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Dates & Festivals in January

These links are aimed at both primary and post-primary students. They may be of particular interest to the subjects of CSPE, Religion, History or Geography.

If we are missing a particular date or festival then let us know.

	Epiphany (January 6) This is also known as Little Christmas or Nollaig Bheag or even Women's Christmas or Nollaig na mBean. The date marks the visit of the three Magi, or Wise Men (Caspar, Melchior and Balthasar) to Bethlehem but also celebrates the early events of Jesus' life. In some countries January 6 is the day on which people exchange gifts.
	Blessing of the Animals (January 17) A popular tradition in Spain and other Hispanic countries. It takes place on the Sunday closest to January 17, the feast day of St Anton (also known as St Anthony the Great) the patron saint for animals.
	Martin Luther King Day (January 15) A big public holiday in the United States of America. Commemorates the memory and achievements of the civil rights leader who was murdered on April 4th 1968. Encyclopaedia Britannica contains some great bio notes on Dr King. (Accessible through the Schools Broadband Network.) Once you have read about Martin Luther King you could try this 12 question quiz.
	Chinese New Year (January 23) This will be celebrated all over the world wherever there are people of Chinese origin. This is the Year of the Dragon. The Chinese calendar has been in continuous use for centuries and is older than the International Calendar which we use. Some good information on China in the National Geographic and there is an excellent section on Encyclopaedia Britannica about Chinese New Year (Schools Broadband only).
	Australia Day (January 26) The national day of Australia on which Aussies celebrate what is great about Australia. Some post-primary students or teachers might like to try their hand at this 60 question quiz about the country and its customs. Encyclopaedia Britannica contains a good overview of Australia. (Accessible through the Schools Broadband Network.)
	Holocaust Memorial Day (January 29) Marks the anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. Over 11 million people died as a result of the holocaust - which is described as the mass murder of Jews by the German Nazis. Encyclopaedia Britannica on the holocaust