Armenia celebrates Christmas with distinct traditions that reflect its deep Christian heritage. Unlike most of the world, Armenians mark Christmas Day on January 6, aligning with the Feast of the Epiphany. This date commemorates both the Nativity and the Baptism of Jesus Christ, staying true to early Christian practices before the December 25 date became widely adopted in the Western world.

Armenian Christianity's primary denomination is the Armenian Apostolic Church, one of the oldest Christian traditions. In 301 CE, Armenia became the first nation to adopt Christianity as a state religion, a legacy that continues to shape its cultural and religious identity.

TRADITIONS AND CUSTOMS

Armenians prepare for Christmas with a period of fasting, culminating in a spiritual and family-focused celebration. The Christmas Eve service, known as the Jrakaluyts (Lighting of the Lamps), takes place on the evening of January 5. The ceremony includes special hymns, prayers, and scripture readings that emphasize the divine light of Christ.

On Christmas Day, Armenians attend the Divine Liturgy, a solemn and joyous service often held in beautifully adorned churches. A central moment of the liturgy is the blessing of water, symbolizing Christ’s baptism in the River Jordan.

A traditional Armenian Christmas meal features dishes like ghapama (stuffed pumpkin) and khorovats (grilled meats). Many families also serve fish, symbolizing Jesus, alongside rice pilaf, dried fruits, and sweets.

WHY JANUARY 6?

The Armenian Apostolic Church continues to follow the ancient tradition of celebrating Christmas and Epiphany on January 6. Historically, this was the original date for Christmas in the early church. The Roman Catholic Church later shifted the celebration to December 25 to coincide with Roman festivals, but Armenia maintained its distinct observance.

Armenian Christmas is not just a holiday but a spiritual event steeped in history and meaning. It serves as a reminder of the country’s enduring faith and unique place in the Christian world.

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Jan

Christmas, Orthodox (C): January 7

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Various Orthodox Christian faiths celebrate Orthodox Christmas in countries including Russia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Greece, and Macedonia.

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Jan

Cigarettes Are Hazardous To Your Health Day (1964): January 11

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Cigarettes Are Hazardous To Your Health Day marks the anniversary of Surgeon General Luther L. Terry's issuance of a report on January 11, 1964, that declared cigarettes to be hazardous to health. In his words, the message "hit the country like a bombshell," making it the lead story and front page of news sources worldwide. The anniversary raises awareness of the dangers of smoking cigarettes for smokers and those in the vicinity.

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Jan

Citizen United Decision by Supreme Court (2010): January 21

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Citizens United is one of the most destructive decisions ever upheld by the US Supreme Court. Foundational to the decision is that a corporation, a legal entity created by a contract that cannot be jailed, breathe, killed, or wounded, is equivalent to a human being under the First Amendment. The court stated on January 21, 2010, that corporations, like people, have a constitutional right to be heard in election campaigns. The court maintained that there should be no limit to the amount of money corporations and unions can spend in elections, provided the money is independent of the campaign it intends to support. Without accountability, this decision has flooded national and local elections in the United States with billions of dollars from special interest groups, including international donors, creating an atmosphere of competing messages and non-transparent agenda funding. Not only has it exasperated the cost of elections, but it has also extended the campaign time into a near never-ending parade.

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Jan

Clam Chowder Day, New England Style: January 21*

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Chowder is a cross between a stew and a soup, essentially made of vegetables and fish stewed in a cauldron. "Calderia" is Latin for a "place for warming things." "Jowter" is old English for a "fish peddler," and it is believed that this is the origin of the word "chowder." The first chowder recipes originated in France and England, among the coastal fishing villages. The custom was to have a cauldron simmering in the house, awaiting the fishing ships' return to port. A portion of each man's catch would be tossed into the pot, and the resulting chowder was served to the community to celebrate the ship's safe return. Clams were easy to harvest without embarking on a ship, making them ideal for chowder, especially in bad weather. Of course, clams could only be collected at certain times of the year. A staple of the working class, when clams were unavailable, the chowder was made from haddock, cod, and other local fish. Later, chowder recipes included other meats like ham, bacon, and poultry. Clam chowder became a favorite with East Coast Americans, especially on Fridays, due to a Christian custom of only eating fish on Fridays.

