Despite its reputation as the most depressing month of the year, January brings the promise of a fresh start and the opportunity to lay the groundwork for a year full of growth and positivity. From curbing alcohol consumption to taking charge of your financial health, January is a time to shed old habits and embrace new ones. And, with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season behind us, January’s awareness events give us the chance to slow down and focus on improving ourselves and the world around us. So, we had to ask: What are all the important awareness events that happen in January 2025?

January has 75 important awareness events. Monthly events include National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Dry January; awareness days include New Year’s Day and International Day for Education; and weekly events include Energy Saving Week and Identity Theft Awareness Week.

In this article, we share the most important awareness events that happen in January with you—categorized into month-long, day-long, and week-long events. For each event, we provide you with a short description, as well as a link to the main event page for further information.

Here Are All the Important Awareness Events for January 2025

You can find an overview of all the most important awareness events happening in January in the table below (you can also click on their link to directly jump to their respective section).

Trivia: January is named after Janus, the two-faced Roman god who symbolizes looking forward to new beginnings and backward for reflection and resolution. In Roman tradition, people offered sacrifices to Janus and made promises for good behavior in the upcoming year—a practice that lives on today as New Year’s resolutions.

22 Important Month-Long Awareness Events in January 2025

Month-long awareness events serve as platforms to focus attention on important causes, fostering widespread understanding, engagement, and action:

These extended campaigns allow organizations, communities, and you and other individuals to delve deep into complex issues, raise public awareness, and ignite conversations.

With their extended duration, month-long awareness events provide ample time for educational initiatives, community involvement, and sustained advocacy efforts.

By dedicating an entire month to a specific cause, these awareness events aim to generate lasting impact, empower you and other individuals, and foster positive change within society.

🦜 Adopt a Rescued Bird Month: Around the world, thousands of birds are surrendered to shelters each year. The purpose of this month is to educate the public about rescued birds and encourage them to consider adopting a shelter bird.

🎉 Celebration of Life Month: During this month mental health and other organizations encourage people to reflect on their lives and celebrate the positive aspects. The purpose is to promote gratitude and personal growth.

🩵 Cervical Health Awareness Month: Globally, cervical cancer is the 4th leading cause of cancer death in women. The goal of this month is to increase awareness of cervical cancer and encourage prevention strategies like vaccination against HPV and regular screening.

👩‍👧 Children Impacted by a Parent’s Cancer Month: In the US alone, over 5 million children are impacted by a parent’s cancer diagnosis, yet there is very little support available for this specific population. The purpose of this month is to provide connection and community for these children, as well as raise awareness on how to better support them.

🙅🏼‍♀️ Dry January: Following the overindulgence of the holiday season, this month encourages people to abstain from alcohol consumption for the entire month. The idea is to help moderate to heavy drinkers examine their relationship with alcohol and draw attention to the health benefits of sobriety.

💸 Financial Wellness Month: Did you know that 1 in 3 Americans do not know their credit score? The first month of the year is a great time to explore your financial well-being, especially after the heavy spending of the holiday season. During this month, organizations provide resources that empower people to restore their financial health.

❤️‍🩹 International Child-Centered Divorce Month: Children of divorced parents often experience instability and turmoil, and are more likely to engage in risky behavior. This month raises awareness of Child-Centered Divorce, an approach that prioritizes the well-being of children throughout the divorce process to mitigate the long-term psychosocial effects.

📈 International Quality of Life Month: Mental health organizations utilize this month to encourage people to evaluate their lives and identify ways to improve their overall well-being. From leaving a toxic relationship to seeking a more fulfilling career to starting an exercise regime, this month is all about taking charge and developing a sense of purpose.

🧭 International Wayfinding Month: If you have used public transportation, navigated an unfamiliar city, or tried to find a specific wing in a hospital, chances are you were either aided by helpful signage or frustrated by the lack thereof. This month celebrates and highlights the importance of effective wayfinding information systems.

🤑 International Wealth Mentality Month: While the goal of Financial Wellness Month is to restore your financial health, International Wealth Mentality Month is all about growing and protecting wealth. Individuals are encouraged to spend less, save more, and plan for major expenses and emergencies.

🤰🏻 National Birth Defects Awareness and Prevention Month: In the US, around 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect. And, although not always preventable, there are ways to reduce the risk. The goal of this month is to educate women about factors that impact the risk for birth defects, including genetics, behaviors, and environmental factors.

