January

The first month of the year.

The month of January is named after the mythical Roman god Janus who was depicted as having a double faced head, one face looking forward and the other face looking back. The head looking back symbolized the ending of the old year and the head look forward symbolized the beginning of the next new year. Janus is dipicted as the spirit of the opening.

The symbols of the new year in modern times are an old man bringing last year to a close and a newborn baby starting a fresh new year. In most western cultures, each new year begins on the first day of January. This date is based on the modern Gregorian calendar and the Julian calendar that was enacted by Julius Caesar around 46 BC.

In the Northern Hemisphere, January is the second month of winter. It is usually cold and damp with lots of snow and cold rain.

In the Southern Hemisphere, January is the second month of summer, which makes it one of the warmest months.

The gemstone of January:

• Garnet: As the gemstone for January, garnet signifies loyalty, devotion, and an abundance of energy. It also symbolizes the safe travel of a loved one and a speedy return home.

The flower of January:

• Carnation: Many myths and legends have surrounded the carnation as the flower of January. It symbolizes love, distinction, and fascination.

The 12 months of the year:

• January-February-March-April
• May-June-July-August
• September-October-November-December

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