Blue Monday (date) Blue Monday (date) Blue Monday is a name given to a day in January (typically the third Monday of the month) claimed to be the most depressing day of the year. The concept was first publicised as part of a 2005 press release from holiday company Sky Travel, which claimed to have calculated the date using an equation. It takes into account weather conditions and thus only applies to the Northern Hemisphere. The idea is considered pseudoscience, with its formula derided by scientists as nonsensical. This date was published in a press release under the name of Cliff Arnall, at
Handsel Monday between the giver and the recipient. The day is known in Scottish Gaelic as (drained Monday). The custom was also known as “handseling a purse”. A new purse would not be given to anyone without placing money in it for good luck. Money received during Handsel Monday is supposed to insure monetary luck all for the rest of the year. Handsel Monday In Scotland, the first Monday after New Year's Day was traditionally known as Hansel Monday, or Handsel Monday, and gifts () were given at this time. Among the rural population of Scotland, "Auld Hansel Monday", is traditionally celebrated