🩸 National Blood Donor Month: Since 1969, January has been dedicated to honoring voluntary blood donors, educating about the importance of blood donation, and encouraging people to regularly donate. Blood donation typically slows down during the winter months, making January a perfect time to celebrate existing blood donors and recruit new ones.

🧑‍🦯 National Braille Literacy Month: Braille is a tactile system that empowers people with blindness to access written information. Celebrated in January to honor the birthday and legacy of Louis Braille, who developed the system when he was just 12 years old, this month is a time to explore the relevance and importance of Braille literacy.

🧐 National CBD Month: Due to its similarity to marijuana, the hemp plant and its derivative CBD, gets a bad reputation. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness of the medical benefits of CBD, dispel misinformation and misconceptions, and educate people about how they can use CBD to improve their daily functioning.

🪢 National Codependency Awareness Month: Codependent relationships are inherently imbalanced, toxic, and potentially dangerous. The goal of this month is to help people recognize their codependent tendencies and address them.

👁️ National Glaucoma Awareness Month: Glaucoma is the leading cause of vision loss in the US, but half of people with the condition don’t know they have it. The purpose of this month is to raise awareness about glaucoma and encourage people to get an eye exam.

🫂 National Mentoring Month: Since 2002, nonprofit organization MENTOR has utilized the month of January to celebrate the power of mentoring relationships. In addition to encouraging community leaders to become mentors, it is also a time to show gratitude for mentors who volunteer their time to help those in need.

🚨 National Radon Action Month: Radon is a colorless, odorless radioactive gas that is present in many homes across the US, which is alarming because it is also the second leading cause of lung cancer. The goal of this month is to raise awareness about the prevalence and danger of radon gas and to encourage people to have their homes tested.

🙅🏼‍♀️ National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Globally, over 4.5 million people are victims of forced sexual exploitation, while more than 20 million are victims of forced labor. The purpose of this month is to educate the public about modern slavery and human trafficking and how they can prevent and end it.

🌍 Poverty Awareness Month: This month-long initiative was created to raise awareness about the growth of poverty around the world. Organizations encourage people to examine their role in perpetuating the cycle of poverty and educate them on how they can help break it.

👀 Stalking Awareness Month: In the US, about 13.5 million people experience stalking each year, and although it can equate to just an inconvenient invasion of privacy in some cases, it can turn violent and even deadly in others. Organizations utilize this month to educate the public about the prevalence of stalking and the potential consequences of not taking it seriously.

💊 Thyroid Awareness Month: About 60% of the 20 million Americans living with thyroid disease are unaware that they have a problem. And if left untreated, thyroid disease can lead to osteoporosis, infertility, and heart disease. The goal of this month is to raise awareness of thyroid disease and encourage people to talk to their doctor about their risk.

41 Important Day-Long Awareness Events in January 2025

Day-long awareness events offer concentrated and focused efforts to draw attention to specific causes or commemorate important occasions:

These events serve as catalysts for raising awareness, promoting education, and sparking meaningful conversations within a condensed time frame.

With a concentrated burst of activities, day-long awareness events aim to engage you and other individuals, communities, and organizations, encouraging them to take immediate action, show support, or honor significant milestones.

By dedicating a single day to a particular cause, these awareness events create opportunities for concentrated impact, reflection, and collective mobilization toward positive change.

🗽 January 1, Ellis Island Day: This day commemorates the first immigrant to pass through Ellis Island, an Irish teen named Annie Moore. From its opening in 1892 to its closing in 1954, the island welcomed about 12 million people.

🕊️ January 1, Global Family Day: This day welcomes the new year with a message of peace and harmony. Inspired by the United Nations Millennium Celebration, the purpose of this holiday is to remind people around the world that we are one global family.

🆓 January 1, International Public Domain Day: When a work’s copyright expires and is not renewed, that work enters the public domain, where it can be accessed and edited by anyone. The transition of copyright works into the public domain usually takes place on January 1st of each year.

🎉 January 1, New Year’s Day: In many cultures, New Year’s Day symbolizes a fresh start as people resolve to make better choices than the previous year, from eating healthier to saving more money. While celebratory traditions differ, the idea of hope for a new beginning is universal.

✉️ January 3, National Write to Congress Day: One of the most basic tenets of US democracy is citizen participation in government. This day is a reminder to Americans to ensure their voices are heard and important issues are addressed.

🧑‍🦯 January 4, World Braille Day: This day celebrates the birth of Louis Braille and his tactile communication system, Braille. Since its introduction, Braille has empowered people with visual impairment by allowing them to read the same texts and articles as sighted people.

