January 6
Epiphany
An important festival for Catholicism and Christianity to commemorate and celebrate the first appearance of Jesus to the Gentiles (referring to the Three Magi of the East) after he was born as a human being. Countries that celebrate Epiphany include: Greece, Croatia, Slovakia, Poland, Sweden, Finland, Colombia, etc.
Orthodox Christmas Eve
According to the Julian calendar, Orthodox Christians celebrate Christmas Eve on January 6, when the church will hold Mass. Countries with Orthodox Church as the mainstream faith include: Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova, Romania, Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Macedonia, Georgia, Montenegro.
January 7
Orthodox Christmas Day
The holiday starts on January 1 and New Year’s Day, and the holiday lasts until Christmas on January 7. The holiday during this period is called Bridge Holiday.
January 10
Coming-of-Age Day
Beginning in 2000, the second Monday in January has been a Japanese coming-of-age ceremony. Young people entering 20 years of age in this year will be hosted by the city government on this day with a special coming-of-age ceremony, and a certificate will be issued to show that From that day on, as adults, they must bear social responsibilities and obligations. Later, these youths would wear traditional costumes to pay respects to the shrine, thank the gods and ancestors for their blessings, and ask for continued “care.” This is one of the most important traditional festivals in Japan, which originated from the “Crown Ceremony” in ancient China.
January 17
Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
The festival held to celebrate the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka more than 2500 years ago, attracts thousands of tourists to the Holy Temple of Kelaniya in Colombo every year.
January 18
Thaipusam
This is the most solemn Hindu festival in Malaysia. It is a time of atonement, dedication and gratitude for devout Hindus. It is said that it is no longer visible in the Indian mainland, and Singapore and Malaysia still retain this custom.
January 26
Australia Day
On January 26, 1788, British captain Arthur Philip landed in New South Wales with a team of prisoners and became the first Europeans to arrive in Australia. In the following 80 years, a total of 159,000 British prisoners were exiled to Australia, so this country is also dubbed “the country created by prisoners.” Today, this day has become one of Australia’s most solemn annual festivals, with various large-scale celebrations held in major cities.
Republic Day
India has three national holidays. January 26 is called “Republic Day” to commemorate the establishment of the Republic of India on January 26, 1950 when the Constitution took effect. August 15 is called “Independence Day” to commemorate India’s independence from the British colonists on August 15, 1947. October 2 is also one of India’s National Days, which commemorates the birth of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of India.
Post time: Dec-31-2021