Today is the first day of the year worldwide, and it is a national holiday in most countries. Common traditions include attending parties, eating special New Year's foods, making resolutions for the New Year, and watching fireworks displays.

The earliest recorded festivities in honor of a new year date back some 4,000 years to ancient Babylon.

Emperor Julius Caesar (July 13, 100 BC - March 15, 44 BC) instituted January 1 as the first day of the year to honor the month's namesake, Janus, the Roman god of beginnings. Janus is depicted with two faces, allowing him to look back into the past and forward into the future. Caesar developed the Julian Calendar, which became the calendar of commerce until 1752, when the Gregorian Calendar, created by Pope Gregory XIII, was adopted by the British Empire as the international standard. Up until then, March 25 had been its New Year's Day.

The difference in the two calendars is 11 minutes and 14 seconds, which eventually puts summer in winter and winter in summer over decades. Pope Gregory added a leap day every four years to compensate for the additional time it takes the sun to go around the earth.

Why change? Predominantly, Easter didn't fall in the middle of winter and would always occur in the spring.

Fun fact: When Britain instituted the calendar in 1752, they had a problem. There were 11 too many days in the calendar. How did they solve this? In 1752 the month of September lost 11 days, going from September 2 to September 14 in twenty-four hours. Imagine the number of people who over-indulged in alcohol the night of the 2nd and suddenly woke up 11 days later the next morning! Oh my!

Africa

Jan

New Year's Resolution (Business) Month, Intl.: January

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At the beginning of the year, resolve to be more successful and profitable in business throughout the coming year. January is the month in which people brim with enthusiasm and energy. International New Year Business Resolution Month provides the opportunity to create a clean slate and is the perfect opportunity to review your organization's goals and create new ones.

Africa

Jan

New Year's Resolution Week: January 1-4

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Make resolutions for your success and glory during this week. Fill yourself with enthusiasm and energy. It is the opportunity to begin a new life and look forward with optimism. This week offers the perfect opportunity to review goals and define your destiny. Get going! The first four days are the hardest. You’ve got this!

Africa

Jan

New Years Celebration (RU): January 1-2

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Es Novim Godom!

Russians celebrate the new year in style with a two-day national holiday. Hey, it's a big country! One day is not enough.

Traditions include:
—Family gatherings
—Dancing
—Special foods to mark the new year
—The erection of the annual New Year's Tree in homes and public buildings throughout the nation
This tradition grew from the communist ban on Christmas trees beginning in 1935.

Africa

Jan

NFC Championship Game: January 26

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The National Football Conference (NFC) is one of two divisions in the National Football League (NFL). The NFC Championship game is the last game of the season. The winner of this game goes on to the Super Bowl to play the winner of the other division, the American Football Conference (AFC), game. The Super Bowl determines that season's world champion. 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.

Africa

Jan

Non-Smoking Week, Ntl. (CA): January 19-25

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National Non-Smoking Week (NNSW) is one of Canada's longest-running public health education efforts. The week helps those who want to quit smoking, quit. See the Canadian Council for Tobacco Control (CCTC) for tools and information.

Africa

Jan

Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival (BR-BA): January 9-19

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The Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival (Our Father of Happy Endings) is a vibrant and deeply spiritual event that annually graces Salvador in the northeastern state of Bahía, Brazil. It is a fusion of Catholic and Candomblé traditions. Candomblé is an Afro-Brazilian religious tradition created during the colonial. Most Candomblé people are descendants of slaves. Their culture combines elements of African traditions, particularly those of the Yoruba, Fon, and Bantu peoples, with influences from Roman Catholicism. At the heart of this celebration is the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church, an iconic religious site. Participants wear traditional white attire and embark on a procession that stretches approximately eight kilometers (five miles) from the Church of Conceição da Praia (Church of the Conception by the Beach) to the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim church. This pilgrimage blends joyous chants, music, dancing, and fervent prayers bolstered by images of Jesus and Candomblé deities. One of the most striking symbols of this festival is the "fitas", or wish ribbons, usually in vibrant hues. Ribbons are tied to the church gates or worn on wrists; each knot represents a wish or prayer. Festival goers believe their wishes come true once the ribbon falls off naturally. The festival features an intriguing ritual known as the "Lavagem do Bonfim" (Washing of the Bonfim). Women dressed in baianas, a traditional Bahian attire, ceremonially wash the church's steps. This act, imbued with religious significance, is said to purify the church and attract blessings for the new year. The ten-day festival includes culinary delights, music, and street dancing. The rhythms of samba and Afro-Brazilian beats resonate throughout the city, making the Nosso Senhor do Bonfim Festival a favorite with locals and tourists alike.

Africa

Jan

Nothing Day, Ntl.: January 16

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Today is National Nothing Day. Proposed in 1972 by San Francisco Examiner columnist Harold Pullman Coffin, it is the day to provide Americans with one National day when they can sit without celebrating, observing, or honoring anything. In other words, it is a day when it is perfectly okay to do absolutely nothing today!

Africa

Jan

Oatmeal Month, Ntl.: January

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Initially, oatmeal was horse feed, and the plant was a weed. Scottish peasants first cooked and ate it as porridge. Given its slightly sweet taste, oatmeal quickly rose in favor. Russia, Canada, the United States, Finland, and Poland are the world’s top producers of oats. The majority of oats continue to feed livestock. However, the versatility of oats and their health benefits, being high in fiber, low fat, and vitamin-rich, have made them a breakfast favorite and an alternative to wheat. National Oatmeal Month allows you to rediscover this compelling grain and work toward a healthier you.