🥜 January 5, George Washington Carver Recognition Day: This day honors the legacy of George Washington Carver and his contributions to the field of agriculture and American History. Carver’s innovative crop-rotating method created nutrient-dense soil that saved southern agriculture and ensured sustainable farming practices.

🦜 January 5, National Bird Day: Millions of birds are captured from the wild or bred in captivity for commercial profit each year and forced to live in conditions that stifle their natural instincts. The Avian Welfare Coalition created this day to raise awareness of the plight of captive birds and how we can work together to improve conditions for them.

💬 January 5, National Day of Dialogue: This day was created to encourage Americans to engage in peaceful dialogue with people who have different views and experiences. The idea is to strengthen democracy by working across differences to ensure everyone’s voice is heard.

🎁 January 6, Three Kings Day: Celebrated 12 days after Christmas, Latin American communities observe this day as the final day of the holiday season. Also known as Epiphany, celebratory traditions mirror those of Christmas; for example, instead of leaving cookies out for Santa, children leave fresh-cut grass in a shoebox for their gift-bearing entity, the Magi.

💔 January 6, World Day of War Orphans: The most innocent victims of war are children; not only must they forgo the innocence of childhood, but many are also orphaned as their parents perish in combat or war-related humanitarian crises. Child welfare organizations utilize this day to draw attention to the struggles of war orphans and highlight ways to help.

👨‍👦 January 7 (varies), I am a Mentor Day: Celebrated during National Mentor Month, the goal of this day is to honor those who have volunteered their time to mentor youth. It is also a call to action for aspiring mentors to take the next step toward mentorship.

🚸 January 8, War on Poverty Day: On this day in 1964, US President Lyndon B. Johnson announced the war on poverty, a series of legislative measures aimed at eradicating poverty. The goal of this day is to remind citizens of how they can help end poverty for good.

👮 January 9, National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day: Every day, law enforcement officers are prepared to make the ultimate sacrifice in the name of public safety. On this day, organizations encourage people to show their appreciation for law enforcement officers and their families.

🔌 January 10 (varies), National Cut Your Energy Costs Day: This day is all about taking small steps to save money on energy while simultaneously reducing your carbon footprint. Environmental organizations use this opportunity to share tips and tricks that people can easily implement to use less energy in their homes.

🦅 January 10, Save the Eagles Day: Although manmade threats like poaching, pesticides, and human intervention drove these majestic birds to endangerment, environmental protection policies have helped the eagle population to bounce back. The goal of this day is to bring awareness to the plight of eagles and educate people on how they can continue to protect them. 

🟰 January 11, International Parity at Work Day: This day celebrates all of the progress made toward closing the gender pay gap and recognizing parity in work. It also draws awareness of progress still to be made and increases understanding of the positive implications of controlled workplace regulations.

💙 January 11, National Human Trafficking Awareness Day: Although more prevalent in some places than others, human trafficking exists in every country around the world. The US Senate established this day in 2007 to raise awareness of human trafficking in America and educate people on how they can keep themselves and others safe.

🦴 January 11, Paget’s Awareness Day: Paget’s is the second most common metabolic bone disorder in the world, but many people only learn about it once they are diagnosed. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of Paget’s Disease of Bone and provide hope for those with the diagnosis.

💊 January 12, National Pharmacists Day: Pharmacists do more than dispense vital medications: they educate patients about medication management, ensure prescriptions do not end up in the wrong hands, and act as a liaison between patients, doctors, and insurance companies. The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the many hats pharmacists wear and show appreciation.

📻 January 13, Public Radio Broadcasting Day: Since its introduction, public broadcast radio has revolutionized the way people access information and entertainment. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness of the importance of public broadcast radio and celebrate it.

🧠 January 14, World Logic Day: UNESCO officially proclaimed January 14 as World Logic Day in 2019. The purpose of this day is to bring awareness to the intellectual history, conceptual significance, and practical implications of logic, like problem-solving, decision-making, and persuasion.

🧑‍💻 January 15, Wikipedia Day: On this day in 2001, Wikipedia published its first article. Since then, it has become an indispensable resource for knowledge on millions of topics, utilized by millions of people every day. Wikipedia readers and editors alike celebrate the free encyclopedia by hosting events to share their experiences and show appreciation.

