Fact 1: Belongs to Capricorn and Aquarius Zodiacs
January 31 is shared by two zodiac signs — Capricorn (December 22 - January 19) and Aquarius (January 20 - February 18). Depending on the year's rotation, January 31 could belong to either of the two.
Fact 2: Rare Super Blue Blood Moon
A rare celestial event, the Super Blue Blood Moon, fell on January 31 in 2018. This divine spectacle happens when a blue moon combines with a supermoon and a total lunar eclipse, turning the moon into a reddish hue.
Fact 3: Historic 'Help Ever Hurt Never' Day
In India, January 31 is celebrated as 'Help Ever Hurt Never' Day, paying homage to the teachings of the revered spiritual leader Sathya Sai Baba. It's a day of love, helping hands, and compassion.
Fact 4: Inspiration of creative film titles
January 31 has been acknowledged in various film titles, including '31st of January', 'On the 31st of January', and 'January 31'. This has made its own mark in global pop culture.
Fact 5: Hosts National Brandy Alexander Day
In the United States, January 31 is recognized as National Brandy Alexander Day, a day recognizing the delicious, creamy cocktail which traces its roots back to the early 20th Century.
Fact 6: Ends Holiday Season
January 31 marks the end of the holiday season and the first month of the year, pushing people to start working towards achieving their New Year's resolutions.
Fact 7: It’s a Garnet Birthstone
People who were born on January 31 have the birthstone garnet, a stone that symbolizes peace, prosperity, and health. The garnet is known for its rich red color and is associated with loyalty, love, and friendship.
Fact 8: Converted Julian Calendar
In 45 B.C., Julius Caesar officially converted the Roman Republican Calendar to the Julian Calendar, which consisted of a 365.25-day solar year, with January 31 as one of its dates.
Fact 9: The Introduction of Income Tax in the UK
On January 31, 1799, the British government, under Prime Minister William Pitt the Younger, introduced income tax for the first time to pay for weapons and equipment for the Napoleonic Wars.
Fact 10: International Magic Day
The 31st of January is celebrated as International Magic Day, aimed at honoring the magic tricks and illusions that have fascinated humankind throughout centuries.
Fact 11: 1000th Sunrise of 2009
The 1000th sunrise of the year 2009 fell on January 31, giving another intriguing reason for celebration.
Fact 12: Grand Opening of the Lego City Tower
On January 31, 2004, the Lego City Tower in Legoland Windsor was officially opened to the public, becoming an iconic landmark for visitors from around the world.
Fact 13: Chinese New Year's Eve
In some years, January 31 is also the date for the Chinese New Year's Eve. This day is spent in celebration and preparation for the coming year in the Chinese calendar.
Fact 14: Independence Day in Nauru
The Republic of Nauru, an island country in the Central Pacific, celebrates its Independence Day on January 31.
Fact 15: Day 31
January 31, is the 31st day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. 334 days remain until the end of the year or 335 during leap years.
Fact 16: Queen Beatrix's abdication in the Netherlands
On January 31, 2013, Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands announced her abdication, making her son, Willem-Alexander, the country’s new monarch.
Fact 17: Luna 9 Launch Day
Luna 9, a Soviet spacecraft, was launched on January 31, 1966. It successfully landed on the moon, becoming the first spacecraft to achieve a controlled landing on the moon.
Fact 18: Monarch Butterfly Day
January 31 celebrates the journey of the monarch butterflies' migration in warm climates and promotes efforts to save their dwindling populations.
Fact 19: Royal Charter Day in Connecticut
January 31 is recognized as Royal Charter Day in Connecticut, commemorating the day the state received its Royal Charter from England in 1662.
Fact 20: Published Day of the First Sherlock Holmes Novella
On January 31, 1890, Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes novella "The Sign of the Four" was published in Lippincott's Monthly Magazine, which has gained a significant place in the history of detective fiction.