For most people, January represents new beginnings and a new beginning. Others, it’s an ordinary month! Explore fun facts about January here!!
We have information about the history behind the month’s introduction into the calendar as early as Roman times.
To top it off, we also have some information about some of the notable historical events in March!
Facts About January
- “January” comes to us from the Roman god Janus and is often depicted in two heads. One head is used to reflect on the year before him it begins, and the second head is to gaze forward into the new year!
- Interestingly, couples tend to break up or divorce more frequently in January than in any other month in the calendar.
- In Pasadena, California, there was an annual Rose Parade held every year since the year 1890. Since then, it has been broadcast throughout the world and is viewed across more than 100 countries worldwide.
- If your birth date was January, the month of your birth, you’re born with a garnet!
- When leap year is in full swing, January usually begins on the same day as July and April.
- London is well-known for its extensive subway system, often referred to as “The Tube.” This is not surprising since they were responsible for launching their first underground railroad on January 10, 1863.
- A few of the names used in the past for January include “Wulfmonath,” which came from the Anglo-Saxons as that was the time when hungry that wolves would scavenge. King Charlemagne used to call it “Wintermanoth,” meaning “winter/cold month.”
- In the beginning, the Roman calendar only had ten months, which excluded February and January.
- King Numa Pompilius II, the second King of Rome, is the one who added February and January into the Roman calendar. He did this to ensure that it would be comparable to a lunar calendar. However, the calendar only had 30 days.
- In the end, Julius Caesar added the 31st day of the month and then added it with the whole month of January, which we are practicing right now!
- January was an important year for Alaska! From January 3, 1959, Alaska was officially the 50th state in the United States.
- In general, January is the coldest month for the Northern Hemisphere.
- In terms of temp within the Southern Hemisphere, the equivalent month to January is in July!
- About the Julian calendar and Gregorian calendars, January is the month that begins the year. It’s also the first month of seven that is 31 days long.
- In the United Kingdom, some people are known to practice “Dry January.” This campaign urges people not to drink alcohol for the month to improve public health.
- January has two zodiac signs: Capricorn and Aquarius, which runs through January 19, and Aquarius that lasts throughout the month.
- The dianthus caryophullus flower is the January birth flower which is more popularly referred to by carnation!
- A major and significant moment in America, U.S., happened on January 1, the year 1892. Ellis Island opened, which allowed more than 20 million people!
- The very first Penal Colony located in Australia was established in January 1788 by the British to alleviate the pressure of English prisons.
- Are you a big fan of stars? That’s right! If you’re interested, be aware that the first Emmy Awards were held on January 25 in 1949.
- January brought the end to the monarchy of Hawaii in Hawaii when queen Liliuokalani had to step down on the 24th day of the month.
January Calendar
- January 1 is New Year’s Day. As you’re still recovering from the previous night’s celebrations, take a look at some of the other traditions of the new year that you’re not aware of, and enjoy a night of Hoppin’ John for good luck.
- January 5 marks the Twelfth Night. The Twelfth Night is an English folk tradition that marks the end of Christmas festivities, and in Celtic custom, the conclusion of the winter solstice’s 12-day celebration. On the Twelfth Night, it was commonplace for the gathering to toast their fellow guests with a wassail.
- January 6 is Epiphany. As per the Old Testament’s Gospels, On this day, the Magi, also known as the three wise men or kings–brought gifts to the baby Jesus. Bake a stunning Epiphany Tart or King Cake with a lucky bean in it!
- January 17 marks the birthday of Benjamin Franklin. He was not just an internationally renowned statesman but also an inventor and scientist. But he was also fascinated by agriculture. At our Almanac, the Old Farmer’s Almanac, we consider him the founder of the Almanac! What are you aware of, Ben?
- January 17 is also Martin Luther King Jr. Day (observed). This holiday falls at the end of the 3rd Monday of January. It celebrates the values of this civil rights activist, also a Nobel Prize Winner dedicated to nonviolence.
“Just for Fun” Days
January is National Clean Up Your Computer Month and National Hot Tea Month! Some additionally enjoyable things to celebrate in January:
- 1. January: Z Day (On this day, people whose last name starts by “Z” get to go first, not the last.)
- January 3: National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day
- January 6: National Bean Day
- January 8: Elvis Presley’s Birthday
- January 10: National Houseplant Appreciation Day
- January 14: National Dress Up Your Pet Day
- January 20: National Penguin Day
- January 22: National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day
- January 29: National Puzzle Day
Wrapping Up:
Ah!! This ends our post here!! Hope you had a great time exploring these fun facts about January month!! Do share the post with your friends and family!
Also, check out 10+ Unknown Facts About June 11!!