January Was Not Always The First Month Of The Year

WELCOME JANUARY

What?  Was I supposed to have learned this in school? Maybe I did and I forgot, but January, although it's name was given after the Goddess Janus-The God of begninnings and endings.

WHEN DID WE ADOPT JANUARY AS THE FIRST MONTH OF THE YEAR

Ancient Romans used a different calendar, and March was the beginning of the year. The Romans decided that all wars should cease between the old and new year. Since March was the first month of the new year, historians believe that the Romans named March after Mars-The Roman God of War.

in 1582, Pope Gregory adjusted the calendar, so most western nations celebrated "The Gregorian Calendar" after that, with January being the first month of the year. But not us!

American Colonies didn't start celebrating the Gregorian Calendar until the year 1752.

WHERE THE MONTHS GOT THEIR NAMES

If you've ever wondered how all of the months of the year got their names, you can read more by clicking HERE now.