January is the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. Its length is 31 days. The first day of the month is known as New Year's Day. It is, on average, the coldest month of the year within most of the Northern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of winter) and the warmest month of the year within most of the Southern Hemisphere (where it is the second month of summer). In the Southern hemisphere, January is the seasonal equivalent of July in the Northern hemisphere and vice versa.
Ancient Roman observances during this month include Cervula and Juvenalia, celebrated January 1, as well as one of three Agonalia, celebrated January 9, and Carmentalia, celebrated January 11. These dates do not correspond to the modern Gregorian calendar.
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").
January's birthstone is the garnet, which represents constancy.
Its birth flower is the cottage pink Dianthus caryophyllus, galanthus or traditional carnation.
The zodiac signs are Capricorn (until January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 onward).
January was named for the Roman god Janus, known as the protector of gates and doorways, who 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.
Blue Monday is a day marked out every year according to an equation as apparently the most depressing day of the year. It falls on the third Monday of January every year, meaning that in 2024 (still feels weird saying that) it falls on January 16
It's a boring and bad month and there's several reasons why. Especially after December, a month jam-packed with holidays including Christmas, this can lead to feelings of sadness and depression, known simply as the “January Blues.” January is often associated with cold weather and short, dreary days.
