January has a reputation for fresh starts, but it also comes with a surprising backstory and a few unexpected quirks. From ancient gods and long-standing traditions to modern habits, moods and myths, this collection of facts reveals how history, culture and human behaviour shape the first month of the year.
Some are practical, some are curious, and a few may challenge what you thought you knew about January.
Where January Began
January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, traditions, doorways and endings. His symbolism includes a key and staff, representing his control over doors, doorways, and passages.
Janus has two faces – one looking forward, one looking back.
January wasn’t always the first month. The year used to begin in March.
The Anglo-Saxons called it Wulfmonath (Wolf Month), believing wolves prowled closer to villages in winter.
New Year Traditions
New Year’s resolutions date back over 4,000 years to Babylon.
January 1 is Public Domain Day – old works become copyright-free.
The Times Square ball-drop tradition began in 1907.
January weather was once believed to predict the entire year ahead.
Winter, Warmth & Cosiness
January is the coldest month in the Northern Hemisphere.
It’s the warmest month in the Southern Hemisphere.
January is National Hot Tea Month and Soup Month.
It’s also Walk Your Dog Month – wrap up warm!
Mind, Mood & Motivation
The third Monday is nicknamed Blue Monday (though not scientifically proven).
January sees the highest gym sign-ups.
It also has the highest number of people who quit before February!
It’s International Creativity Month – perfect for hobby refreshes.
Money, Plans & Fresh Starts
January sees more budget planning than any other month.
It also holds the highest number of divorce filings.
Yet it also has a spike in engagements – love and fresh starts!
Hobby Month encourages picking up forgotten passions.
Celebrations Around the World
In Japan, people celebrate Hatsumōde, their first shrine visit of the year.
Scotland’s Hogmanay often outweighs Christmas in significance.
Epiphany (6th January) marks the end of the festive season in many countries.
In Finland, January is a time for cosy winter calm traditions.
Trivia That Will Surprise You
Babies born in January are statistically more likely to become doctors or accountants.
The world’s most celebrated holiday is 1st January.
January often sees the most snow days of the year.
Birds begin pairing up for nesting season in January.
Fun Facts
January is National Get-Organised Month.
It’s also National Resolutions Month (naturally!).
And yes, it’s also the month when most resolutions are quietly forgotten.
Many people start diets on 2nd January – day-one recovery!
January kicks off the biggest return and exchange week of the year.
It’s the most popular month to book holidays.
And it’s the quietest month for restaurants.
We hope you enjoyed reading “January: Facts, Traditions and Curious Truths”. Click here for more of our Do You Know features.
