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January History
January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, which symbolize beginnings and endings. Janus is depicted with two faces, one looking into the past, the other with the ability to see into the future. What a fitting symbol for this first day of the year; this month is our door into the new year.
The Romans often made promises to Janus and exchanged good wishes.
The months of January and February were not originally in the ancient Roman calendar as the winter months were considered dormant, both in terms of agriculture and also in terms of making war. This was a time of peace.
January Astronomical Events
The first full Moon of 2025 occurs on the night of Monday, January 13. It’s thought that January’s full Moon came to be known as the Wolf Moon because wolves were more likely to be heard howling at this time. It was traditionally believed that wolves howled due to hunger during winter, but we know today that isn’t accurate.
All month, just after sunset, you’ll find FOUR planets visible!
You may see a lot of media hype about a “great planet alignment” on January 25. It’s not unusual to see plants in a long line in the sky and note Uranus and Neptune are not even visible with the naked eye or binoculars. However, what is special is to see four bright planets at the same time! It will be an amazing planet display you don’t want to miss. Look to the southwest for super-bright Venus and Saturn. Then, look southwest for Jupiter high in the sky. Finally, look east for orange-red Mars.
Holidays and Traditions
January 1 New Year's Day
January 5 Twelfth Night, an English folk custom that marked the end of Christmas merrymaking and, in ancient Celtic tradition, the end of the 12-day winter solstice celebration.
January 6 Epiphany. According to the New Testament’s Gospels, on this date, the Magi—the three wise men or kings—venerated and brought gifts to the infant Jesus. Bake a beautiful Epiphany Tart or a King Cake with a lucky bean inside!
January 17 Benjamin Franklin’s birthday. He was not only a world-renowned statesman, inventor, and scientist but was also fascinated by agriculture.
January 20 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This holiday is held on the third Monday in January and honors the principles of this civil rights leader and Nobel Prize Winner dedicated to nonviolence.
January 29 Chinese Lunar New Year. Celebrated widely throughout East Asia, this holiday begins with the first new Moon after the Winter Solstice and is associated with the Chinese Zodiac.
"There is beauty in every January sunrise -- a new day, a new opportunity to grow." - Unknown
- Fun facts are from The Old Farmer's Almanac online