National Jan Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

National Jan Day, observed on June 17, honours the prestigious European name Jan, which is used for both boys and females. Jan is a prominent first and middle name in Norway, Sweden, the Netherlands, and Germany. This name has been shared by numerous notable individuals, including politicians, scientists, musicians, and actors. ‘Jan’ is the anglicised form of the name ‘John’ and may also be used as the abbreviation for Janice or Janet. The versatility of the name is its greatest asset. Outside of Europe, the name appears in Afrikaans and Kazakh dialects, demonstrating its antiquity and prominence.

The background of National Jan Day

The Norwegian combatant Jan Baalsrud is a war hero and legendary figure from World War II. Baalsrud, who was born in modern-day Oslo in 1917, is renowned for having served in a Norwegian resistance unit, fought in Vestfold, and been convicted of espionage in Sweden. After swimming through ice-cold Arctic waters, evading capture by German soldiers for several weeks, and murdering a Gestapo officer, the British-trained commando solidified his reputation as a legend. Baalsrud died in 1988, but he remains a prominent figure in his native Norway. There is a street named after him in Troms, and his birthday is celebrated on July 25.

The Dutch guitarist Jan Akkerman is best known for being a member of the band Focus. Akkerman was born in Amsterdam to iron refuse merchants. Early musical prodigy, he studied music at the Amsterdam Music Lyceum for five years, honing his arranging and composition abilities. Akkerman joined his first band, Johnny and His Cellar Rockers, at the age of 14 and recorded his debut single in 1960. In the 1970s, he formed Focus with his associate Thijs Van Leer, producing progressive rock hits such as “Hocus Pocus” and “Sylvia.” Akkerman published “North Sea Jazz” as a solo album in 2013.

Janice Brewer, also known as Jan Brewer, served for seven years as the 22nd governor of Arizona. Brewer, born in California, studied radiological technology at the Glendale Community College in Arizona. From 1983 to 1996, Brewer served as a state senator and representative before being elected governor of Arizona in 2009. She implemented expansive tax reforms and economic initiatives during the Obama administration. Brewer left politics in 2015 after the conclusion of her tenure.

International Surfing Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Iceland Independence Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

Arborist Appreciation Day 2023: Date, History, Facts, Activities

NATIONAL JAN DAY ACTIVITIES

Explore Jans Baalsrud

The exploits of Baalsrud during World War II made him a folk hero in Norway. Read about his daring missions, miraculous escapes, and post-war endeavours.

Listen to Jan Akkerman

The music of Akkerman is described as extraordinarily gifted. Iron Maiden and Marillion are among the bands that have covered his compositions. Give them your attention on National January Day.

Explore the past of King Jan

King Jan Lucembursky, also known as John of Bohemia, was a legendary monarch who perished in battle at the age of 50 after ten years of blindness. Explore the life of Lucembursky and gain some knowledge of Czech history.

5 AMAZING FACTS ABOUT FAMOUS JANS

Prior to choosing the instrument, Akkerman played the accordion.

Baalsrud fought frostbite, malnutrition, and gangrene to survive World War II and return home as a hero.

Brewer’s ancestors were Norwegian immigrants, evidencing her Norwegian ancestry.

Howard, a country music singer, dabbled in poetry and published his autobiography.

Jan Huss, a Czech theologian, is credited with founding Hussitism, the forerunner of Protestant Christianity.

NATIONAL JAN DAY DATES