🏆 January 16, National Good Teen Day: Every teen has something good in them and the potential to be great. In 1992, US Congress and President Bill Clinton signed a joint resolution creating Good Teen Day to celebrate teens and discredit negative stereotypes.

🕯️ January 16, National Religious Freedom Day: Freedom of religion in the US is guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution. This day commemorates the adoption of the Virginia Statute for Religious Freedom in 1786 and celebrates the right to practice religion however you choose.

🏃🏽‍♀️ January 16 (varies), Women’s Healthy Weight Day: Unfortunately, many women struggle with weight-related negative body image and turn to unhealthy solutions for weight loss. The goal of this day is to encourage women to prioritize their overall health by swapping diet culture for body positivity and celebrating their natural weight.

🫶 January 17, International We Are Not Broken Day: The goal of this day is to raise awareness of the impact of emotional and psychological challenges that trauma survivors face to promote empathy, understanding, and support. Organizations encourage people to engage in discussion and acts of kindness to build a more inclusive and compassionate society.

👩🏾‍🎨 January 19, Artist as Outlaw Day: On this day, the global creative community celebrates the bold artists who defy norms to share their truths. The purpose is to honor artists who have created controversial works that spark conversation and their profound impact on society.

👩🏼‍🏫 January 20 (varies), Elementary School Teacher Day: Children’s elementary school years are a pivotal time, shaping their minds and setting them up for personal and academic success. On this day, we recognize the significant responsibility placed on elementary school teachers and show appreciation for their dedication and hard work.

🧑‍🦽 January 20, International Acceptance Day: This day was created to honor the legacy of Annie Hopkins, an entrepreneur and advocate for disability inclusion. Organizations utilize this day to raise awareness of disabilities and encourage understanding and inclusion, while also empowering individuals with disabilities to share their experiences and self-advocate.

🫱🏾‍🫲🏽 January 20 (varies), Martin Luther King Jr. Day: This US Federal holiday commemorates the life and contributions of influential civil-rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. It is a time to celebrate his achievements while also reflecting on the work still to be done for racial equality. 

🐿️ January 21, Squirrel Appreciation Day: The winter months can be hard for squirrels: food becomes scarce, water sources may freeze, and the ground might be too hard for them to access their underground food stashes. Organizations encourage people to help squirrels survive the winter by leaving food and water out.

📚 January 24, International Day of Education: Education is a universal human right, yet millions of children around the world are deprived. This day was created to draw attention to education’s role in creating equitable, peaceful, and sustainable societies and to raise awareness of how individuals can help ensure all children have access to education.

🌎 January 26, International Environmental Education Day: Environmental education is crucial to global efforts to address environmental challenges and promote sustainability. The purpose of this day is to raise awareness about the impact of humanity’s carbon footprint, promote sustainable practices, and encourage people to take action to save the planet.

😷 January 26 (varies), World Leprosy Day: For over 4,000 years, misconceptions and myths have caused people impacted by leprosy to be ostracized and even blamed for their condition. One modern misconception is that leprosy no longer exists, when in fact about 20,000 people are diagnosed each year. Organizations utilize this day to educate the public about leprosy and ask them to help eradicate the disease.

✡️ January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day: The Holocaust resulted in the genocide of over six million Jews and millions of other minorities between 1933 and 1945. This day marks the anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp in 1945 and honors the lives lost. It is also a day to reflect on the past to prevent future atrocities. 

🗣️ January 28, Global Community Engagement Day: Since 2018, this day has served as a reminder that when we are all connected to each other and institutions, we can address problems more efficiently. The goal is to encourage people, groups, and businesses to better engage with their communities.

🏮 January 29 (varies), Chinese New Year: This day marks the start of a 15-day festival that celebrates the beginning of a new year on the traditional lunisolar Chinese Calendar. The festival also encourages people to reflect on their past, enjoy the present, and look forward to the future.

🚀 January 30 (varies), NASA Day of Remembrance: Organized by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, this day honors those who lost their lives in the name of space exploration. This includes the crews of Apollo 1 and space shuttles Challenger and Columbia.

☮️ January 30, International School Day of Non-Violence and Peace: This day is inspired by pacifist leader Mahatma Gandhi and celebrated on the anniversary of his assassination. The goal is to promote education inspired by a culture of peace to help children grow into critical global citizens committed to their rights and the rights of others.

🦓 January 31, International Zebra Day: Although not all species of zebras are considered endangered, almost all zebras in the wild face the threat of population decline. On this day, organizations raise awareness about the plight of wild zebras and encourage people to help protect them.

