Peanut Brittle Day
Peanut Brittle Day is celebrated on January 26th and honors the delicious, crunchy treat known as peanut brittle. This classic candy is made by combining sugar, corn syrup, and peanuts, which are then cooked to a hard crack stage and cooled to create the crisp texture. Often flavored with a little vanilla and sometimes baking soda, peanut brittle has been a popular snack for centuries.
Big Wig Day
Big Wig Day is celebrated on January 26th and is a day dedicated to wearing large, extravagant wigs, often in a humorous or historical context. The tradition of wearing big wigs dates back centuries, especially during the 17th and 18th centuries, when wigs were a sign of status, fashion, and wealth in Europe, particularly in France and England. The day is an opportunity to embrace this over-the-top fashion trend in a fun, playful way.
Historical Events on January 26
1788 – Australia Day: The First Fleet Arrives
The First Fleet, led by Captain Arthur Phillip, landed at Port Jackson, New South Wales, marking the foundation of Sydney and the beginning of British colonization in Australia.
January 26 is now celebrated as Australia Day, though it is also a day of reflection for Indigenous Australians, as it marks the beginning of European settlement and its impact on Indigenous communities.
1837 – Michigan Becomes the 26th U.S. State
The state of Michigan was officially admitted to the United States as the 26th state.
1926 – First Demonstration of Television by John Logie Baird
Scottish engineer John Logie Baird demonstrated the first working television system in London.
His invention paved the way for modern television broadcasting.
1934 – Germany and Poland Sign a Non-Aggression Pact
The German-Polish Non-Aggression Pact was signed, an agreement between Nazi Germany and Poland to avoid conflict for ten years. However, it was broken in 1939 when Germany invaded Poland, triggering World War II.
1950 – India Becomes a Republic (Republic Day of India)
India officially adopted its Constitution, replacing the Government of India Act (1935) and becoming a sovereign democratic republic.
January 26 is now celebrated annually as Republic Day in India.
1965 – Hindi Declared an Official Language of India
The Hindi language was officially declared the national language of India alongside English.
1980 – Israel and Egypt Establish Diplomatic Relations
Following the Camp David Accords, Egypt became the first Arab nation to establish diplomatic relations with Israel, a major step in Middle Eastern peace efforts.
1986 – The Ugandan Bush War Ends
The National Resistance Army (NRA), led by Yoweri Museveni, took control of Kampala, leading to the end of the Ugandan Bush War and the beginning of Museveni’s long rule.
2020 – First COVID-19 Case Confirmed in Canada
Canada reported its first confirmed case of COVID-19, marking the beginning of the pandemic in the country.
Notable Birthdays
Douglas MacArthur (1880-1964) – American five-star general and World War II hero.
Paul Newman (1925-2008) – American actor and philanthropist.
Angela Davis (1944-present) – American political activist and scholar.
Ellen DeGeneres (1958-present) – American comedian and talk show host.
Wayne Gretzky (1961-present) – Canadian ice hockey legend.
Notable Deaths
Edward Jenner (1823) – English scientist, developed the first smallpox vaccine.
Nicolae Ceaușescu (1918-1989) – Former dictator of Romania.
Kobe Bryant (2020) – NBA legend, tragically passed in a helicopter crash.
