Reasons To Celebrate January: Food, Special Days, And Fun Facts!
The first month of the year can often feel like a time of transition and reflection, with the holiday season behind us and a new year ahead. However, January is far from a dull month, as there are 31 reasons to celebrate each day.
From food holidays to special days and fun facts, there is something for everyone to enjoy. January is a month filled with opportunities to indulge in delicious treats, as there are numerous food holidays to celebrate.
But it’s not just about the food – there are also special days to commemorate, from National Hug Day to Thomas Crapper Day. Additionally, January is named after the Roman god Janus, who symbolizes beginnings and transitions, making it a perfect time to reflect on the year ahead and start new traditions.
In this article, we’ll explore the many reasons to celebrate January, sharing food recommendations, fun facts, and inspiring ideas for making the most of this transitional time.
January Fun Facts
Regarding the month of January, various interesting factual information exists.
For instance, January is named after the Roman god Janus, who was the god of beginnings and transitions. This is fitting for the first month of the year, which marks the beginning of a new year.
Additionally, the month of January has 31 reasons to celebrate, including food holidays such as National Popcorn Day and special days like National Hug Day.
In addition to these celebrations, January also has some fun facts, such as the fact that Thomas Crapper revolutionized plumbing and sanitation by modernizing existing flush toilets, making them more efficient and hygienic.
Furthermore, Brussels sprouts, when roasted with olive oil and spices or topped with bacon bits, can be quite delicious.
These fun facts add to the charm and uniqueness of the month of January.
Food Holidays
The first week of January is packed with food holidays that celebrate different types of cuisine and ingredients.
Swiss Cheese Day, which falls on January 2, is a day to appreciate the rich and nutty taste of Swiss cheese, whether it’s enjoyed on its own or as a topping on a sandwich or salad.
National Spaghetti Day, which is observed on January 4, pays homage to one of the most beloved Italian pasta dishes. Whether it’s served with a classic tomato sauce or a more adventurous pesto or carbonara sauce, spaghetti is a versatile and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
National Bird Day, which is celebrated on January 5, is a day to raise awareness about the importance of bird conservation and protection. It’s a day to appreciate the beauty and diversity of bird species around the world, from colorful parrots and toucans to majestic eagles and owls.
Whether it’s through bird-watching, bird photography, or bird-inspired art and crafts, National Bird Day encourages people to connect with nature and appreciate the wonders of the avian world.
Special Days
It is worth noting that January hosts a variety of unique and quirky holidays, such as National Hug Day on January 21st and Day to Answer Your Cat’s Questions on January 22nd, that offer amusing opportunities for individuals to express affection towards loved ones or pets.
National Hug Day, created by Reverend Kevin Zaborney in 1986, encourages hugging family and friends to show appreciation for them.
Similarly, Day to Answer Your Cat’s Questions, founded by Sarah Chauncey in 2017, is a lighthearted holiday that encourages cat owners to imagine what their feline friends would ask if they could talk and to provide answers in a humorous and imaginative way.
As for January 23rd, it is National Pie Day, a day to celebrate one of America’s favorite desserts.
Pie enthusiasts can indulge in various types of pie, from sweet to savory, and even participate in pie baking competitions.
This holiday, started by the American Pie Council in 1986, also aims to promote education about the history and cultural significance of pies.
Overall, these special days offer a fun and playful way to celebrate the month of January and bring people together through shared interests and hobbies.
Additional Trivia
One interesting tidbit about the month of January is that Thomas Crapper, a plumber and inventor, played a significant role in modernizing flush toilets to be more efficient and hygienic. Crapper was born in 1836 in Yorkshire, England and started his plumbing business in London in the late 1800s. He revolutionized the design of existing flush toilets, making them more efficient and sanitary. Crapper’s inventions included the ballcock mechanism, which controls the flow of water into the tank of a flush toilet, and the U-bend, which prevents sewer gases from entering the home. Today, the term ‘crap’is commonly used as a slang term for excrement, but it is not actually related to Thomas Crapper’s name.
Another interesting fact about January is that fresh daisies can brighten up a dreary winter day. Shasta daisies and gerber daisies are friendly blooms that come in a variety of colors and can be found at local florists or grocery stores. Daisies are a symbol of purity, innocence, and simplicity, and they make a great gift for a loved one or a cheerful addition to your home decor.
In addition to their aesthetic appeal, daisies have been used in traditional medicine to treat ailments such as headaches, fever, and indigestion. So, next time you’re feeling down in the winter months, consider bringing some daisies into your life for a little pick-me-up.