Africa

Jan

Oats Month: January

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January is Oat Month. Oats, a grain known for its nutritional value and versatility, have a long history that intertwines with the development of human agriculture. Originating in the Fertile Crescent, the cradle of early civilizations in the Middle East, oats were initially considered a weed that grew alongside more dominant crops like wheat and barley. However, their resilience and adaptability in various climates and soils gradually led to their recognition as a valuable food source. The journey of oats from a humble weed to a staple grain is a testament to human agricultural evolution. By ancient Rome, oats were recognized for their nutritional benefits and as animal feed. It was in the cooler climates of Europe, particularly in Scotland, Scandinavia, and Germany, where oats truly flourished as a human food source. The ability of oats to grow in poor soil conditions where other grains struggled made them especially important in these regions. In terms of culinary use, oats are incredibly versatile. They are commonly associated with oatmeal or porridge, a traditional breakfast dish. Oats are also a key ingredient in granola, muesli, and various baked goods, including the universally loved oatmeal cookies. The grain's natural, mild sweetness and chewy texture make it a popular addition to bread, pancakes, and snack bars. Oats have gained renewed interest in recent years due to their health benefits. Rich in dietary fiber, particularly beta-glucan, they are known to aid in lowering cholesterol levels and maintaining blood sugar control. Oats are also a good source of protein, vitamins, and minerals. This nutritional profile, combined with the fact that oats are naturally gluten-free, makes them a staple in health-conscious diets, including those of individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivities. The history of oats is about their role in human nutrition, adaptation, and survival. From their origins as a secondary crop to their current status as a superfood, oats have been integral to various cultures and diets. Their journey reflects societies' changing dietary needs and agricultural practices over millennia, and their popularity today is a testament to their enduring value as a nutritious and versatile grain.

Africa

Jan

Old Rock (Petrologist) Day: January 7

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The Mineralogical Society of America hosts Old Rock (Petrologist) Day on January 7 each year. Whether it's about a "pet" rock or simply going out and learning about the topography around you, today is the day to get your rock on!

Africa

Jan

Opposites Day: January 25

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Opposites Day on January 25 in the United States is about not saying what you mean or meaning what you say. In other words, if it is hot outside, you would say the opposite: cold. It’s a fun day for kids, but it could get adults in a lot of trouble. Practice at your own risk!

Africa

Jan

Orange Bowl: January 9

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THE TANGIEST BOWL GAME: THE ORANGE BOWL The Orange Bowl, with its rich history dating back to 1935, is one of the most storied and celebrated college football bowl games in the United States. Held annually in Miami, Florida, it has become a vital fixture of the college football postseason, showcasing some of the sport's most memorable moments and legendary athletes. The Orange Bowl was created by Miami officials seeking to attract tourists to the city during the winter months. The inaugural game was played on January 1, 1935, with Bucknell University defeating the University of Miami 26-0. Originally held at the Miami Orange Bowl stadium, the game moved to the state-of-the-art Hard Rock Stadium in 1996, which drew large crowds and national attention. From its early days, the Orange Bowl has featured top-tier competition, initially pitting teams from the southern United States against highly-ranked national opponents. Over the years, the bowl has hosted numerous national champions and Heisman Trophy winners, solidifying its reputation for high-stakes and high-quality football. The Orange Bowl gained further prominence with the advent of the Bowl Championship Series (BCS) in 1998, becoming one of the four major bowls that rotated hosting the national championship game. Its status was further elevated in 2014 when it became part of the College Football Playoff (CFP) system, a testament to its significance in the national championship landscape. It now hosts a semifinal game every three years and remains a New Year's Six bowl, ensuring it features marquee matchups annually. The Orange Bowl's significance extends beyond the football field. The game is a major economic driver for the Miami area, generating substantial revenue through tourism and related activities. However, its true impact lies in its vital role in the community. Through the Orange Bowl Committee's philanthropic efforts, it supports local charities and educational initiatives, inspiring others to do the same and making a tangible difference in the community. The Orange Bowl's rich tradition, spanning over eight decades, combined with its role in shaping the national championship landscape and its community impact, underscores its enduring importance. It remains a celebrated event that highlights the excitement, competition, and pageantry of college football, continuing to captivate fans and contribute to the sport's legacy.

Africa

Jan

Organize Your Home Day: January 14

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Organize Your Home Day is about putting things away after the holidays and preparing your home for spring. On this day, people are encouraged to finally put their home in order - put those clothes where they belong, wash the dishes, organize all those books lying around, read months ago. A well-organized home is a pleasant place to live!

Africa

Jan

Oysters Rockefeller Day, Ntl.: January 10

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Nestled in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Antione's Restaurant continues as a family enterprise. When Antione Alciatore opened his doors in 1840, he had no idea five generations later; it would still be in the family. He had no idea his creation of Oysters Rockefeller would become a culinary icon. In memory of Alciatore's contribution to international cuisine, in 2017, Antione's Restaurant named January 10 Oysters Rockefeller Day.

Africa