12 Important Week-Long Awareness Events in January 2025

Week-long awareness events provide a balanced and dynamic approach to spotlighting important causes and promoting widespread engagement: 

These events span an entire week, allowing for sustained focus, activities, and initiatives aimed at raising awareness and inspiring action.

With their intermediate duration, week-long awareness events offer a comprehensive platform to educate, advocate, and mobilize communities. They provide opportunities for impactful campaigns, interactive events, and collaborative efforts to address complex issues and drive positive change.

By dedicating an entire week to a specific cause, these awareness events foster a sense of momentum, unity, and lasting impact, empowering you and other individuals and organizations to actively contribute to the cause.

🥦 January 1-7, Diet Resolution Week: One of the most popular New Year’s Resolutions is to lose weight and get fit, and that all starts with eating healthier. Organizations utilize this week to support people as they transition to a healthier diet, with an emphasis on avoiding crash diets.

✍️ January 12-18 (varies), Universal Letter Writing Week: With today’s technology, handwriting a letter is becoming a lost art. During this week, organizations encourage people of all ages to write a letter to someone they care about.

⚡ January 17-23 (varies), Energy Saving Week: Everyone can reduce their carbon footprint and save some money by following the tips presented by energy-conscious organizations this week. After the overindulgence of the holiday season, saving energy is a bonus to saving a few dollars.

❄️ January 18-25 (varies), International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week: The global snowmobile community utilizes this week to share safety guidelines for snowmobile riders. Some important tips include no alcohol consumption, always riding with a buddy, and avalanche preparedness.

🙏🏾 January 18-25, Week of Prayer for Christian Unity: The purpose of this day is to promote unity among denominations of Christianity. Church members are encouraged to pray for the well-being of their peers, while churches exchange preachers to deliver a non-denominational sermon. 

👍 January 19-25 (varies), National Healthy Weight Week: As January is one of the most sedentary months of the year, the goal of this week is to encourage people to get moving and improve their health. The campaign is not necessarily about weight loss, but instead, it is about living a healthier lifestyle.

🎒 January 19-25 (varies), National School Choice Week: The purpose of this week is to remind parents that they have a choice when it comes to the best education options for their children. Organizations provide access to detailed and unbiased resources to help parents decide what educational setting is the right fit, including homeschooling, online schooling, and charter schools.

♀️ January 20-26 (varies), European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week: In the UK alone, two women die every day from cervical cancer. The purpose of this week is to raise awareness of cervical cancer and encourage women to participate in screenings.

🙋🏻 January 21-26, World Kiwanis Week: Kiwanis International is a worldwide service organization dedicated to strengthening communities to enhance the lives of children. Kiwanis Clubs around the world use this week to celebrate their accomplishments and renew their commitment to service.

😷 January 23-29 (varies), National CRNA Week: This week is a celebration of the nurses who contribute to surgical success by ensuring we fall asleep and wake up at the right time. It is also a chance to educate people about the profession.

🧑‍💻 January 24-28 (varies), Data Privacy Week: Although it is impossible to control how every piece of data is collected, everyone has a right to data privacy. During this week, organizations provide tips and resources to help people better manage their personal information and make informed decisions about allowing access to personal information.

🥸 January 24-28 (varies), Identity Theft Awareness Week: Identity theft can be devastating, and it could happen to anyone. The goal of this week is to increase awareness of identity theft and educate the public about avoiding and recovering from identity theft and spotting scams.

January in History: The Most Important and Impactful Events of the Past

🫱🏾‍🫲🏽 January 1, 1863: US President Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation, abolishing the institution of slavery. Although a major step towards the end of slavery in the US, the order left many loopholes that abolitionists would continue to fight for years to come.

🌐 January 2, 1970: In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in December 1979, US President Jimmy Carter asked the Senate to postpone action on the SALT II nuclear weapons treaty. This decision signaled an end to friendly relations between the US and USSR.

⚰️ January 3, 1924: After discovering King Tut’s tomb two years earlier, British archaeologist Howard Carter and his crew uncovered the stone sarcophagus containing the king’s solid gold coffin and mummy. The tomb and its contents had been preserved for over 3,000 years.

🚂 January 4, 1990: Two trains traveling in Sangi, Pakistan collided, killing between 200 and 300 people and injuring about 700 others. The crash was blamed on an inattentive signalman who was later imprisoned for manslaughter.

