| • Science | • People | • Locations | • Timeline |
The celebration of namesdays has been a tradition in Sweden since the Middle Ages. The namesdays originate in the list of holidays celebrated in commemoration of saints and martyrs of the Catholic Church. (The name Karl or Carl on January 28 was originally Carolus Magnus, the latin form of Charlemagne, and a commemoration of his death on this date). The church promoted celebration of namesdays (or rather saints days) over birthdays, as the latter was seen as a pagan tradition. During medieval times the namesdays were of little significance in the Nordic countries, except for the celebration of patron saints for various guilds.
A more widespread celebration of namesdays began in the 17th century, at first in the royal court and among aristocracy, but later among the general population. From the 18th century and onwards the list of namesdays was modified in Sweden and Finland, but not in other countries. Names used by the royal family were introduced to the list, followed by other common names. In 1901 a comprehensive modernization was made to make list up to date with current names. The monopoly on almanacs, held by the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences, expired in 19721972 is a leap year starting on Saturday (click link for calendar). Events January events January 2 the Pierre Hotel Heist Six men rob the safety deposit boxes of the Pierre Hotel in New York City. Loot is at least $4 million January 5 President of the Un and so did the official namesday list. Competing namesday lists began to emerge but the official list was still in general use until 19861986 is a common year starting on Wednesday. Events January January 1 Spain and Portugal enter the European Community January 1 Aruba gains increased autonomy from the Netherlands and is separated from the Netherlands Antilles. January 9 After losing a pa when consensus of a new list with three names on each day was reached. This list was revised in 19931993 is a common year starting on Friday and marked the Beginning of the International Decade to Combat Racism and Racial Discrimination (1993-2003 Events January January 1 Czechoslovakia divides. Establishment of independent Slovakia and Czech Republic. and reduced to two names on each day. However, widespread dissatisfaction with the list prompted the Swedish AcademyThe Swedish Academy or Svenska Akademien founded in 1786 by King Gustav III, is one of the Royal Academies of Sweden. Modelled after the Academie francaise, it has 18 members. The motto of the Academy is "Talent and Taste" Snille och Smak in Swedish). to compile a new two-name list which was finally accepted and brought into use in 20012001 is a common year starting on Monday (see link for calendar), and also: The International Year of the Volunteer The United Nations Year of Dialogue Among Civilizations Events January January 1 A black monolith measuring approximately nine feet tall ap. Although it does not have the official status of the 1901 or older lists, it is now universally used in Sweden.