November 14 Holidays

World Diabetes Day was established by the International Diabetes Federation and the WHO in 1991 to mark November 14, the birthday of Sir Frederick Banting, who co-discovered insulin in 1921 — observed to raise awareness for diabetes, which affects an estimated 537 million people worldwide and is projected to reach 783 million by 2045. National Pickle Day celebrates the pickled cucumber — documented as a food preservation technique in Mesopotamia as early as 2030 BCE and a product that Americans consume approximately 20 billion annually. Children’s Day is observed in India on November 14, the birthday of Jawaharlal Nehru — India’s first prime minister, known for his affection for children — a date India has celebrated as Children’s Day since 1964. National American Teddy Bear Day celebrates the teddy bear — named after President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1902 refusal to shoot a tied bear, inspiring the toy that became one of history’s most beloved children’s companions.