Megan Vogt | Opinion Co-Editor
The month of November used to be known for Thanksgiving, the start of basketball season, and the time to start Christmas shopping. I remember when I was little and how excited I was once November hit. In just a few weeks, I would be on break for Thanksgiving, and because I was living in Iowa, snow days would start soon! As much as the cold weather was no fun, I definitely wanted to stay home from school! Now, when the first of November hits, I no longer think of this, but instead, I think of “Noshember.”
Noshember is a word that makes me giggle every time I contemplate the concept. What a ridiculous word and event to rename a month over! For those of you “out-of-the-loop,” Noshember is also known as “No-Shave-November.” During the month of November, many boys (some girls too!) decide to no longer shave, whether it is their legs, beards, chest, etc. Why do they do this you may ask? At the college level, this is the busiest month for students, and pure laziness starts to set in. With the upcoming month of December, final papers need to be started along with last minute tests and large projects.
Don’t forget to put away your razors! The history of Noshember is not really known, but it is said to have been when a bunch of men left for a hunting trip up north, and all forgot their razors! From then on, they decided it was just an extra accessory and made it a tradition. Now, people have turned it into a time to raise awareness for their fellow males because it is also the month to raise awareness for men’s health. Instead of ending this extravagant event with no purpose, people can resist the urge to shave with a goal in mind: raise awareness for men’s health and collect money for your favorite charity! (You could probably even call home telling mom and dad you’ll shave it for a little extra cash: hint!)
Even on Buena Vista University’s (BVU) campus, people get rather funky with their facial hair. Without me saying names, you know who you are. We also see many people on television, such as Leonardo De Caprio, who can get a little out of control with his extra fur. Don’t think you’re “not manly” if you can’t grow something; it’s all for the fun of the month. No worries, parents: it’s only for November, and then your son or daughter will start looking a little more professional again. Students, faculty, and staff, now is your time to get out and become a Noshemberer or a Noshembrina! 🙂
From the Noshember official website, don’t forget the following dates:
November 14 – The day men stop looking ridiculous and women start looking ridiculous.
November 22 – Thanksgiving Day! Explain to every relative what “Noshember” is.
November 27 – Boys who are facial-hair-challenged really do look ridiculous.
November 30 – Picture day! Take your picture, and celebrate all you’ve accomplished!
December 1 – Pull out the razors, and start shaving!
Graphic by Keyla Sosa