👑 January 5, 1531: King Henry VIII of England received a letter from the Pope forbidding him to remarry under penalty of excommunication. The King ignored the Pope’s decision, paving the way for the English Reformation and ending papal rule in England.

⚡ January 6, 1838: Samuel Morse debuted his telegraph system at the Speedwell Iron Works in Morristown, New Jersey. His invention, which used electrical impulses to transmit encoded messages over a wire, revolutionized long-distance communication. 

🇺🇲 January 7, 1789: States were required to choose electors for the country’s first-ever presidential election. George Washington became the first US President a month later.

☑️ January 8, 1867: African American men in the District of Columbia gained the right to vote, despite a veto by US President Andrew Johnson. Three years later, a constitutional amendment gave all men the right to vote regardless of race.

📱 January 9, 2007: Steve Jobs debuted the iPhone at the MacWorld convention in San Francisco. By November 2007, more than 1.4 million iPhones were sold, and it was named the New York Times’ Invention of the Year.

🌐 January 10, 1946: The first General Assembly of the United Nations was held in London, England. Composed of 51 member-states, the UN was created to increase communication and cooperation between nations to avoid further conflict following World War II.

🚭 January 11, 1964: A groundbreaking government report was released by the US Surgeon General that definitively linked smoking and cancer. Although not surprising, the report was a major step in the war on tobacco.

🫨 January 12, 2010: In the late afternoon, a massive earthquake struck Haiti, killing an estimated 300,000 people and displacing up to a million more. Despite a massive outpouring of support from the global community, the destroyed infrastructure severely hindered relief efforts.

🚢 January 13, 2012: Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia struck rocks off the coast of Giglio Island, causing it to capsize. Ultimately, over 4,200 people were rescued, but 32 people perished. Several crew members, including the captain, were charged with various crimes.

📜 January 14, 1784: The Continental Congress ratified the Treaty of Paris, ending the American Revolution. Britain officially agreed to recognize the US as a sovereign nation in the document.

✊🏾 January 15, 1929: American Civil Rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. was born in Atlanta Georgia. He is known for peacefully protesting segregation in the South before he was assassinated in 1968.

🍺 January 16, 1919: The 18th Amendment to the US Constitution was ratified, prohibiting the manufacture, sale, and transportation of alcohol. This gave rise to organized crime and by 1933, the 21st Amendment, which repealed prohibition, was ratified.

🛷 January 17, 1912: After a two-month race to the South Pole, British explorer Robert Falcon Scott and his team arrived, only to find that the opposing explorer, Norway’s Roald Amundson had already come and gone a month earlier. Scott and his team froze to death on the return trip. 

🇸🇱 January 18, 2002: Nearly 10 years after it had begun, the civil war in Sierra Leone was officially declared over. Overall, more than 50,000 people died in the fighting and about 2 million were displaced.

🍔 January 19, 2007: American fast food chain McDonald’s opened Beijing’s first drive-through restaurant. The restaurant opened its first Chinese location in 1990.

🔓 January 20, 1981: Iranian Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini released 52 American hostages, ending the Iran Hostage Crisis. The hostages had been seized from the US embassy 15 months earlier in the chaotic aftermath of Iran’s Islamic Revolution. 

🇫🇷 January 21, 1793: On January 20, 1793, two and a half years after the onset of the French Revolution, King Louis XVI was convicted of conspiracy with foreign powers and sentenced to death by the French National Convention. He was beheaded one day later. 

🩸 January 22, 1905: Demanding governmental reform, a group of workers were marching to the czar’s Winter Palace in St. Petersburg, Russia when troops opened fire, killing and wounding hundreds. The massacre, now known as Bloody Sunday, outraged citizens and eventually led to the Russian Revolution.

🩺 January 23, 1849: English-born Elizabeth Blackwell received her medical degree, becoming the first American-trained female physician. Despite facing scrutiny and opposition from male colleagues throughout her studies and subsequent career, Blackwell persevered and opened the door for aspiring female physicians around the world.

🥫 January 24, 1935: For the first time in the US, canned beer was made available for purchase in Virginia. The innovative idea was a success, and today canned beer accounts for about half of the $20 billion US beer industry.

🥇 January 25, 1924: The first Winter Olympics were held at Chamonix in the French Alps. The games featured 12 events, including bobsled racing and ski jumping, involving a total of six sports.

🇮🇳 January 26, 1950: India gained independence from Great Britain, instantly becoming the most populous democracy in the world. After promising self-rule during World War II, Britain finally accepted India’s independence and India’s constitution took effect.

