Background
Although we know January as the first month of the year, it didn't even exist in the Roman calendar, where the first month was March! However, January was eventually added to honor Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings; this is perfect given its position in the calendar year.
If you are in the Northern Hemisphere, then January is the coldest month of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, January is the hottest month. To those living in Europe centuries ago, January became known as Wulfmonath (Wolf Month) because wolves would come down from the mountains into villages to search for food. In Germany, January is known as Schneemond or Snow Month due to the record amounts of snow that fall during these 31 days of the year.
As the first month of the year, it is fitting that January is a month of firsts. The first Super Bowl game took place in January of 1967, the first heart transplant was performed in January of 1964, the first national flag of America was unveiled in January of 1776, and the first female governor of the United States was inaugurated in January of 1925.
January Zodiac Signs
Babies born in January are Capricorns if born between December 22 and January 19. If you were born between January 20 and February 18, you have the sign of Aquarius. As such, you can expect your January baby to have many wonderful traits, including intelligence, patience, self-motivation, and determination.
January Birthstone & Flowers
January babies have the garnet as their birthstone; though the most common color is red, garnets can come in a rainbow of colors, symbolizing peace, prosperity, and health. Some legends suggest that a person wearing a garnet will have eternal happiness, health, and wealth. January has two birth flowers: the Snowdrop and the Carnation. The Snowdrop, a delicate white flower, symbolizes hope and beauty, while the Carnation adds love, fascination, and charm to the list.
January Holidays and Notables
January is best known for New Year's Day and the resolutions that follow; however, there are more reasons to celebrate. During this month, we can celebrate hobbies, blood donors, books and thankfulness, as well as Martin Luther King Jr. (third Monday), World Peace (first day of the month), J.R.R. Tolkien (third day of the month), Three Kings Day (sixth day of the month), Winnie The Pooh (eighteenth day of the month) and Rubber Duckies (twenty-eighth day of the month) – just to name a few!
January Born Famous People
If you are hoping to have a doctor in your family, you may just be in luck. Statistics show that a high number of general practitioners are born in January, along with accountants. Hoping for a different profession? Never fear, January is also full of celebrities like Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey, and Justin Timberlake, as well as the famous author Tolkien, politician Alexander Hamilton, scientist and statesman Benjamin Franklin, and astronaut Buzz Aldrin. No matter what occupation your child chooses, those born in January are usually successful because of their attitude to persevere. Don't be surprised if it is difficult to get them to change gears from one activity to the next, but be ready to see great things from your January baby.
Conclusion
It is important to note that astrological signs, birthstones, and birth flowers are all symbolic and do not necessarily indicate a person's personality or characteristics. Babies born in January are as unique and individual as those born in any other month. Each person is an individual, with their very own set of characteristics, strengths, and weaknesses which makes us all special!
Off a Month on Baby's Birth?
Check out these articles:
Fun Facts About December Born Babies
Fun Facts About February Born Babies
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Congratulations to all January born babies!