For most of us, January signals the beginning of a new year. The first month of the year in both the Julian and Gregorian calendars, January is named after Janus, the Roman god of doorways and beginnings, since this month is the doorway to a new year. Around 713 B.C., King Numa Pompilius added it (and February) to the calendar, where it would later earn its name in 153 B.C., when it was chosen as the first month of the year. In 46 B.C., the famous Julius Caesar added an extra day to the month, giving it the 31 that we are familiar with today.

Throughout the Middle Ages, Europeans did not honor January as the first month of the year, instead preferring December 25 and March 25 as their New Year celebrations. However, starting in the 16th century, January 1 retook its throne as the start of the new year, a position it has not since abdicated.

For those of you in the northern parts of the world, this will be your coldest month of the year, filled with snowmen, hot chocolate, and seeing your breath in the air. In the southern hemisphere, summer is blossoming as the birds sing their songs and people visit their favorite beaches.

In addition to weather changes, January is the host to several holidays: to begin, most people celebrate New Year’s Day on January 1st. In many Spanish-speaking countries, January 6th is the Dia de los Reyes Magos, when the three wise men bring presents for the newborn baby. The third Monday of the month is Martin Luthor King Day. Australian have the 26th reserved for Australia Day and in India, the same day is called Republic Day.

In addition to January’s parade of holidays, we celebrate several important birthdays this month: Betsy Ross (January 1, 1752), Richard Nixon (January 9, 1913), and Benjamin Franklin (January 17, 1706), just to name a few. The U.S. has a busy month, as well: Michigan became the 26th state on January 26, 1837, Kansas became the 34th state on January 29, 1861, Utah became the 45th state on January 4, 1896, New Mexico became the 47th state on January 6, 1912, and Alaska became the 49th state on January 3, 1959.

And if your birthday’s in April, your birthstone is garnet and your birth flowers are the carnation and the snowdrop. In addition to your birthday, January is National Blood Donor Month, National Braille Literacy Month, National Hobby Month, Hot Tea Month, National Oatmeal Month, and National Soup Month. Enjoy!