26 Fun Facts About January That Will Blow Your Mind (2024)
1. January is considered the dead period of the year.
Initially, the Gregorian calendar had ten months. Both January and February were simply combined into one month and this month was known as the “dead period”.
During this period, the military and other military machinery remained inactive. Also, January used to be the last month of the 12-month calendar.
2. January is a bridge between an ending and a beginning.
During the ancient Roman era, the inception of January was seen as a bridge between what happened in the past and what the future will bring.
In the darkest days of winter, January was regarded as the best time to reflect and make plans for what the coming year might hold.
3. January got its name from the Roman god Janus.
Janus is the guardian of gates and doorways. The two-faced god who has insight into both the past and future. January also symbolizes the end and beginning making it a doorway to the future from the past.
4. Garnet is the birthstone of January.
The precious jewel comes in numerous colors, but the red garnet is the most valuable one and is famous among people. The Middle English term “garnet,” signifies dark red.
This originated from the same place as the pomegranate, a fruit with many seeds.
5. January is the coldest of the 12 months.
January is the coldest month in the northern hemisphere. The United States‘ record-low temperature was minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit. On January 23, 1971, a weather observer at Alaska’s Prospect Creek Camp noted this.
At this temperature, the eyeballs of a person can freeze after a few seconds of exposure.
6. The 31st of January brings an addition of one day.
Julius Caesar added the last day of January making it a month of 31 days that we observe today. In 46 BCE, Julius Caesar made changes to the calendar.
As the roman empire expanded the Julian calendar was introduced to different people. Julian Caesar kept January 1, as the first day of the year.
7. January brought the heaviest snowfall in the history of the United States.
The Giant Forest Station received 60 inches of snowfall on January 19, 1933, setting a record for snowfall in the Golden State.
Heavy snowfall left thousands of people stranded in their vehicles on the mountain highway for several days with no choice but to wait for help.
8. January 15th is an annual holiday to honor American hero Martin Luther King Jr.
Civil Rights icon, Martin Luther King Jr, the assassination took place in 1968. He was born on January 15, 1929. To remember his contribution against racial subjugation, Americans observe holidays every third Monday in January.
He played a crucial leadership role in the struggle for the rights of the African American population.
9. Carnation is the birth flower of people born in January.
Every month has birth flowers, just like birthstones.
The carnation is representative of January. One of the most understated yet endearing flowers, the carnation is renowned for its delicate petals, variety of exquisite hues, and long-lasting bouquet, an ideal bouquet for a chilly and tough month.
10. January has two zodiac signs: The water bearer and the goat.
Capricorn and Aquarius are the two astrological signs that symbolize January.
Like a goat, Capricorn is obstinate and willful. On the other hand, Aquarian is more flexible with a “go with the flow” mentality. People born between January 17 and January 23 have characteristics of both Capricorn and Aquarius.
11. January is that it is the birth month of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali.
Arguably the greatest player who ruled the boxing world for many years, Mohammed Ali was born in January.
Other famous people including Jeff Bezos, Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Ellen DeGeneres, and Elvis Presley are also born in January. The number 1 is the sign of the person born in January.
12. Most relationships end in January.
Not exactly a FUN fact but, January is the most familiar month when it comes to divorces and break-ups and is frequently referred to as “divorce month” by legal practitioners.
Though, It’s not known whether the rise in divorces is related to fresh starts.
13. Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s stone sarcophagus was discovered in January.
More than a year after his initial discovery, on January 3rd, 1924, Howard Carter unlocked the final shrine’s doors and displayed Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s stone sarcophagus.
People demolished the walls of the shrine to plunder the valuables within the tomb. Those who are pillaged are said to be cursed.
14. The highest temperature in the southern hemisphere is in January.
Record highest temperature was recorded in Oodnadatta, Australia, at 50.7°C (123°F). This January heat record has been in place for the past 62 years.
It won’t be long until that record is broken because the northern hemisphere consistently setting new heat records because of accelerating global warming.
15. January is the name of the city in Brazil.
January is also the name of the second-largest city in Brazil. On January 1, 1502, the Portuguese expedition led by Gaspar de Lemos arrived at Guanabara Bay on the South American coast.
Rio de Janeiro (River of January) is how the Portuguese named the area for this reason.
