January 1: Day of the Week
January 1, 2017 was the 1st day of the year 2017 in the Gregorian calendar. There were 364 days remaining until the end of the year. The day of the week was Sunday.
If you are trying to learn French then this day of the week in French is dimanche.
Create unlimited collages for every occasion, big or small. Share online with animation and music, or print as heartfelt decor, keepsake cards, or frame-worthy gifts.
Turn photos into art with Smilebox. It’s FREE - download now!
(Sponsored link)
Here’s the January calendar. You can also browse the full year monthly calendar.
Are you not curious to find out some fun facts about your birthday? Find out ‘what happened on
my birthday’ and what was the number one song on your day of birth. Know the meaning of your birth and which celebrity shares your special day!
(Sponsored link)
Zodiac & Birthstone
Capricorn is the zodiac sign of a person born on this day. Garnet is the modern birthstone for this month. Emerald is the mystical birthstone from Tibetan origin that dates back over a thousand years.
Hmmm... do you believe that self understanding is the key to happiness? Don’t just wish upon the stars. Use them to prosper in love, money, and career! Get your Capricorn horoscope and get a boost from the stars. Did I mention it’s F-R-E-E? (Sponsored link)
January 1: This Day in History
The preceding day is December 31 of the previous year.
During the Middle Ages under the influence of the Christian Church, many countries moved the start of the year to one of several important Christian festivals — December 25 (the Nativity of Jesus), March 1, March 25 (the Annunciation), or even Easter. Eastern European countries (most of them with populations showing allegiance to the Orthodox Church) began their numbered year on September 1 from about 988.
In England, January 1 was celebrated as the New Year festival, but from the 12th century to 1752 the year in England began on March 25 (Lady Day). So, for example, the Parliamentary record records the execution of Charles I occurring in 1648 (as the year did not end until March 24), although modern histories adjust the start of the year to January 1 and record the execution as occurring in 1649.
Most western European countries changed the start of the year to January 1 before they adopted the Gregorian calendar. For example, Scotland changed the start of the Scottish New Year to January 1 in 1600. England, Ireland and the British colonies changed the start of the year to January 1 in 1752. Later that year in September, the Gregorian calendar was introduced throughout Britain and the British colonies. These two reforms were implemented by the Calendar (New Style) Act 1750.
January 1 became the official start of the year as follows:
- 1522 The Republic of Venice
- 1544 Holy Roman Empire (Germany)
- 1556 Spain, Portugal
- 1559 Prussia, Sweden
- 1564 France
- 1576 Southern Netherlands
- 1579 Lorraine
- 1583 United Provinces of the Netherlands (northern)
- 1600 Scotland
- 1700 Russia
- 1721 Tuscany
- 1752 Great Britain (excluding Scotland) and its colonies
January 1 Historical Event(s)
- 1773The hymn that became known as “Amazing Grace”, then titled “1 Chronicles 17:16–17” is first used to accompany a sermon led by John Newton in the town of Olney, England.
- 1880Ferdinand de Lesseps begins French construction of the Panama Canal.
- 1890The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, is first held.
- 1899Spanish rule ends in Cuba.
- 1908For the first time, a ball is dropped in New York, New York’s Times Square to signify the start of the New Year at midnight.
- 1947The American and British occupation zones in Germany, after World War II, merge to form the Bizone, that later became West Germany.
- 1958The European Economic Community is established.
- 1986Spain and Portugal are admitted into the European Community.
- 1996Curaçao gains limited self-government, though it remains within free association with the Netherlands.
- 2012Kim Jong-un is officially declared the new Supreme Leader of North Korea.
Who were born on January 1?
- 1614John Wilkins, English Bishop of Chester (d. 1672)
- 1920Osvaldo Cavandoli, Italian cartoonist (d. 2007)
- 1927Doak Walker, American football star (d. 1998)
- 1933James Hormel, American philanthropist and diplomat
- 1950Wayne Bennett, Australian rugby league coach
- 1951Nana Patekar, Indian film and stage actor
- 1954Yannis Papathanasiou, Greek politician
- 1969Melissa DiMarco, Canadian actress
- 1975Chris Anstey, Australian basketball player
- 1985Steven Davis, Northern Irish footballer
Now try another date like anniversaries, birthdays of someone you know or any other date that is special to you. Don’t forget to share the info to your friends, loved ones or social media followers. Who knows, they might appreciate and thank you for it.
