13 Things About January You Might Not Have Known

About January 

January is the first month of the year and while most of us are familiar with the standard January traditions like making New Year's resolutions and braving the cold weather, there are actually many lesser-known facts and customs associated with this month. Here are thirteen things you might not have known about January:

1. January is named after the Roman god Janus, who is depicted as having two faces, one looking forward and one looking backward. This is fitting, as January is the beginning of a new year and a time to look back on the past while looking forward to the future.
2. The birthstone for January is garnet, which is said to symbolize loyalty and trust. If you're born in January or know someone who is, consider giving a garnet-adorned piece of jewelry as a gift.
3. January has two zodiac signs: Capricorn (December 22- January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
4. New Year's Day is on January 1st in many countries, which also marks the beginning of the new year. This holiday is celebrated with fireworks, parades, and parties around the world.
5. January is traditionally considered a time for making resolutions and setting new goals for the coming year. Whether you're looking to lose weight, quit smoking, or learn a new skill, this is the perfect time to start fresh.
6. January is typically the coldest month of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Brace yourself for below-freezing temperatures and icy winds.
7. The term "January thaw" is used to describe a period of milder weather during the month of January. This can be a welcome relief from the winter chill, but it can also make for messy and slippery road conditions.
8. January is National Soup month in the United States, make sure to warm yourself up with your favorite soup recipe.
9. Epiphany, which celebrates the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, is on January 6th in some countries. It is also known as Three Kings Day and is celebrated by Christians around the world.
10. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is celebrated on the third Monday in January in the United States, which honors the civil rights leader and his contributions to the civil rights movement.
11. January is also National Blood Donor month, a time when many organizations encourage people to donate blood. This is a critical time as blood banks often experience a shortage of donations during the winter months.
12. January babies, did you know that your primary birth flower is the carnation and the secondary flower is the snowdrop? The carnation symbolizes love and admiration, while the snowdrop represents hope and new beginnings. So embrace the beauty and meaning of these flowers as you start a new year and new chapter in your life.
13. January is also considered a good time to learn something new. In the past, schools and universities often started their academic years in January.

So there you have it, thirteen things you might not have known about January. Whether you're looking to celebrate a holiday, make a resolution, or simply learn something new, this month has a lot to offer.