January 13 / Japan – Coming of Age Day
Coming of Age Day is a Japanese holiday held annually on the second Monday of January. It is held in order to congratulate and encourage all those who have reached the age of majority of 20 over the past year.
January 20 / USA – Martin Luther King Day
Martin Luther King Day is a federal holiday held on the third Monday of January. It celebrates the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr., an influential American civil rights leader. He is most well-known for his campaigns to end racial segregation on public transport and for racial equality in the United States.
January 25 / Scotland – Burns Night
Burns Night is annually celebrated in Scotland on or around January 25. It commemorates the life of the poet Robert Burns, who was born on January 25, 1759. The day also celebrates Burns’ contribution to Scottish culture. Burns’ best known work is “Auld Lang Syne”. The traditional Scottish fare of “Haggis and Tatties” will be served on this special night. Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep’s pluck (heart, liver and lungs) minced with onion, oatmeal, suet, spices, and salt, potatoes (tatties).
January 26 / Australia – Australia Day
Australia Day is on January 26 and commemorates the establishment of the first European settlement at Port Jackson, now part of Sydney, in 1788. It is an opportunity for Australians to come together to celebrate their country and culture.
January 31 / China – Chinese New Year
Chinese New Year celebrations start on the 23rd day of the 12th lunar month of the Chinese calendar. The festival lasts for about 23 days, ending on the 15th day of the first lunar month in the following year in the Chinese calendar. The Year of the Horse will start on the January 31st 2014 through to February 18th, 2015 and it is called Wooden Horse year. Horse is one of the favourite animals in China and it is a symbol of high-rank, outstanding personages, nobility and leadership.
