Template:JanuaryCalendar2008 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.

The original Roman calendar consisted of 10 months (304 days). The Romans originally considered winter a monthless period. Circa 700 BCE Romulus' successor, King Numa Pompilius, added the months of January and February allowing the calendar to equal a standard lunar year (354 days). A Roman superstition against even numbers resulted in the addition of one day thus equalling 355 days. Although March was originally the first month, January usurped that position because that was when consuls were usually chosen.

In the Zodiac, January begins in the sign of Capricorn and ends in Aquarius.

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

The first Monday in January is known as Handsel Monday in Scotland and northern England. In England, the agricultural year began with Plough Sunday on the Sunday after Epiphany.

Historical names for January include its original Roman designation, Ianuarius, the Saxon term Wulf-monath (meaning wolf month) and Charlemagne's designation Wintarmanoth (winter / cold month).

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.

January in the wheel of the year

In the Neopagan wheel of the year, January ends at or near to Imbolc in the northern hemisphere and a few days before the midpoint between winter solstice and spring equinox. In the southern hemisphere it has a corresponding position with respect to Lughnasadh, between summer solstice and autumn equinox.

See also

• Historical anniversaries

January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December

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