🗓️ On This Day - January 6th
There’s so much to remember about January 6th - where do we begin? It’s one of the most notable days in recent history thanks to the infamous attack on the US Capitol in Washington DC in 2021, but looking further back there’s much to learn. Below are some of the most memorable facts about January 6th!
On this day
Communication history was made!
In 1838, American inventors Samuel Morse and Alfred Vail presented the telegraph to the public. The telegraph was a landmark breakthrough in communication technology as it allowed messages to be transmitted over long distances in only a few minutes.
New Mexico finally joined the USA.
On January 6th, 1912, New Mexico was the 47th state to join the United States of America. New Mexico became a European settlement in the 16th century when Spanish explorers arrived in the area - and even today, the state is known for its rich culture, its stunning landscapes, and its welcoming people.
Montessori made her educational debut.
In 1907 Rome, an Italian physician and educator, Maria Montessori, opened her first Montessori school. Montessori is considered a pioneer in the field of early childhood education - and her ideas and methods completely revolutionized the way that children were taught and cared for in the classroom.
The Four Freedoms of Roosevelt!
On January 6th, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt made his famous "Four Freedoms" speech during his State of the Union address. In his speech, President Roosevelt outlined his belief that there are four basic freedoms essential to human dignity and well-being. These freedoms are: freedom of speech and expression, freedom of worship, freedom from want, and freedom from fear.
Charles Dickens took to the boards!
At the Imperial Theater in New York City, on January 6th 1963, Lionel Bart brought some of author Charles Dickens’ most timeless characters - including a street urchin and a devious crook - to life in the musical “Oliver!”. The show saw over a whopping 750 performances and won three Tony awards through its run.
Special Days Falling on January 6th
January 6th sees the celebrations of a whole variety of things. From technology and the simple human touch, which of these will you celebrate next January 6th?
National Technology Day
A Las Vegas based tech company called AXEL launched National Technology day in 2016, to help us truly appreciate the awesome tech all around. Technology actually predates written history, it’s incredible how far we’ve come as a species - and January 6th offers us a day to learn a bit more about the advancements which make our lives easier everyday!
National Cuddle Up Day
No one really knows the origins of this national celebration, but don’t let that stop you getting snuggly! With January being one of the colder months in the northern hemisphere, the 6th is the perfect day to pick a buddy and have a hug. Saving on your heating bill with warm hugs isn’t the only reason to celebrate - Cuddling releases the hormone oxytocin helps alleviate stress and mild pain.
National Shortbread Day
Och! Tuck into a real Scottish treat on January 6th - it’s the national holiday of the sweet, buttery biscuit. The tins these biscuits arrive in are almost as iconic as their recipe these days!
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This month in history
In 2013 British charity Alcohol Change UK launched a campaign called Dry January to encourage people to be more mindful about the effects of alcohol consumption. The movement has grown year on year with over 130,000 people having signed up to stay sober in January 2022. The scheme’s been running since 2013.
Famous Birthdays on January 6th
John Smith, English explorer, born 1580
Loretta Young, American actress, born 1913
Cary Middlecoff, American golfer, born 1921
Darlene Hard, American tennis player, born 1936
Rowan Atkinson, English actor (Mr. Bean), born 1955
If you were born on January 6th…
Being born on January 6th means you fall under the tenth astrological house of Capricorn! Represented by a sea goat, these earth signs are known for their hard working nature. Although it can take a little while for a Capricorn to warm up to someone, once they do they’re loyal friends!
Take a look at our fact file about Capricorn to learn more about yourself – ready for a revelation?
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