January

January (in Latin, ''[[Ianuarius]]'') is named after [[Janus]], the god of beginnings and transitions in ancient [[Religion in ancient Rome|Roman religion]] and [[Roman mythology|mythology]].{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1|title=Why does the year start on January 1|publisher=Britannica|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906134927/https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1|archive-date=6 September 2019|url-status=live}}

January (in Latin, ''[[Ianuarius]]'') is named after [[Janus]], the god of beginnings and transitions in ancient [[Religion in ancient Rome|Roman religion]] and [[Roman mythology|mythology]].{{cite web|url=https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1|title=Why does the year start on January 1|publisher=Britannica|access-date=6 September 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906134927/https://www.britannica.com/story/why-does-the-new-year-start-on-january-1|archive-date=6 September 2019|url-status=live}}

Traditionally, the original [[Roman calendar]] consisted of 10 months totaling 304 days, winter being considered a month-less period. Around 713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of [[Romulus]], King [[Numa Pompilius]], is supposed to have added the months of January and [[February]], so that the calendar covered a standard lunar year (354 days). Although [[March]] was originally the first month in the old Roman calendar, January became the first month of the calendar year either under Numa or under the [[Decemvirs]] about 450 BC (Roman writers differ). In contrast, each specific calendar year was identified by the names of the two [[consul]]s, who entered office on March 15th until 153 BC, at which point they started entering office on January 1st.

Traditionally, the original [[Roman calendar]] consisted of 10 months totaling 304 days, winter being considered a month-less period. Around 713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of [[Romulus]], King [[Numa Pompilius]], is supposed to have added the months of January and [[February]], so that the calendar covered a standard lunar year (354 days). Although [[March]] was originally the first month in the old Roman calendar, January became the first month of the calendar year either under Numa or under the [[Decemvirs]] about 450 BC (Roman writers differ). By contrast, each specific calendar year was identified by the names of the two [[consul]]s, who entered office on March 15th until 153 BC, at which point they started entering office on January 1st.

Various Christian feast dates were used for the [[New Year]] in [[Europe]] during the [[Middle Ages]], including March 25 ([[Feast of the Annunciation]]) and December 25. However, medieval calendars were still displayed in the Roman fashion with twelve columns from January to December. Beginning in the 16th century, European countries began officially making January 1 the start of the New Year once again—sometimes called ''Circumcision Style'' because this was the date of the [[Feast of the Circumcision]], being the seventh day after December 25.{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}

Various Christian feast dates were used for the [[New Year]] in [[Europe]] during the [[Middle Ages]], including March 25 ([[Feast of the Annunciation]]) and December 25. However, medieval calendars were still displayed in the Roman fashion with twelve columns from January to December. Beginning in the 16th century, European countries began officially making January 1 the start of the New Year once again—sometimes called ''Circumcision Style'' because this was the date of the [[Feast of the Circumcision]], being the seventh day after December 25.{{citation needed|date=January 2026}}