January 21: Holidays, Historical Events, Famous Birthdays & Zodiac Sign

Quick Facts for January 21

• Zodiac sign: Aquarius
• Day of year: 21

About January 21

History often moves in sudden, transformative bursts, and January 21 is a testament to that. In 1954, the world of maritime warfare and exploration changed forever when the USS Nautilus, the premier nuclear-powered submarine, was launched in Connecticut. Decades later, the skies saw a similar revolution in 1976 when the iconic Concorde began its commercial journey, bridging continents with supersonic speed.

While technology reshapes the world, faith and social structures have also found turning points on this date. In 1525, the Swiss Anabaptist movement was born in a private home in Zürich, as several individuals chose to baptize one another, fundamentally challenging the traditional bond between church and state. Whether through the roar of a jet engine or the quiet conviction of a religious movement, this day has always been a catalyst for change.

Holidays & Observances on January 21

• Babinden (Bulgaria, Serbia)
• Errol Barrow Day (Barbados)
• Flag Day (Quebec)
• Grandmother's Day (Poland)
• Lady of Altagracia Day (Dominican Republic)
• Lincoln Alexander Day (Canada)
• National Hugging Day (United States)
• Squirrel Appreciation Day

Fun & National Days on January 21

• International Playdate Day — Schedule some time to play and connect with friends, no matter your age.
• International Sweatpants Day — Celebrate ultimate comfort by wearing your softest lounge gear all day long.
• Museum Selfie Day — Visit a local gallery and capture your best angle surrounded by great art.
• National Granola Bar Day — Grab a crunchy snack to power you through your busy afternoon.
• National Hyaluronic Acid Day
• National New England Clam Chowder Day
• One-Liners Day
• Own Your Own Home Day

On This Day in History

• 1525 — The Anabaptist movement was established in Zürich when several individuals performed baptisms on each other, challenging established church-state traditions.
• 1774 — The Ottoman Empire gained a new leader as Abdul Hamid I ascended to the roles of Sultan and Caliph.
• 1793 — Following a conviction for treason by the French National Convention, King Louis XVI was executed by guillotine.
• 1854 — Tragedy struck the RMS Tayleur during its maiden voyage from Liverpool to Australia when the ship sank near Lambay Island.
• 1919 — A new Irish parliament was established, declaring the independence of the Irish Republic amidst the start of a war.
• 1931 — Sir Isaac Isaacs took his place as the first person born in Australia to serve as the nation's Governor-General.
• 1951 — A devastating volcanic eruption of Mount Lamington in Papua New Guinea resulted in the loss of nearly 3,000 lives.
• 1954 — First Lady Mamie Eisenhower launched the USS Nautilus, the world's first nuclear-powered submarine, in Groton, Connecticut.
• 1960 — A rhesus monkey named Miss Sam successfully traveled into space aboard the Little Joe 1B Mercury spacecraft.
• 1976 — Supersonic travel became a commercial reality as the Concorde jet began its official service routes.

Famous Birthdays on January 21

• 1738 — Ethan Allen, The legendary American general and revolutionary leader was born on this day.
• 1869 — Grigori Rasputin, The controversial Russian mystic and influential advisor to the Romanov family was born.
• 1905 — Christian Dior, The iconic French fashion designer, who revolutionized women's clothing, was born.
• 1940 — Jack Nicklaus, The legendary American professional golfer and sports commentator was born.
• 1941 — Plácido Domingo, The world-renowned Spanish operatic tenor and conductor celebrated his birth.
• 1953 — Paul Allen, The visionary American businessman and Microsoft co-founder was born.
• 1956 — Geena Davis, The acclaimed American actress and producer was born.