All over the globe, January appears to be a month of new beginnings and celebrations. For instance, January 1 is often associated with New Year’s resolution, whether January 6 (Epiphany) is known as Three Kings’ Day; this is just the tip of the iceberg, or as we can say – only the tiny bit of traditions in Europe and the UK.
Apart from celebrating holidays, people often spend time with family and friends or prioritise hobbies like playing strategic games, such as swiss casino, reading Harry Potter books, or just enjoying the moment.
So, what celebrations are coming our way in January? Let’s look at them.
January 6: Epiphany or Three Kings’ Day
This festive holiday dates back to Medieval times and revolves around the Christian feast. In particular, it commemorates the visit of the Magi (or three wise men) to the baby Jesus, which marks Jesus’ physical manifestation to the Gentiles. In Eastern Christian traditions, this was primarily seen as Jesus’s baptism.
Moving towards Span and Larin America, this holiday is celebrated with vast parades featuring decorative floats carrying people dressed as the biblical kings who brought gifts to the infant Jesus. Interestingly enough, children traditionally unwrap their holiday presents on this day.
In Greece, for example, people celebrate Epiphany with the blessing of the waters ceremonies across the country. This involves priests casting a crucifix into the water and young men diving in to retrieve it. The person who retrieves the cross is believed to be blessed for the year.
Similar to Greece, Bulgarians also have a tradition of diving into rivers and lakes to retrieve crucifixes. This ritual is believed to bring health and protection from evil spirits.
In Western Europe, many Christians embrace the traditions of Epiphany singing, chalking the door, having one’s house blessed, and enjoying a Three Kings cake — shaped like a wreath and decorated with candied fruits and nuts.
January 16 – February 2: Celtic Connections
Held as an annual music festival in Glasgow, the event celebrates Celtic music and its connections to global cultures. The festival typically runs for 18 days in January and February, featuring over 300 events, including concerts, ceilidhs, talks, free events, late-night sessions, and workshops.
Events are often held in various venues across Glasgow, such as the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, Pavilion Theatre, and Barrowland Ballroom. Celtic Connections also includes an education programme that offers free morning concerts for schoolchildren to experience live music.
Furthermore, the festival fosters new and young talent through its Young Tradition and New Voices series of concerts, as well as the Danny Kyle Open Stage competition.
January 25: Burns Night
Burns Night, celebrated on January 25, honours the life and works of Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns. This tradition dates back to 1801 when Burns’ friends gathered to commemorate his birthday with a supper that included haggis, toasts, and poetry recitations.
The meal’s centrepiece, haggis, is a traditional Scottish dish from sheep’s offal mixed with oatmeal, suet, and spices encased in the animal’s stomach. In fact, one of Burns’ most famous poems, “Address to a Haggis,” is recited with great flair before the haggis is ceremonially sliced open.
Another traditional dish is mashed turnips (neeps) and potatoes (tatties), typically served alongside haggis. The evening includes various toasts, such as the “Immortal Memory” toast to Burns and the “Toast to the Lassies,” followed by a reply from the women present.
The Bottom Line
January is a month rich with cultural celebrations and new beginnings. From the global festivities of New Year’s Day to the heartfelt tributes of Burns Night and the vibrant performances at Celtic Connections, this month offers diverse events that bring people together. So, let’s make the most of January by participating in these wonderful celebrations and carrying their spirit throughout the year.
