January: Did You Know...?

We're sure that you know some of the more common holidays and facts about the month of January: New Year's Eve and Day, Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it's the first month of the year, etc. But do you know other January facts? Let's test your knowledge:

1. What is January's birth stone? [need help?]

a) ruby
b) diamond
c) garnet
d) sapphire

2. January is named after Janus, the god of the doorway, since January is the door to the year. [need help?]

a) true
b) false

3. In Australia, it is cold in January. [need help?]

a) true. January is cold enough for snow, sledding, and snowmen in Australia.
b) false. January is one of the hottest months of the year in Australia since their seasons are the opposite of ours.

4. Benjamin Franklin was born on January 17, 1706. What is he famous for doing? [need help?]

a) He was a founding father of the United States of America.
b) He flew a kite in a thunderstorm, and lightning struck the kite.
c) He was one of the very first chess players in America.
d) He was the first United States Postmaster General (head of the US Postal Service) in 1775.
e) All of the above.

5. We celebrate all of the following odd holidays in January, except for _________. [need help?]

a) National Popcorn Day
b) Gummy Bear Day
c) Compliment Day
d) Winnie the Pooh Day

Want to learn more fun facts about January? Ask a Youth Services Librarian for help!

Adults, if you want to download a fun calendar desktop background each month, visit the beautiful designs by Tsilli Pines.


Posted by ws with a little help from Wikipedia.
Answers: 1. c; 2. a; 3. b; 4. e; 5. b