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Jan

Clap-4-Health Month: January

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Children, Seniors, and just about everyone can clap. Not only is it exercise, but it releases feel-good endorphins that elevate your mood. Clap-4-Health Month is an annual outreach program that uses clapping to educate Americans about obesity and cardiovascular disease annually in January.

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Jan

Classy Day (1922): January 17

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Classy Day marks the birthday of beloved American actress and animal rights activist Betty White. She was known for her grace and impeccable sense of being in public and private. Betty White (January 17, 1922 - December 31, 2021) was renowned for her pioneering work in television; White's career spanned more than eight decades, marked by her versatility and enduring appeal. White's career began in the late 1930s, and she quickly gained recognition for her work on the radio and later as a television host. She became a household name in the 1970s playing Sue Ann Nivens on the CBS sitcom "The Mary Tyler Moore Show," a performance that earned her two Emmy Awards. However, her most beloved role came later when she portrayed Rose Nylund on the NBC sitcom "The Golden Girls" from 1985 to 1992. White's portrayal of the sweet-natured but often naive Rose earned her critical acclaim and another Emmy Award. The show became a cultural touchstone, celebrated for portraying older women in a feisty and positive way. In addition to her television work, White was a passionate advocate for animal welfare, dedicating much of her life to various animal charities. Her work in this field was as significant to her legacy as her contributions to entertainment. White's enduring popularity saw a resurgence in the 2000s with appearances in films and television, including hosting "Saturday Night Live" in 2010, following a grassroots campaign on social media. This appearance earned her yet another Emmy, solidifying her status as a television icon. White was recognized for her longevity in the industry and her trailblazing role as a female television pioneer. She was one of the first women to exert control in front of and behind the camera and is remembered as a beloved figure whose wit, charm, and talent brought joy to generations of viewers. Classy Day celebrates her legacy.

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Jan

Clean Energy Day, Intl.: January 26

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TOWARD A BRIGHTER FUTURE INTERNATIONAL DAY OF CLEAN ENERGY The International Day of Clean Energy is an annual observance that promotes the adoption and development of clean energy sources worldwide. The day aims to raise awareness about the importance of transitioning to sustainable energy solutions to combat climate change, reduce pollution, and ensure a healthier planet for future generations. International organizations, including the United Nations, environmental NGOs, and clean energy advocacy groups, support this event. Clean energy, also known as renewable energy, is derived from sources that do not deplete natural resources or cause significant environmental harm. It encompasses technologies and processes that harness natural phenomena, such as solar radiation, wind, hydrological cycles, geothermal heat, and biological processes, to generate power. Clean energy systems are characterized by their low or zero emissions of greenhouse gases and other pollutants, making them environmentally sustainable alternatives to conventional fossil fuel-based energy production. This definition aligns with the principles of sustainable development, aiming to meet current energy needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs. The primary purpose of the International Day of Clean Energy is to highlight the benefits of clean energy, encourage investments in renewable technologies, and advocate for policies that support the global shift towards sustainable energy. It serves as a platform for governments, businesses, and individuals to showcase their commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a greener future. IMPORTANCE OF CLEAN ENERGY Clean energy is crucial for several reasons: —Environmental Protection Reducing reliance on fossil fuels helps decrease greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating the impacts of climate change and reducing air pollution. —Health Benefits Cleaner air leads to fewer health problems, such as respiratory diseases, and improves public health. —Energy Security Diversifying energy sources reduces dependence on finite resources and enhances energy security. —Economic Growth The clean energy sector generates jobs, stimulates technological innovation, and contributes to economic growth. A SHORT HISTORY OF CLEAN ENERGY The history of clean energy dates back to the early 19th century when the first experiments with solar power and wind energy began. However, significant advancements in clean energy technologies have occurred over the past few decades, driven by increasing concerns about climate change and environmental degradation. In the 1970s, the oil crisis highlighted the vulnerabilities of fossil fuel dependence, leading to renewed interest in alternative energy sources. Since then, technological advancements, government policies, and international agreements, such as the Paris Agreement, have accelerated the development and adoption of clean energy solutions. TOP FIVE CLEAN ENERGY ALTERNATIVES —Solar Power Solar energy harnesses the sun's power through photovoltaic cells or solar thermal systems. It is one of the fastest-growing clean energy sources, offering a sustainable and abundant electricity supply. —Wind Power Wind turbines convert wind kinetic energy into electricity. Wind power is a mature technology with a significant capacity for large-scale energy production. —Hydropower Hydropower generates electricity by using the energy of flowing water. It is a reliable and established clean energy source, particularly in regions with abundant water resources. —Geothermal Energy Geothermal energy taps into the heat from the Earth's core to generate electricity and provide heating. It is a consistent and low-emission energy source. —Biomass Energy Biomass energy is produced from organic materials, such as agricultural residues, wood, and waste. It provides a renewable and versatile energy source for electricity, heat, and transportation fuels. CONSEQUENCES OF NOT MIGRATING TO CLEAN ENERGY Failing to transition to clean energy in the next 100 years could have catastrophic consequences: —Accelerated Climate Change Continued reliance on fossil fuels would lead to higher greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating global warming and more frequent and severe weather events, rising sea levels, and disrupted ecosystems. —Environmental Degradation Increased pollution from fossil fuel combustion would lead to more severe air and water quality issues, harming wildlife and natural habitats. —Health Crises Higher pollution levels would contribute to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, increasing healthcare costs and reducing quality of life. —Resource Depletion Finite fossil fuel resources would become increasingly scarce and expensive, leading to economic instability and energy insecurity. —Economic Risks Delaying the transition to clean energy would hinder economic growth, as countries needing sustainable technologies may miss out on the financial benefits of the burgeoning clean energy market. The International Day of Clean Energy is a critical reminder to embrace clean energy solutions to ensure a sustainable, healthy, and prosperous future for all.