🫡 January 27, 1945: Soviet troops liberated the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland, freeing 7,000 starving survivors and revealing to the world the depth of the atrocities committed there. Anticipating their arrival, camp guards attempted to destroy evidence of their crimes, including blowing up crematoriums and a murder spree that killed almost 650 sick prisoners.

🛞 January 29, 2002: In his first State of the Union address following the September 11 attacks, US President George W. Bush called Iraq, Iran, and North Korea the “axis of evil”. The implication that these countries were united in their desire to harm the US was the basis for the “War on Terror” that would last for the next two decades.

☮️ January 30, 1948: In New Delhi, Mohandas Karachand Gandhi was assassinated by a Hindu extremist who objected to Gandhi’s tolerance of Muslims. Gandhi, a political and spiritual leader of India’s independence movement, was known for leading peaceful protests and demonstrations.

🔥 January 31, 1605: Moments before being executed for treason, English Catholic extremist Guy Fawkes jumped (or fell) to his death. Fawkes had been a chief conspirator in a plot to blow up the British Parliament building in protest of their religious oppression. Though initially regarded as a traitor, some people today view him as a vigilante. 

The History of the Month January: Its Development Over Time and Interesting Facts

January, the first month of the Gregorian calendar, has a rich and complex history. Its story unfolds across different calendar systems, historical events, cultural customs, and seasonal shifts. Let’s delve into the historical progression of January:

• Roman beginnings: In the early Roman calendar, originally a ten-month lunar calendar starting in March, January did not exist. It was around 713 BC, during the reign of King Numa Pompilius, the second king of Rome, that January was added to the calendar.
• Placement and naming: Initially, January was the eleventh month of the year. It was named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, doorways, and endings, signifying the transition to a new year.
• Becoming the first month: In 450 BC, as part of the establishment of the Roman Republican calendar, January was moved to the beginning of the year, making it the first month.
• Julian calendar: The Julian calendar, introduced by Julius Caesar in 46 BC, adopted the structure of the Roman calendar and maintained January as the first month. In the Julian calendar, January was assigned 31 days.
• Gregorian calendar: The Gregorian calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582 to align the calendar year more accurately with the solar year. This reform kept January as the first month and retained its length of 31 days. The Gregorian calendar is the most widely used calendar today.
• Religious significance: January hosts various religious observances across different cultures and faiths. In Christianity, the Epiphany is observed on January 6, commemorating the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus.
• Cultural importance: January holds cultural significance in many societies. Most notably, January 1 is celebrated worldwide as New Year’s Day, marking the beginning of the new year. Additionally, in the United States, the third Monday of January is observed as Martin Luther King Jr. Day, honoring the civil rights leader.
• Seasonal transitions: In terms of seasons, January is in the middle of winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer in the Southern Hemisphere. It often signifies a time of renewal and new beginnings as it marks the start of a new calendar year.

From its addition to the Roman calendar to its present-day cultural and seasonal observances, the history of January encapsulates humanity’s evolving perception and marking of time.

Final Thoughts

January is full of awareness events and fascinating history. After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, many welcome the opportunity to slow down, reflect, and plan for growth. In addition to resolving to improve our mental health, we also turn our attention to our physical health– eating healthier, exercising more, and dropping destructive habits. And, several historically significant events took place in January, like the birth of Martin Luther King Jr., independence for India, and the debut of the iPhone. So this month, remember to check the Awareness Calendar to ensure you don’t miss out on your chance to observe a holiday or support a cause that is important to you!

