Plants
What kind of seasonal plant is often pruned in January to promote healthier growth later in the year?
Roses – January is a good time for pruning dormant rose bushes to encourage strong growth in spring.
What is the birthstone for January, symbolizing strength and protection?
Garnet
Fun Fact: Garnet is known for its deep red hues, but it can come in a range of colors. It’s often associated with protection and is believed to bring stability, balance, and health to its wearer. It is also the symbol of love and passion.
On January 1, 1863, which province became the first to allow women to vote in municipal elections?
A) Ontario
B) Nova Scotia
C) Manitoba
D) Quebec
Answer: B) Nova Scotia
Fun Fact: Nova Scotia passed a law allowing women to vote in municipal elections on January 1, 1863. This was a major step in the progression of women’s rights in Canada, though women would not gain full suffrage in federal elections until 1918.
Which holiday, celebrated on the third Monday in January, honors the birth of a Canadian political leader and is observed in many provinces across Canada?
Answer: Family Day
Fun Fact: Family Day was first observed in Ontario, Alberta, and Saskatchewan in 2008, and it is now celebrated on the third Monday in February in most provinces. However, in some provinces, like Ontario, Family Day is considered a time to celebrate families and spend time together, even if it’s not tied to a specific historical figure.
In which Canadian province can you find the Winter Carnival held in January, one of the world’s largest and most famous winter festivals?
Quebec
Fun Fact: The Quebec Winter Carnival, held every January, is an iconic celebration of Canadian winter culture. Featuring parades, snow sculptures, outdoor music festivals, ice canoe races, and the beloved Bonhomme Carnaval, it’s a huge draw for both locals and tourists.
Which tree is often tapped in January for the production of maple syrup?
Sugar Maple – January is the beginning of the sugaring season, when the sap starts running in sugar maples.
Which legendary American singer, known as the "King of Rock and Roll," was born on January 8th, 1935?
Elvis Presley.
On January 3, 1959, which U.S. state was admitted as the 49th state?
A) Hawaii
B) Alaska
C) Arizona
D) New Mexico
Answer: B) Alaska
Fun Fact: Alaska became a state in 1959 after being purchased from Russia in 1867 for just $7.2 million, which many at the time considered a "seward's folly" (named after Secretary of State William Seward).
What Canadian holiday, celebrated on January 25, honors the famous poet Robert Burns with celebrations in several regions, especially in Nova Scotia?
A) St. Andrew’s Day
B) Burns Night
C) National Poetry Day
D) Heritage Day
Burns Night
Fun Fact: Burns Night, celebrated on January 25, is especially popular in Scottish-Canadian communities. It honors the life and works of Robert Burns, Scotland's national poet. Traditional celebrations include reading Burns’ poetry, eating haggis, and dancing to Scottish folk music.
What is the name of the popular winter sport that takes place on frozen lakes and ponds in many parts of Canada during January?
Ice fishing
Fun Fact: Ice fishing is a beloved Canadian winter activity that takes place in many northern regions. Anglers cut holes in the ice and drop lines in hopes of catching fish, like lake trout or walleye. It’s a peaceful and popular way to enjoy the winter outdoors, with many towns hosting ice fishing festivals in January.
Which type of tree is commonly known for its long, spiky evergreen needles and is often associated with winter?
Answer: Pine
Fun Fact: Pine trees are conifers, meaning they produce cones rather than flowers. Their long, needle-like leaves are adapted to survive harsh winters, and their evergreen nature makes them an iconic winter plant.
What is the official birth flower for January, often representing admiration and love?
Carnation
Fun Fact: Carnations come in a variety of colors, each with a different meaning. Red carnations symbolize deep love, white carnations represent pure love, and pink carnations express gratitude. Carnations are often associated with love and fascination.
Which famous ancient civilization’s calendar began its year on January 1?
A) The Egyptians
B) The Mayans
C) The Romans
D) The Greeks
Answer: C) The Romans
Fun Fact: The Roman calendar originally had months that started in March, but January 1 became the official start of the new year in 153 BC, during the time of Julius Caesar.
Which province in Canada officially celebrates "National Flag of Canada Day" on January 25, the day the flag was first raised in 1965?