Africa

Jan

Clean Off Your Desk Day, Ntl.: January 13

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National Clean Off Your Desk Day encourages people to organize their desks and office space. How many mystery piles do you have? When was the last time you saw the bottom of a drawer? Has your inbox ever gone down, or does it keep growing and growing? These are all signs that it is time to clean off your desk. And now, you have a holiday as an excuse on the second Monday of January each year. Get to it! Created by AC Vierow of Clio, Michigan, who founded International Goof-off Day in March, Blame Someone Else Day, and National Boss-Employee Exchange Day.

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Jan

Clean Out Your Inbox Weeks: January 27-31

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Clean Out Your Inbox Week is about getting rid of the clutter in your inbox, organizing what you need to keep, and starting the year fresh and new. Marsha Egan started this event in 2007.

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Jan

Clean-up Your Computer Month, Ntl.: January

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It’s a new year and time to get rid of what is holding you back, clean up your act, and prepare. Most of us start the new year slowly, making it the perfect time to update our computer and its virus software, clean out old files and consolidate new ones. National Clean-up Your Computer Month in January is your excuse to do this. Denise Hoyle of Pensacola, Florida, founded this event.

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Jan

Cockroach Races (AU-QLD), Brisbane: January 26

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Leave it to the Aussies to make sport of one of the most reviled insects in the world, the cockroach. Each year on Australia Day, Brisbane Australia celebrates with the Cockroach Races, cockroach beauty contests, and cockroach fashion shows. All proceeds go to charities. This event first ran in 1982.

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Jan

College Football Playoff National Championship (US-GA): January 20

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College Football Playoff National Championship is a bowl game that determines the national champion of the NCAA Division I FBS college football for the playing season. The two participating teams will be the winners of the Peach Bowl and the Fiesta Bowl of this year’s season.

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Jan

Comics Festival, Angouleme (FR): January 30 - February 2

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The largest comics show in Europe, Angouleme Comics Festival attracts over 200,000 enthusiasts each year. The event began in 1974. PLEASE NOTE: Treat all televised and venue-specific events (sporting, concerts, trade shows, etc.) as estimated. Several factors can cause an event to move dates at the last minute, including weather, strikes, natural disasters, political upheaval, conflicting programming, pandemics, and current events. Because of this, always verify the event with the promotor before committing resources. LEEP often estimates dates based on the previous year's schedules, as the final dates are only a few months, weeks, or days before the event. If the date is known to be estimated, you will see an (est) following the date in the title.

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Jan

Coming-of-Age Day (JP): January 13

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For all the children who reach the age of 20 during the previous year, Seiji-no-hi or Coming-of-Age Day is their national holiday. In Japan, people officially reach adulthood at the age of twenty. Seiji-no-hi allows society to welcome each year's new adults to the freedoms and responsibilities that come with reaching the majority. Annually on the second Monday in January.

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