January was given this name in honour of the Roman god Janus, who was regarded as the protector of gates and gateways, which represented both beginnings and endings in ancient times. Janus is represented with two faces, one seeing into the past and the other with the ability to see into the future; the two faces represent the two aspects of his personality. How appropriate for this first day of the year; this month marks the beginning of our journey into a brand new year.
History of January
The months of January and February were not originally included in the ancient Roman calendar since the winter months were regarded to be inactive, both in terms of agriculture and in terms of the conduct of war.
This was a period of relative calm. Due to the March Equinox, the Roman calendar was ten months long until 450 BCE, with the first month being March (Martius). Remember that the month of March was named after “Mars,” the Roman god of war who was also a protector of agriculture.
National Clean Up
The months of January are designated as National Clean Up Your Computer Month and National Hot Tea Month, respectively. Here are some additional great occasions to take advantage of the January Global Holidays.
- Z Day is celebrated on January 1st. People whose last names begin with the letter “Z” are given the honour of going first rather than last on this particular day.
- National Chocolate-Covered Cherry Day is observed on the third Monday in January.
- On the 6th of January, the United States celebrates National Bean Day.
- Elvis Presley was born on the 8th of January, which is his birthday.
- On the 10th of January, we commemorate National Houseplant Appreciation Day.
- The 14th of January is designated as National Dress Up Your Pet Day.
- The twentieth of January is designated as National Penguin Day.
- On the 22nd of January, the United States celebrates National Answer Your Cat’s Questions Day.
- On the 29th of January, the United States celebrates National Puzzle Day.
Traditionally Marked
Two traditions that traditionally marked the conclusion of the Christmas holiday break and the beginning of the “daily grind” are listed below for those who love odd, forgotten, or bygone rituals. Often, these were “funny” vacations that interspersed the first few days back at work with a bit of lightheartedness to lighten the mood.
Distaff Day is celebrated on January 7th.
The day following Epiphany (January 6) was once referred to as Distaff Day, and it represented the beginning of the women’s return to spinning after the 12-day Christmas holiday celebration was completed. It is a type of staff made of wood that is used to handle flax or wool.
Before the invention of the Spinning Wheel, spinning was done on a Drop Spindle, which was slow and laborious. As is often the case, returning to work after the holidays when little has been accomplished is difficult. Men would mischievously attempt to start fires on their wives’ distaffs, while the ladies, who had been lying in wait, would reply with a sense of humour by dousing them with buckets of water.
