January is the first month of the year in the Gregorian Calendar, and has 31 days. It is named for Janus, the Roman god of doors and gateways.

January and February were the last two months to be added to the calendar, since the Romans originally considered winter a monthless period. Although March was originally the first month, January usurped that position because that was when consuls were usually chosen.

The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day.

The Coming of age day in Japan is the second Monday of January, for those becoming 20 years old in the new calendar year. It is a national holiday. The day has existed since 1948, but fell on January 15 until 1999, when it was moved by the Japanese government in an attempt to lift the economy by making more holidays consecutive.

Trivia

• The signs of the zodiac within the month of January are Capricorn (December 22-January 19) and Aquarius (January 20-February 18).
• In the sky, however, in January the Sun passes through the zodiac constellations Sagittarius and Capricornus.
• In regular years January begins on the same day of the week as October.
• In leap years January begins on the same day of the week as April and July.
• in the Irish Calendar the month is called Eanáir and is the third and last month of Winter.

• January's flower is the snowdrop.
• January's birthstone is the garnet.

See also

• Historical anniversaries

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