Tuesday Fun Facts!

What makes a firefly glow?.....

Fireflies light up to attract a mate. To do this, the fireflies contain specialized cells in their abdomen that make light. The cells contain a chemical called luciferin and make an enzyme called luciferase. To make light, the luciferin combines with oxygen to form an inactive molecule called oxyluciferin.

Source: http://animals.howstuffworks.com/insects/question554.htm

Which month was named after the god of beginnings and endings?

January: Later, Pompilius added another month to the beginning of the year and named it January after Janus, the God of beginnings and endings. In 1582, Pope Gregory adjusted the calendar, so most western nations began celebrating the start of the year on January 1.

Source: http://wonderopolis.org/wonder/how-did-the-months-of-the-year-get-their-names/

How many Christmas presents are in the 12 days?

The answer is not 78 but 364, almost one for every day of the year. On day one, the character in the song gets a single present (a partridge in a pear tree). But on day two, the beneficiary receives a new present (a pair of turtle doves) plus another partridge in a pear tree.

Source: http://resources.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/customs/Xmas/twelvedayssong.html