januar

Januar is the first month of the year in the Gregorian calendar. In English usage the month is called January. It has 31 days and is positioned after December and before February. In many languages the form resembles Januar, reflecting its origins in Latin.

The name derives from Latin Ianuarius, named for Janus, the two‑faced god of beginnings and doorways. This association emphasizes the start of a new year and new phases. The term is evident in several languages, including German where the month is written as Januar.

Historically, January was introduced into the Roman calendar by Numa Pompilius to align the year with the solar cycle. The month has retained its 31 days through later calendar reforms, including the Julian reform of 45 BCE and the Gregorian reform of 1582, which adjusted leap year rules and improved calendar accuracy.

In terms of climate and seasons, January is typically a winter month in the Northern Hemisphere, often among the coldest and darkest parts of the year. In the Southern Hemisphere, it falls in midsummer. The month commonly includes New Year’s Day celebrations on January 1, with other observances occurring in various cultures during January.

Overall, Januar is defined by its role as the inaugural month of the year, its historical links to the Roman god Janus, and its place within the 31‑day structure of the modern calendar.