🗓️ On This Day - January 5th
The year may have gotten off to a slowish start, but there’s 360 days left to go! Throughout history, January 5th has seen the birth of literary classics, the raising of some massive monuments - and perhaps more oddly - it’s the one day of the year you can eat all the whipped cream you like without guilt. On that bombshell, here are some fun facts about January 5th.
On this day
A “split decision” was made!
In 1886, "The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde" - a legendary novella scribed by author Robert Louis Stevenson - was published on January 5th. It’s a classic gothic horror story that tells the tale of a respectable doctor, Henry Jekyll, who creates a potion that transforms him into a vicious monster, Edward Hyde.
I can see right through you!
On January 5th, 1896, the German newspaper "Die Presse" revealed Wilhelm Röntgen's discovery of X-rays and their potential for new methods of medical diagnoses. Röntgen's discovery was a huge breakthrough in both the fields of physics and medicine!
He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1901 for his discovery, and X-rays have become widely used in medical diagnosis and treatment all over the world.
Ford upped the stakes.
On January 5th, 1914, American businessman Henry Ford made a monumental announcement that he would be paying his workers at the Ford Motor Company $5.00 per 8-hour day, more than double the average wage rate of $2.40 for a 9-hour day at the time!
A golden opportunity.
On January 5th, 1933, work started on building the momentous Golden Gate Bridge across the San Francisco Bay. Possibly the most famous bridge in the world, The Golden Gate Bridge spans the Golden Gate Strait and connects San Francisco to Marin County, California. It was completed in 1937, and at the time, it was the longest suspension bridge in the world with a main span of 1.7 miles!
You’re never too young for Country and Western!
In 2021, American singer Lil Nas X released a children's book called "C is for Country” on January 5th. The tome, published by Random House, is an alphabet book that introduces young readers to the world of country music.
Special Days Falling on January 5th
Missing having anything to celebrate? Don’t worry, January 5th has you covered - for example…
National Screenwriting Day
You probably know a few actors and directors by name, but how many screenwriters do you know? National Screenwriters Day was founded by ScreenwritingU.com, with the aim of acknowledging the exceptional talent behind the scripts produced throughout showbiz.
National Whipped Cream Day
What’s an ice cream sundae without a squirt of cream? National Whipped Cream day celebrates this cream addition to the dessert world on the birthday of Reddi-wip founder Aaron Lapin.
National Bird Day
Ornithologists love to really “crow” about January 5th! National Bird Day is the perfect occasion to do a bit of avian-spotting while you consider the issues faced by those trying to protect our little feathery friends. Have you ever looked outside to see how many different species live in your area? Give it a go!
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This page was last modified on July 29, 2023. Suggest an edit
This month in history
Ever thought about reducing your meat intake? Veganuary is a yearly campaign that encourages people to try a vegan diet for the first month of the year. The campaign aims to raise awareness about the benefits of a vegan diet, including improved health, reduced environmental impact, and animal welfare. The first Veganuary launched in 2014.
Famous Birthdays on January 5th
King C. Gillette, American inventor (disposable safety razor blades), born 1855
George Reeves, American actor, born 1914
Juan Carlos I, King of Spain, born 1938
Hayao Miyazaki, Japanese filmmaker and head of Studio Ghibli, born 1941
Diane Keaton, American actress, born 1946
If you were born on January 5th…
Born on January 5th? You’re a horny goat, or at least your astrological sign is! You are a Capricorn, which means that like all other Capricorns you are goal oriented! Dedicated and well organized, you haven’t met a target you can’t achieve.
Why not head over to our Capricorn facts page to learn a little bit more about your place in the Zodiac?