Ontario
Fun Fact: January 25 marks National Flag of Canada Day, commemorating the day in 1965 when the Maple Leaf flag was first raised. Though the holiday is recognized by some parts of Canada, it is more formally observed in Ontario, where the flag was first introduced to the public.
Which national park in Alberta becomes a prime location for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and winter hikes in January?
Banff National Park
Fun Fact: Banff National Park is one of Canada’s most iconic winter destinations. During January, it transforms into a winter wonderland, offering world-class skiing, snowshoeing, and hot springs. The stunning mountain landscape and cozy alpine resorts make Banff a popular choice for outdoor enthusiasts in the winter.
Which hardy winter plant is famous for its bright yellow flowers that bloom in the coldest months of the year, even in January?
Winter Jasmine
Fun Fact: Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) blooms in late winter or early spring, often starting in January. Its vibrant yellow flowers brighten up gardens during the dull winter months, symbolizing hope and renewal.
Which famous painter, known for Starry Night and Sunflowers, was born on January 30th, 1853?
Vincent van Gogh
Vincent van Gogh only sold one painting during his lifetime, but today he is considered one of the most influential artists in history. His use of bold colors and emotional depth in his paintings has inspired countless artists and continues to captivate audiences around the world. "Starry Night" is one of his most famous works, painted while he was in a mental asylum in 1889.
On January 5, 1914, which automobile company announced it was paying its workers $5 a day, which was double the average wage?
A) Ford Motor Company
B) General Motors
C) Chrysler
D) Dodge
Answer: A) Ford Motor Company
Fun Fact: This move by Henry Ford revolutionized the labor market, leading to increased worker productivity and the ability for workers to afford the cars they were building.
Which Canadian province or territory celebrates “National Aboriginal Day” every year on January 21 in honor of the heritage and culture of Indigenous peoples?
Nunavut celebrates National Aboriginal Day on January 21 to honor the contributions and rich heritage of the Indigenous peoples. The day is celebrated with cultural activities, including performances of traditional music, dance, and storytelling, reflecting the diverse First Nations cultures of the region.
What is the name of the winter celebration held in Saskatchewan every January, featuring dog sled races and other outdoor competitions?
A) Snow Days Festival
B) The Frost Festival
C) The Winter Games
D) The Furdale Winter Festival
The Frost Festival
Fun Fact: The Frost Festival in Saskatchewan is an annual event filled with outdoor activities like dog sled races, ice sculptures, and live performances. It’s a great way to embrace the cold while enjoying the unique winter beauty of Canada’s prairies.
Which small flower, often seen peeking through the snow, is one of the first to bloom in the late winter?
Snowdrop.
Snowdrops are among the first flowers to bloom in the year, often pushing through the snow in January. These delicate flowers are a sign of winter’s end and the arrival of spring, symbolizing renewal and hope.
Which famous civil rights leader's birthday is celebrated as a national holiday in January in the United States?
Martin Luther King Jr.
Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered for his leadership in the Civil Rights Movement and his famous "I Have a Dream" speech. His birthday is celebrated as Martin Luther King Jr. Day on the third Monday of January each year.
What historic event took place on January 15, 1967, in the United States?
A) The first Super Bowl
B) The first manned moon landing
C) The end of World War II
D) The signing of the Civil Rights Act
Answer: A) The first Super Bowl
Fun Fact: The Green Bay Packers defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 35-10 in the first-ever Super Bowl, which was originally called the AFL-NFL World Championship Game.
Chinese New Year typically falls between which two months?
January and February
Fun Fact: Chinese New Year is based on the lunar calendar, so it doesn’t have a fixed date. It falls between January 21 and February 20 each year, depending on the timing of the new moon.
The Annual Winter Light Festival held in Saskatoon in January celebrates the cold weather with ice sculptures and lights. What type of light display is particularly featured during this festival?
Ice lanterns
Fun Fact: Saskatoon’s Winter Light Festival is known for its beautiful ice lantern displays. These colorful, frozen creations are showcased throughout the city, creating a magical winter ambiance. The festival also features local food vendors, performances, and winter games to enjoy as part of the celebrations.