January 08
Overview
Holidays & Observances
Babinden(Belarus,Russia)
Babinden is a traditional Slavic folk festival celebrated in Belarus and Russia on January 8, honoring midwives and grandmother figures.
Christianfeast day:
Abo of Tiflis, Apollinaris Claudius, BlessedEurosia Fabris, Gauchito Gil(Folk Catholicism), Gudula, Harriet Bedell(Episcopal Church (USA)), Lawrence Giustiniani, Lucian of Beauvais, Maximus of Pavia, Our Lady of Prompt Succor(Roman Catholic Church), Pega(AnglicanandRoman Catholicchurches), Severinus of Noricum, Thorfinn of Hamar, January 8 (Eastern Orthodox liturgics)
A set of Christian feast days observed on January 8 commemorates various saints across different traditions.
Commonwealth Day (Northern Mariana Islands)
Commonwealth Day in the Northern Mariana Islands is celebrated on January 8 to mark the islands' political union with the United States.
Earliest day on whichChildren's Daycan fall, while January 14 is the latest; celebrated on the second Saturday in January. (Thailand)
Thailand's Children's Day falls on the second Saturday in January, with the earliest possible date being January 8, celebrating youth across the nation.
Typing Day(International observance)
Typing Day, observed internationally on January 8, celebrates the skill and impact of typing in the digital age.
Abo of Tiflis
Abo of Tiflis was a Christian martyr and missionary honored in Georgian tradition, commemorated on January 8.
Apollinaris Claudius
Saint Apollinaris Claudius, remembered on January 8, was an early Christian bishop and martyr revered for his faith.
BlessedEurosia Fabris
Blessed Eurosia Fabris, beatified Italian laywoman known for her kindness and family devotion, is commemorated on January 8.
Gauchito Gil(Folk Catholicism)
Gauchito Gil, a popular folk saint in Argentina, is venerated on January 8 for his legendary compassion and miracles.
Events
Sima Chi becomes emperor of the Jin dynasty in succession to his brother, Sima Zhong, despite a challenge from his other brother, Sima Ying.
In 307, Sima Chi ascended the throne of the Jin dynasty amid intense imperial family conflict over succession.
Æthelred I and Alfred the Great lead a West Saxon army to repel an invasion by Danelaw Vikings.
In 871, King Æthelred I and his brother Alfred the Great mustered West Saxon forces to thwart a major Danelaw Viking invasion.
François Grimaldi, disguised as a monk, leads his men to capture the fortress protecting the Rock of Monaco, establishing his family as the rulers of Monaco.
In 1297, François Grimaldi used a daring disguise to seize control of the fortress on the Rock of Monaco, founding his family's rule.
The papal bull Romanus Pontifex awards the Kingdom of Portugal exclusive trade and colonization rights to all of Africa south of Cape Bojador.
In 1454, Pope Nicholas V issued Romanus Pontifex, granting Portugal exclusive rights to explore and colonize lands south of Cape Bojador.
Louis XII of France marries Anne of Brittany in accordance with a law set by his predecessor, Charles VIII.
In 1499, King Louis XII of France married Anne of Brittany, uniting the duchy of Brittany with the French crown.
The first Lithuanian-language book, the Catechism of Martynas Mažvydas, is published in Königsberg.
In 1547, Martynas Mažvydas published the first book in Lithuanian, the Catechism, in Königsberg.
The premiere of George Frideric Handel's Ariodante takes place at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden.
In 1735, Handel's opera Ariodante premiered at Covent Garden, showcasing his mastery of dramatic baroque music.
Second Jacobite rising: Bonnie Prince Charlie occupies Stirling.
During the Second Jacobite Rising of 1746, Charles Edward Stuart captured the strategic town of Stirling.
George Washington delivers the first State of the Union address in New York City.
In 1790, President George Washington delivered the inaugural State of the Union address before Congress in New York City.
Births
Su Dongpo
Su Dongpo was a renowned Song Dynasty Chinese poet, calligrapher, and statesman celebrated for his lyrical artistry and cultural impact.
Kadi Burhan al-Din
Kadi Burhan al-Din was a 14th-century Anatolian judge, poet, and de facto ruler of Sivas known for his literary works and political acumen.
John Frederick II
John Frederick II was the Duke of Saxony in the Holy Roman Empire who navigated post-Reformation religious tensions in the mid-16th century.
Simon Episcopius
Simon Episcopius was a Dutch theologian and academic influential in early Arminian theology and the promotion of religious tolerance.
Johannes Fabricius
Johannes Fabricius was a pioneering German astronomer and academic who made some of the first telescopic observations of sunspots.
Jan Pieterszoon Coen
Jan Pieterszoon Coen was a controversial Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies who played a decisive role in establishing Dutch colonial power.
Ivan Gundulić
Ivan Gundulić was a celebrated Croatian poet and playwright of the early Baroque era, best known for his epic work 'Osman'.
Baltasar Gracián
Baltasar Gracián was a Spanish Jesuit priest and baroque author renowned for his witty aphorisms and philosophical treatises.
Jean Talon
Jean Talon was the first Intendant of New France whose reforms laid the foundations for the economic and social development of early Canada.
Deaths
Hui of Jin
Hui of Jin (259–307) was the second emperor of the Western Jin dynasty whose reign was marked by intense court struggles and civil war.
Severinus of Noricum
Severinus of Noricum was a 5th-century Christian monk and missionary credited with evangelizing the region of Noricum and aiding refugees during times of turmoil.
Bagsecg
Bagsecg was a 9th-century Viking chieftain who led Norse forces in England and perished at the Battle of Ashdown.
Athelm
Athelm was the first bishop of Wells and later served as Archbishop of Canterbury, crowning King Athelstan and shaping the early English church.
Adèle of France
Adèle of France (1009–1079) was a French princess who became Countess of Flanders through her marriage and later governed the county as regent.
Edgar
Edgar (1074–1107) was King of Scots who consolidated royal authority and maintained alliances with Norman England.
Celestine III
Celestine III (1106–1198) served as Pope from 1191 to 1198, known for his diplomatic efforts and support of church reform.
Giotto
Giotto di Bondone (1266–1337) was an Italian painter and architect whose pioneering use of perspective and naturalism heralded the Renaissance.
Charles de la Cerda
Charles de la Cerda (1327–1354) was a French nobleman and Constable of France whose assassination deepened political rivalries during King John II's reign.