Fact 1: An Inaugural Symbol
January 21 is a significant day in United States history. Since the 20th amendment was ratified in 1933, it became the designated date for the presidential inauguration until 1981. This day symbolizes the peaceful transition of power, one of the prime democracy's principles.
Fact 2: Saint Agnes Day
Historically, January 21 is known to many as Saint Agnes’ Day who was a young Christian martyr in ancient Rome. She is a patron saint of young girls, engaged couples, rape survivors, and gardeners. Her name, which means ‘pure’ in Greek, also has festive traditions tied to her, including the blessing of the lambs on this day.
Fact 3: Dramatic Moon of 2019
January 21, 2019, witnessed an unusually exciting lunar event went down. A Super Blood Wolf Moon eclipse graced the sky, a combination of three events: a supermoon, a total lunar eclipse, and the January full moon (also known as the Wolf Moon).
Fact 4: Martin Luther King Jr. Day
In the United States, the third Monday of January, often falling on or close to the 21st, is celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This national holiday honors the civil rights leader's contributions and the lasting impact of his actions.
Fact 5: An Endearing Poetic Tribute
Robert Frost's inauguration poem titled "The Gift Outright" was first publicly read by the poet himself on January 21, 1961, for President John F. Kennedy's swearing-in ceremony. This poem's historic oration elevated this literary form for such inaugural events.
Fact 6: Uniting Nations and Religions
January 21 is celebrated as World Religion Day by Baha'i followers. Established by the National Spiritual Assembly in 1950, this day emphasizes the unity of all religions and promotes interfaith understanding.
Fact 7: A Day of Squirrels
January 21, each year, is recognized as Squirrel Appreciation Day. Cristin Frizzell Vetter, a North Carolina wildlife rehabilitator, created it in 2001 to acknowledge these adorable creatures and their contribution to the ecosystem.
Fact 8: The Stonewall of the West
January 21, 1861, was a historic day in the American Civil War era, with the standoff at the San Antonio, Texas Arsenal, later referred to as the "Stonewall of the West."
Fact 9: Polar Bear Plunge Record
A record-breaking event transpired on January 21, 2012, for the largest polar bear plunge. More than 14,000 participants participated in the annual Maryland State Police's Polar Bear plunge in the chilly Chesapeake Bay to raise funds for the Special Olympics.
Fact 10: Launch of the First Macintosh
Apple Inc. launched its first Macintosh computer on January 24, 1984. This launch revolutionized personal computing, and January 21 commemorates this landmark innovation in technology history.
Fact 11: Day of Hugging
People across the world celebrate the International Hug Day on January 21. The day promotes the power of human touch and the feeling of warmth, comfort, and love hugs can provide.
Fact 12: Eclipse Identity
January 21 seems to have a cosmic connection too. Going back in time, on January 21, 1909, a total lunar eclipse was visible from Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia, and it's considered amongst the most extended in the 20th century.
Fact 13: Historical Sporting Event
On this day in 1950, the first international hockey match of India took place against Afghanistan. They won their inaugural match, paving the way for winning the Summer Olympics gold medal later that year.
Fact 14: Chess Grandmaster’s Birthday
January 21 is also known for the birth of a legendary chess player, Vladimir Kramnik, in 1975. The Russian grandmaster was the undisputed World Champion from 2006 to 2007.
Fact 15: Start of a Billion Dollar Franchise
On January 21, 2010, the billion-dollar franchise, stuff toy, Beanie Babies were first launched. Over the years, some of these toys have become collector items fetching huge amounts in online auctions.
Fact 16: A New Nation's Flag
On January 21, 1964, the Australian Government agreed on a design for the new national flag. This decision ended a years-long debate over the flag's design, making Australia amongst the few nations to change its national flag in the 20th century.
Fact 17: World War I Truce
January 21, 1919, marked a tragic day in World War I history, when a war truce was declared, but a telegram failed to reach one unit leading to further unnecessary deaths.
Fact 18: Birth and Death of a Star
The world-famous actor and comedian, Benny Hill, famous for “The Benny Hill Show” was born on January 21, 1924, and also passed away on the same date, 68 years later in 1992.
Fact 19: Chart-Topping History
January 21, 1984, marks a significant music chart event when Yes's "Owner of a Lonely Heart," held the No.1 spot for two weeks, making it the first and only chart-topper from a band in the progressive rock genre.
Fact 20: Gold Discovery Day
Finally, January 21 is known as Gold Discovery Day, commemorating the discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill, California, in 1848. This event marked the beginning of the California Gold rush, drastically changing the United States' westward expansion.