Historical
Ellis Island Immigration Station first opened in January 1892. Where was the first person from?
A) Italy B) Ireland C) Poland
Ireland.
A woman named Annie Moore, she arrived with her two younger brothers to join their parents in New York City.
In the Southern Hemisphere, January is considered to be part of what season?
A) Autumn B) Spring C) Summer D) Winter
A) Summer
The Southern Hemisphere experiences its summer months from December to February, due to its position in relation to the sun.
Which famous scientist was born on January 8th, 1942, and authored 'A Brief History of Time'?
A) Stephen Hawking B) Marie Curie C) Isaac Newton D) Albert Einstein
A) Stephen Hawking
Stephen Hawking, the famous theoretical physicist, cosmologist, and author, was born on January 8th, 1942. He was best known for his work on black holes and his book 'A Brief History of Time', which aimed to make complex scientific concepts accessible to a general audience.
Which Roman God is January named after?
A) Juno B) Janus C) Jupiter
B) Janus
Janus, the god of beginnings, endings, doorways, and transitions, fitting for the first month of the year when looking back at the old and forward to the new. He's famously depicted with two faces, one looking to the past and the other to the future, symbolizing passage and duality.
If you are born in January, you are either a Capricorn or?
A) Taurus B) Leo C) Pisces D) Aquarius
D) Aquarius
Capricorns are born between December 22 and January 19, while Aquarius's are born between January 20 and February 18.
Martin Luther King Jr. day is celebrated in January. What occasion does it commemorate?
A) His birthday B) The birth of the civil rights movement C) The March of Washington
A) His birthday.
It is observed on the third Monday of January because his birthday was January 15, 1929.
True or False: The Earth is closest to the Sun in January?
True
What famous actress was born on January 17, 1922?
A) Joan Crawford B) Judy Garland C) Betty White
C) Betty White
Betty Marion Ludden, known as Betty White, was an American actress and comedian who was a television pioneer for nearly seven decades. She was a popular TV personality in the 1950s and 1960s, starring in and producing the sitcom Life with Elizabeth. White was a frequent guest on game shows like Password, To Tell the Truth, and What's My Line?.
January's full moon has a special nickname based on its appearance. What is it called?
A) Cold Moon B) Wolf Moon C) Ice Moon D) Winter Moon
B) Wolf Moon
January's full moon is often referred to as the "Wolf Moon" due to the howling of wolves in midwinter. This nickname originates from Native American and early colonial times when tribes and settlers would hear the hungry howls of wolves during this time of year.
What is the birth tree associated with individuals born in January?
A) Maple B) Willow C) Oak D) Birch
D) Birch
The Birch tree is recognized for its resilience, adaptability, and renewal, symbolizing a fresh start and new beginnings.
Prohibition went into effect in January of what year?
A) 1900 B)1920 C)1945
B) 1920.
It specifically went into effect at midnight on January 17,1920, with the enforcement of the 18th Amendment and the Volstead Act, making the production, sale, and transportation of alcoholic beverages illegal.
What is the equivalent month of January in terms of temperature in the Southern Hemisphere?
A) July B) August C) June D) September
A) July
The seasons in the Southern Hemisphere are opposite to those in the Northern Hemisphere.
What musician, known as the “King of Rock and Roll”, was born on January 8, 1935?
A) Elvis Presley B) Johnny Cash C) Michael Jackson
A) Elvis Presley
The iconic "King of Rock and Roll," who was born on January 8, 1935, in Tupelo, Mississippi, and became one of the most significant cultural figures of the 20th century.
January is National Oatmeal Month in the United States. What unusual ingredient is sometimes added to oatmeal in Scotland?
A) Berries B) Whisky C) Nuts D) Honey
B) Whisky
This unique twist on oatmeal, known as "whisky porridge," is a popular breakfast dish among Scots. The addition of whisky not only gives the oatmeal a rich and complex flavor, but also provides a warming and comforting start to the day, especially during the cold winter months.
What is the birthstone for January?