Stay impactful,

Sources

• Psych Central: January, Surviving the Most Depressing Month of the Year
• E. G. Richards: Mapping Time: The Calendar and Its History
• Animal Crossing Veterinary Hospital: Adopt a Rescued Bird Month
• Better Help: Celebration of Life Month
• National Cervical Cancer Coalition: Cervical Health Awareness Month
• Kesem: Children Impacted by a Parent’s Cancer Month
• Time: The Origins of Dry January
• Stash: Financial Wellness Month
• Child-Centered Divorce: International Child-Centered Divorce Month
• Better Help: International Quality of Life Month
• Signature Graphics: International Wayfinding Month
• Hood Financial: International Wealth Mentality Month
• March of Dimes: National Birth Defects Awareness and Prevention Month
• Blood Center: National Blood Donor Month
• Paths to Literacy: National Braille Literacy Month
• CBDmd: National CBD Month
• Counseling Schools: National Codependency Awareness Month
• National Eye Institute: National Glaucoma Awareness Month
• MENTOR: National Mentoring Month
• American Lung Association: National Radon Action Month
• US DoD: National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month
• Heartland Alliance: Poverty Awareness Month
• Stalking Prevention Awareness and Resource Center: Stalking Awareness Month
• Weill Cornell: Thyroid Awareness Month
• Gravity International Programs: Ellis Island Day
• Wikipedia: Global Family Day
• Wikipedia: International Public Domain Day
• Wikipedia: New Year’s Day
• Patch: National Write to Congress Day
• United Nations: World Braille Day
• African American Registry: George Washington Carver Recognition Day
• Avian Welfare Coalition: National Bird Day
• National Day of Dialogue: Home
• Discover Puerto Rico: Three Kings Day
• Money Control: World Day of War Orphans
• MENTOR: I am a Mentor Day
• Wikipedia: War on Poverty Day
• Concerns of Police Survivors: National Law Enforcement Appreciation Day
• US Department of Energy: National Cut Your Energy Costs Day
• WildCare Oklahoma: Save the Eagles Day
• Amoware: International Parity at Work Day
• Compassion International: National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
• Paget Association: Paget’s Awareness Day
• Pharmacy Times: National Pharmacists Day
• Market Enginuity: Public Radio Broadcasting Day
• Wikipedia: World Logic Day
• Wikipedia: Wikipedia Day
• American Board Blog: National Good Teen Day
• Wikipedia: National Religious Freedom Day
• Drlogy: Women’s Healthy Weight Day
• Drlogy: International We Are Not Broken Day
• News Track Live: Artist as Outlaw Day
• Choose Booster: Elementary School Teacher Day
• Kids Included Together: International Acceptance Day
• Wikipedia: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
• The Wildlife Community: Squirrel Appreciation Day
• Ocean Sole: International Environmental Education Day
• The Leprosy Mission: World Leprosy Day
• Civic Nebraska: Global Community Engagement Day
• The Chinese Zodiac: Chinese New Year
• NASA: NASA Day of Remembrance
• Peace and Cooperation.org: International School Day of Non-Violence and Peace
• Take Action for Wildlife Conservation: International Zebra Day
• North Shore Health: Diet Resolution Week
• Everbrook Academy: Universal Letter Writing Week
• Bywaters: Energy Saving Week
• International Snowmobile Manufacturer Association: International Snowmobile Safety and Awareness Week
• United States Conference of Catholic Bishops: Week of Prayer for Christian Unity
• National Foundation for Cancer Research: National Healthy Weight Week
• School Choice Week: National School Choice Week
• Jo’s Cervical Cancer Trust: European Cervical Cancer Prevention Week
• Medium: World Kiwanis Week
• American Association of Nurse Anesthetists: National CRNA Week
• Stay Safe Online: Data Privacy Week
• Federal Trade Commission: Identity Theft Awareness Week
• Encyclopedia Britannica: The Emancipation Proclamation
• The History Channel: USA- Russia Detente Ends
• The History Channel: King Tut’s Sarcophagus Uncovered
• The History Channel: Train Collision in Pakistan
• The History Channel: Pope Forbids King from Remarrying
• The History Channel: Morse Demonstrates Telegraph
• The History Channel: First US Presidential Election
• The History Channel: African American Men Gain Right to Vote in Washington DC
• The History Channel: Steve Jobs Unveils Iphone
• Encyclopedia Britannica: UN General Assembly
• The History Channel: Surgeon General Announces Link Between Smoking and Cancer
• Encyclopedia Britannica: 2010 Haiti Earthquake
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Costa Concordia Disaster
• The History Channel: Treaty of Paris is Ratified
• The History Channel: MLK Jr Born
• The History Channel: Prohibition Ratified
• The History Channel: Scott Reaches the South Pole
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Sierra Leone
• The History Channel: First Drive Through in Beijing
• The History Channel: King Louis XVI Executed
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Bloody Sunday
• The History Channel: Elizabeth Blackwell Becomes First Woman to Receive Medical Degree
• The History Channel: First Canned Beer Goes on Sale
• The History Channel: First Winter Olympics
• Encyclopedia Britannica: India
• The History Channel: Soviet Troops Liberate Auschwitz
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Challenger Disaster
• The History Channel: Bush Describes Axis of Evil
• The History Channel: Gandhi Assassinated
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Guy Fawkes