January is named after the Roman god, Janus, who is portrayed as having two heads; one facing behind and one facing forward. Janus was the god of doorways, new beginnings and things left behind; hence, January - the door to the New Year ahead.
In the northern half of the world, January is the coldest month. Nature is quiet and the birds travel less. The woodchucks and bears sleep day and night, in hibernation.
The plants are resting, waiting for the warmer temperatures of the Spring. In the southern half of the world, January is the warmest month. Animals are very active, and plants are growing.
The birth flower of January is the Dianthus caryophyllus , better know as the carnation. As with roses, carnations carry multiple meanings depending on the color. Light red carnations represent admiration, dark red carnations represent love and affection, white carnations represent purity and luck and pink carnations stand for gratitude.
Capricorn and Aquarius are the astrological signs for January. Birthdays from December 22 through January 19 fall under the sign of Capricorn. Capricorns are described as being conservative and wise with great ambitions and the discipline to make those ambitions reality. Capricorns are serious and no-nonsense, often as a defense mechanism in order to hide their true emotions. January 20 through the February 18 birthdays fall under the sign of Aquarius. Aquarians are considered spend great amounts of time thinking of ways to improve life and the world as we know it.
They are original, independent and inventive, helpful characteristics to assist with their humanitarian work.
The birthstone for January is garnet. It is also the traditional gem associated with the 2nd year of marriage representing purity, commitment and faithfulness.The first human heart transplant was performed by Christiaan Barnard, South African surgeon, December 3, 1967.
The following are a few events that took place during the month of January:
- 1735, Paul Revere was born.
- 1752, Betsy Ross was born.
- 1789, the first US Presidential Election was held.
- 1809, Edgar Allen Poe was born.
- 1848, gold was discovered in California.
- 1863, Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation.
- 1865, The 13th Amendment abolished slavery.
- 1912, New Mexico becomes part of the United States
- 1914, Henry Ford introduces his assembly line.
Welcome to the new year.
How to Download Images
Essential Clip Art Information
Start A Dialogue With Dixie:
Facebook | Twitter
Google+ | Rebel Mouse
Stumbleupon | Pinterest | Tumblr