is here already, which means we’re right at the edge of the holiday season! December is just around the corner, and for many of us in the upper hemisphere, the nights will be getting colder. However, there’s lots to learn about this otherwise mysterious month. We’ve rounded up some of the most fascinating facts about November 25th in case you’re already celebrating today!

On this day

1The Battle of Montgisard took place.

In 1177, the Battle of Montgisard took place. Baldwin IV of Jerusalem defeated Saladin and the even larger Ayyubid force. It was considered a major victory for Jerusalem, with the win even marked by the building of an entire monastery!

2Britain finally left the US.

In 1783, Britain’s armed forces evacuated New York City. It was their last military position in the United States – though, naturally, the UK and the US have remained close military allies in the decades since.

3A cyclone struck Coringa in India.

On 25 November 1839, a cyclone with a huge storm surge struck the port of Coringa in India, destroying the town. Reports at the time spoke of 300,000 deaths and 20,000 ships lost, though historians think these figures are exaggerated.

4Radios were advertised for the first time!

In 1905, Telimco released its first-ever advertisement for a radio set. The set was advertised at $8.50 per set in Scientific American magazine – and the ad claimed that the radio set could receive signals for up to one mile. How times have changed!

5The Iran-Contra affair broke.

On 25 November 1986, the US Attorney General revealed that money from secret arms sales to Iran had been passed to the Contra rebels in Nicaragua, despite a ban by Congress. The scandal badly damaged President Reagan’s second term.

Special Days Falling on November 25th

This November 25th, why not take the time to consider others and what makes this day special for them every year? Here are some of the biggest events taking place around the world today.

Statehood Day in Bosnia and Herzegovina

On 25 November 1943, during the Second World War, partisan representatives met and declared Bosnia and Herzegovina a distinct, equal unit within a future Yugoslavia, shared by its Serbs, Croats and Muslims. The day is celebrated in parts of the country.

Suriname Independence Day

November 25th is also a very important date for the people of Suriname, as it is their Independence Day! The country is known for being one of the smallest in South America, yet it is also one of the most ethnically diverse countries on the continent. The country has stunning landscapes and is one of the only carbon-negative countries in the world. The nation also took considerable years to gain full independence, so it’s well worth celebrating.

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

For people all over the world, November 25th is International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The day has been honored every November 25th since 1999, when the United Nations General Assembly declared it a date for observance. It is a vital occasion to address the continuous violence, aggression, and human rights violations women all over the planet face every day.

This month in history

In 1975, Juan Carlos was sworn in as King of Spain. He ascended to the throne following the death of General Francisco Franco, who had ruled as dictator since 1939.

Famous Birthdays on November 25th

• Lope Félix de Vega Carpio, Spanish dramatist and poet, born 1562
• Andrew Carnegie, Scottish industrialist, born 1835
• Joe DiMaggio, American baseball legend, born 1914
• Percy Sledge, American musician, born 1940
• Christina Applegate, American actor, born 1971

If you were born on November 25th…

…you’re a Sagittarius! You’re spontaneous, funny, and pretty quick on the quip! However, you can also be deeply serious when needed, despite the fact you might have a reputation for clowning around.

So, seriously, head over to our Sagittarius facts page to learn more about what makes you and your star sign so special.