January (Month)

Historical & Cultural Significance

January was named after Janus, the Roman god with two faces — one looking back at the past year and one looking forward to the new year.

January became the first month of the year around 450 BCE, when the Roman king Numa Pompilius added it to the calendar.

January was not always the first month — in ancient Roman times, the year originally began in March.

In Old English, January was called “Æfterra Geola,” meaning “After Yule,” because it comes after the Yule festival, which celebrated the winter solstice.

Long ago, the Babylonians made promises to their gods at the start of each year, which began in mid-March. Later, the Romans began their year in January and made similar promises to their god Janus. This is how New Year’s resolutions started.

January 1st became the official start of the new year in 46 BCE when Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar.

January was considered sacred to the Romans because it was the month of new beginnings and transitions.

January in Japanese culture is called “Mutsuki,” meaning “month of affection” or “month of family harmony.”

Weather & Natural World

January is typically the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere.

January in the Southern Hemisphere is a summer month, with warm temperatures and long days.

January brings the heaviest snowfall to many parts of North America and Europe.

January sees the shortest amount of daylight in the Northern Hemisphere, though days slowly begin to lengthen.

January’s full moon is traditionally called the “Wolf Moon” by Native American tribes.

January is when many hibernating animals are in their deepest sleep.

Science & Nature

January’s cold temperatures help many fruit trees complete their necessary dormant period.

January brings the strongest ocean waves to many Northern Hemisphere coastlines.

Modern Celebrations & Observances

January 1st is celebrated as New Year’s Day in most countries that use the Gregorian calendar.

January is National Soup Month in the United States, celebrating warm, comforting foods during the cold winter.

January 6th is celebrated as Three Kings Day (Epiphany) in many Christian countries.

January includes Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, honoring the civil rights leader’s birthday.

January is National Thank You Month, encouraging gratitude and kindness.

January 25th is celebrated as Burns Night in Scotland, honoring poet Robert Burns with traditional haggis dinners.

January is National Hot Tea Month, celebrating one of the world’s most popular beverages.

January 26th is Australia Day, marking the arrival of the First Fleet at Port Jackson in 1788.

January features Universal Letter Writing Week, encouraging people to write personal messages to friends and family.

Astronomical & Calendar Features

January sees the Earth reach perihelion — its closest point to the Sun, usually around January 3rd or 4th.

January contains the zodiac signs of Capricorn (December 22–January 19) and Aquarius (January 20–February 18).

January’s nights in the Northern Hemisphere offer some of the best stargazing opportunities due to clear winter skies.

January typically has 31 days in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars.

January begins on the same day of the week as October in every year (non-leap years).

January in the Northern Hemisphere experiences the latest sunrise times of the year.

January’s position as the first month means it marks the start of many astronomical observation periods.

January sees the Quadrantid meteor shower, usually peaking around January 3-4.

January days grow longer by about two minutes each day in the Northern Hemisphere.

Traditions & Symbols

January’s birthstone is the garnet, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and good health.

January’s birth flowers are the carnation and snowdrop, representing love and hope.

January’s traditional color in Western culture is deep blue, representing ice and winter skies.

January in Japanese tradition is symbolized by the pine tree, representing longevity and steadfastness.

January in Chinese culture is associated with the plum blossom, which blooms in winter.

January’s traditional gemstone in Tibetan culture is the emerald, representing growth and renewal.

January is represented by the snow bunting bird in Native American symbolism.

January’s traditional metal in astrology is lead, associated with Saturn and winter.

Nature & Wildlife

January is when male penguins in Antarctica take turns keeping their eggs warm in -60°F temperatures.

January sees the beginning of the gray whale migration along the Pacific Coast.

January is when Arctic foxes’ fur is at its thickest and whitest for winter camouflage.

January is when winter-adapted birds like snow buntings form large flocks.

January sees black bears in their deepest hibernation state.

January is when monarch butterflies are overwintering in Mexico.

January brings the mating season for wolves in many regions.

January sees the formation of unique frost flowers on certain plant stems.