49 Interesting Facts about January

Dan April 25, 2023

January is the first month of the Gregorian calendar, with 31 days. It is a month of new beginnings, fresh starts, and resolutions. January is named after Janus, the Roman god of gates, doors, and beginnings. Janus is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions, one to the past and the other to the future, symbolizing the transition from one year to the next. January is a month of hope and new beginnings. It marks the start of a new year, a new cycle of seasons, and a new chapter in our lives. It is a time to reflect on the past, set goals for the future, and embrace the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

In the Northern Hemisphere, January is usually a cold and wintry month, with temperatures ranging from freezing to below zero in many regions. Snow is common in many parts of the world, and January is often associated with winter sports such as skiing and ice skating. In the Southern Hemisphere, January is a summer month, and temperatures can be quite hot in many regions.

January is a month of celebrations and observances. In the United States, January 1st is celebrated as New Year’s Day, a time for reflection and resolution-making. In many countries, January 6th is celebrated as Epiphany, a Christian holiday commemorating the arrival of the Magi to visit the baby Jesus. January 26th is Australia Day, a national holiday commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships in 1788 and the beginning of British colonization in Australia.

Winter in January

Here are 49 interesting facts about January.

1. January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
2. The name January comes from the Roman god Janus, who is depicted with two faces looking in opposite directions.
3. January is the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.
4. In the Southern Hemisphere, January is the warmest month of the year.
5. The winter solstice occurs in late December, marking the shortest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, and the start of winter.
6. January 1st is celebrated as New Year’s Day in most countries around the world.
7. The first day of January is also celebrated as a public holiday in many countries.
8. The zodiac signs for January are Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and Aquarius (January 20-February 18).
9. The birthstone for January is garnet.
10. The birth flower for January is the snowdrop.
11. January was originally the eleventh month of the Roman calendar.
12. Julius Caesar added January and February to the calendar in 45 BCE.
13. January 2nd is National Science Fiction Day in the United States.
14. January 4th is National Trivia Day in the United States.
15. January 6th is Epiphany, a Christian holiday commemorating the arrival of the Magi to visit the baby Jesus.
16. January 8th is National Bubble Bath Day in the United States.
17. January 9th is National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day in the United States.
18. January 14th is National Dress Up Your Pet Day in the United States.
19. January 15th is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, a federal holiday in the United States.
20. January 16th is National Nothing Day in the United States.
21. January 20th is Inauguration Day in the United States, the day on which the President and Vice President of the United States are sworn into office.
22. January 21st is National Hugging Day in the United States.
23. January 23rd is National Pie Day in the United States.
24. January 24th is National Compliment Day in the United States.
25. January 25th is National Opposite Day in the United States.
26. January 26th is Australia Day, a national holiday commemorating the arrival of the First Fleet of British ships in 1788 and the beginning of British colonization in Australia.
27. January 27th is International Holocaust Remembrance Day, a day commemorating the victims of the Holocaust.
28. January 28th is Data Privacy Day, a day to raise awareness about the importance of protecting personal information.
29. January 31st is National Hot Chocolate Day in the United States.
30. The January sales are a period of discounts and promotions offered by many retailers after the holiday season.
31. January is National Blood Donor Month in the United States.
32. The Scottish celebrate January 25th as Burns Night, in honor of the poet Robert Burns.
33. In ancient Rome, the festival of Saturnalia was celebrated in late December and early January.
34. January is the month when many people make New Year’s resolutions.
35. The third Monday in January is known as Blue Monday, supposedly the most depressing day of the year.
36. January is named after the Latin word for door, “ianua”.
37. In Finland, January 6th is known as Epiphany Eve, and children dress up as “Star Boys” and go door to door singing carols.
38. January 20th is also Penguin Awareness Day.
39. January 25th is the birthday of Scottish poet Robert Burns.
40. In the United States, January is National Soup Month.
41. January 22nd is Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day.
42. The first Super Bowl game was played in January 1967.
43. January is a popular month for skiing and snowboarding vacations.
44. In Japan, January 1st is celebrated as Ganjitsu, a national holiday on which families visit shrines and temples to pray for good luck in the new year.
45. January is National Mentoring Month in the United States.
46. In Hindu tradition, Makar Sankranti is celebrated in mid-January to mark the end of winter and the start of longer days.
47. In ancient Rome, January was also associated with the god Strenia, who presided over the New Year and the exchange of gifts.
48. January 23rd is National Handwriting Day in the United States.
49. January is the month when many major awards shows take place, such as the Golden Globes and the Screen Actors Guild Awards.

January is a fascinating and important month, marking the start of a new year and bringing with it a wealth of cultural and natural events. From the cold and dark days of winter to the hope of new beginnings, this month is full of interesting facts and traditions from around the world. Whether you’re celebrating National Soup Month or attending an awards show, January offers a range of experiences and opportunities to learn and grow. As the first month of the year, January is a time for reflection, goal-setting, and looking forward to the months ahead.