January Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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january
[ˈdʒæn.ju.ər.i ]
Definitions
time period
The first month of the year, following December and preceding February. It has 31 days and is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions.
Synonyms
beginning of the year, first month.
Examples of usage
- It's usually cold and snowy in January.
- My birthday is in January.
- Many people make New Year's resolutions in January.
personal name
A masculine given name of Latin origin, derived from the name of the Roman god Janus. It is commonly used in English-speaking countries.
Synonyms
Jan.
Examples of usage
- January Jones is an American actress.
- His name is January, but he goes by Jan.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, January is seen as a time for renewal. People set new goals and celebrate fresh starts.
- New Year's Day on January 1st is celebrated worldwide with fireworks, parties, and various cultural traditions.
Weather Patterns
- In the Northern Hemisphere, January is one of the coldest months, often marked by snow and ice.
- Conversely, in the Southern Hemisphere, January is a summer month, with people enjoying beaches and warm weather.
Holidays and Observances
- January hosts several significant days, including Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the United States, honoring a civil rights leader.
- Many cultures celebrate the Lunar New Year in January, which marks new beginnings and is observed with various festivities.
Historical Events
- January 20, 1961, marked the inauguration of John F. Kennedy as the 35th president of the United States.
- On January 1, 2002, the Euro was introduced as the official currency in Europe, changing economic landscapes.
Origin of 'january'
Main points about word origin
- January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, and time.
- The Latin word 'ianuarius' means 'of Janus', illustrating the month’s significance in starting anew.
The name January is derived from the Latin word 'Ianuarius', which means 'of Janus'. Janus was a Roman god of doorways, gates, beginnings, and transitions. The month of January was named after him because it represents the beginning of the new year. In ancient Roman calendars, January was not originally the first month, but it became so after the reform of the calendar by Julius Caesar in 46 BC. Since then, January has been known as the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar.
See also: Jan.