janar

Janar is the Albanian name for January, the first month of the Gregorian calendar. In Albanian usage, the month is written janar and is capitalized Janar when it begins a sentence. Janar has 31 days and lies in the middle of winter for the Northern Hemisphere. In Albania and among Albanian-speaking communities, it marks the opening of the new year and the ongoing cycle of seasonal weather, work, and holidays.

Etymology: The name janar derives from Latin Ianuarius, which in turn comes from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and doors. The Albanian form reflects this Latin origin, adapted to Albanian phonology.

Usage: In everyday life, janar is used for dates in official documents, education, media, and speech. The month follows dhjetor (December) and precedes shkurt (February) in the Albanian calendar.

Culture: January 1 is widely celebrated as New Year’s Day in Albania and many Albanian-speaking regions, while regional religious calendars may observe other dates around early January. As a calendar unit, janar represents the annual start and is a common reference point in discussions of time and seasons in Albanian.