16. National Penguin Day is on January 20.
Penguins are one of the animal’s kingdom cutest, most endearing, and most amazing species. The US observes national penguin day to raise awareness about these beautiful animals.
However, the world needs to take concrete steps to save these endangered animals from global warming and other climate-related issues.
17. 1st January is the first day of the year.
January include that 1st of January is celebrated as the beginning of the new year. The Roman republican calendar was altered by Numa such that January took the place of March as the first month.
Given that January was named after Janus, the Roman god of all beginnings, it was a logical choice.
18. Epiphany, a Christian holiday, is observed on January 6th, adding to the many celebrations.
According to the new gospel, the Three King’s Day is the day on which the three wise men visited infant Jesus with gifts and marked baptism. The Virgin Islands has a public holiday on Epiphany Day.
It is among the oldest Christian feasts.
19. Benjamin Franklin’s birthday is on January 17.
Franklin was one of the founding fathers of the United States, a leading thinker in his day, a co-author and signer of the American Declaration of Independence, and the nation’s first postmaster general.
A well-known scientist, diplomat, political philosopher, inventor, and statesman.
20. Puzzle Day is celebrated annually on January 29 – a good day for brain exercise.
Puzzle Day is celebrated annually on January 29 in the United State as National Puzzle Day. Crossword, jigsaw, and Sudoku problems all challenge our brains in different ways.
The involvement of both sides of the brain enhances our memory, problem-solving abilities, and cognitive function.
21. National Bean Day is celebrated on January 6 in the US.
People who want to consume fiber, protein, vitamins, and other nutrients for a healthy life, should eat more beans. Beans provide between 9 and 13 grams of fiber per cup.
Blood cholesterol levels can be lowered with soluble fiber. Bean has more than 40000 varieties including soy, kidney, and black
22. First Immigrants landed on Ellis Island on January 1, 1892.
The Irish girl named Annie Moore was the first among more than 12 million immigrants to enter the United States through Ellis Island.
People all over Europe traveled to a new world for better opportunities and to get away from the feminine and drought.
23. Alaska’s integration into the US was on January 3, 1959.
Alaska formally became the 49th state of the United States on January 3, 1959. The 49th and largest state, Alaska, was admitted to the Union by a special proclamation signed by President Eisenhower.
Earlier, On March 30, 1867, the US signed a treaty to purchase Alaska for $7.2 million.
24. Dry January to keep people away from liquor consumption.
People in the UK participate in “Dry January.” This is an initiative to promote public health by encouraging individuals to abstain from alcohol for one month.
Alcohol causes liver cancer and other terrible diseases which causes great damage to a person’s health, even death.
25. January is National Hot Tea Month, making it the perfect time to cozy up with a warm cup.
The beginning of the new year with a cup of tea would be a brilliant idea.
The tea drink may be for health purposes or for enjoyment. For centuries, hot tea has played a crucial role in the cultures of many nations.
26. The first-ever Emmy Awards were held on January 25, 1949.
The first Emmy ceremony was held at Hollywood Athletic Club. During the first ceremony, only six awards were given, and the cost of the ticket was $5.
The award is presented by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences to recognize the excellence of American primetime television programs.
27. Monarchy ended in Hawaii in January.
January 24th, 1893 marked the forced abdication of Queen Liliuokalani, bringing an end to the Hawaiian monarchy. The coup, involving around 300 US Marines and locals, adds to the many historical and controversial fun facts for January.
However, the annexation of the state to the US took place in 1898.
FAQS
January’s birthstone is the garnet, a beautiful red stone that symbolizes love and friendship. The name “garnet” comes from the Latin word for “seed,” and it is said that the garnet resembles a pomegranate seed. Garnets are found in a variety of colors, but the most popular variety is dark red stone.
There are three zodiac signs for January: Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces.
Carnations and snowdrops. Carnations symbolize love and admiration, while snowdrops represent hope and purity. Together, these flowers make the perfect gift for somebody born in January!
In January, there are 31 days. This is the most days out of any month in a year.
According to the National Weather Service, the coldest temperature on record for the month of January was −69.7 °C (−93.5 °F), which was recorded in 1979 at Prospect Creek Camp, Alaska.
There are several holidays and observances that fall on January 11th. Some notable ones include National Human Trafficking Awareness Day in the United States, National Milk Day in the United States, and Children’s Day in Tunisia.