A) Amethyst B) Garnet C) Aquamarine
B) Garnet
A vibrant gemstone often recognized as deep red like pomegranate seeds (from which its name derives), but it actually comes in a wide variety of colors, including orange, green, pink, and even rare blues, symbolizing vitality, love, and constancy.
Who is credited with adding the 30th and 31st days to the month of January?
A) Emperor Constantine B) Pope Gregory XIII C) Julius Caesar D) Augustus
C) Julius Caesar
Julius Caesar is credited with adding two days to the month of January in 46 BC when he introduced the Julian calendar. Prior to this, the Roman calendar had only 29 days in January, and the addition of the two extra days was part of his reform to align the calendar with the solar year. This change also set the stage for the creation of leap years.
Which mammal is the largest and heaviest in the world? It is often spotted in January off the coast of California during migration?
A) Elephant B) Giraffe C) Blue Whale
C) Blue Whale
The largest and heaviest mammal in the world is the Blue Whale, which can weigh up to 200 tons (400,000 pounds) and reach 100 feet long.
What iconic female sing/songwriter was born on January 19, 1946 in Pittman Center Tennessee?
A) Dolly Parton B) Diana Ross C) Linda Ronstadt
A) Dolly Parton
Dolly Rebecca Parton is an American singer, songwriter, actress, philanthropist, and businesswoman. After achieving success as a songwriter for other artists, Parton's debut album, Hello, I'm Dolly, was released in 1967, commencing a career spanning 60 years and 50 studio albums. Referred to as the "Queen of Country", Parton is one of the most-honored female country performers in history and has received various accolades, including eleven Grammy Awards and three Emmy Awards, as well as nominations for two Academy Awards, six Golden Globe Awards, and a Tony Award.
The traditional New Year's resolution often focuses on self-improvement. What is the most common resolution made, but rarely kept?
A) Losing weight B) Quitting smoking C) Spending more time with family D) Learning a new language
A) Losing weight
The most common but rarely kept resolution is to lose weight or get in shape. This often stems from the overindulgence during the holiday season and the desire to start the new year off on a healthy note.
A) Rose B) Carnation C) Tulip
B) Carnation
The carnation signifies love, fascination, and distinction. In the language of flowers, carnations also symbolize admiration and gratitude. These flowers are often used in January weddings and other celebrations due to their beautiful and long-lasting blooms, making them a popular choice for bouquets and arrangements during the winter month.
What famous U.S. document, freeing slaves in rebellious states, took effect on January 1, 1863?
A) The Emancipation Proclamation B) The Declaration of Independence C) The Louisiana Purchase
A) The Emancipation Proclamation
The famous U.S. document that took effect on January 1, 1863, freeing slaves in rebellious states, was the Emancipation Proclamation, issued by President Abraham Lincoln as a wartime measure to weaken the Confederacy and allow Black men to join the Union military.
The January thaw is a common weather phenomenon in some regions. What does it describe?
A) The formation of ice crystals B) The decrease in snowfall C) The migration of polar animals D) A temporary period of warmer weather during winter
D) A temporary period of warmer weather during winter
The January thaw refers to a period of milder temperatures that typically occurs in the month of January, following a period of colder weather. This thaw can cause snow and ice to melt, providing some relief from the winter chill.
What legendary professional boxer was born on January 17, 1942 in Louisville, Kentucky?
A) Muhammad Ali B) Sugar Ray Leonard C) Mike Tyson
A) Muhammad Ali
Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. on January 17, 1942, widely considered one of the greatest heavyweight boxers of all time, a global cultural icon, and the first fighter to win the world heavyweight title three times.
What is special about January 20?
A) National Penguin Day B) National Whale Day C) National Shark Day
A) National Penguin Day
A global observance to celebrate these unique birds, raise awareness about their behaviors, and highlight the critical threats they face from climate change, habitat loss, and pollution, urging conservation efforts for many species that are endangered or vulnerable.
What is the January bird of the month?
A) Hummingbird B) Hawk C) Owl
C) Owl
Symbolizing wisdom, intuition, thoughtfulness, and a quiet but powerful nature, often linked to the Greek goddess Athena and known for providing insight in darkness.