January 1 is often marked by a mixture of reflection and anticipation—pondering choices made during the previous night’s celebrations while simultaneously embracing aspirations for the year to come, like renewing fitness goals or organizing financial documents. This common practice of evaluation and hope aligns well with the essence of January, a month named for Janus, the Roman deity who embodies transitions and new beginnings.
The Guardian of New Horizons
In the realm of Roman mythology, Janus was regarded as the monarch of Latium, a central Italian region, with his royal residence perched upon the Janiculum hill, beside the River Tiber. According to the Roman scholar Macrobius, Janus earned divine status due to his deep religious commitment, serving as a model of piety for his subjects.
Janus was revered as a quintessentially Roman figure, distinct from the deities of Greek origin. He presided over all forms of change—commencements and closures, arrivals and departures, and various thresholds. The very name Janus (Ianus in Latin, as the letter ‘j’ did not exist at the time) is intrinsically linked to ‘ianua,’ the Latin term for door. Janus was recognized as the doorkeeper of the heavens.
The representation of Janus featured a bearded god with two faces, enabling him to simultaneously gaze into the past and the future, as well as into the interior and exterior settings, without needing to rotate. In his right hand, he wielded a staff to guide travelers correctly, while his left held a key to unlock gates.
The Duality of Conflict and Harmony
Janus is also famously tied to the notion of transition between war and peace. Numa, the legendary second monarch of Rome, known for his religious devotion, is attributed with establishing a shrine to Janus Geminus (“two-fold”) in the Roman Forum, near the Senate. This location was significant as it was where Janus purportedly released a spring of hot water to deter a Sabine assault on Rome.
The shrine itself was a structured space defined by two arched gates at opposite ends, connected by walls to create a passage. In its center stood a bronze statue of Janus, with one face turned towards each gate. Historian Livy describes Numa’s intention for the shrine as being a symbol of peace and war—opening when the nation was mobilized for conflict and closing when hostilities ceased.
Under Numa’s reign, it is said the gates remained closed for a remarkable 43 years, though this was an exception rather than the rule. The first emperor Augustus claimed to have secured the gates shut on three occasions, and later, Nero celebrated a peace treaty with Parthia, issuing coins that depicted the gates of Janus firmly closed.
Welcoming the New Year
It is believed that Numa also incorporated the month of January into the Roman calendar. The tie between Janus and the passing of time was further solidified by the erection of twelve altars—one for each month—in his temple located in the Forum Holitorium (the vegetable market). The poet Martial aptly referred to Janus as “the progenitor and father of the years.”
From 153 BC onward, the Roman consuls took office on January 1, which was known as the Kalends. These new leaders would offer prayers to Janus, and priests would present a mixture of spelt and salt along with a traditional barley cake called the ianual. It was customary for Romans to give festive gifts of dates, figs, and honey to friends, hoping the upcoming year would be abundant with sweetness, complemented by coins symbolizing expected prosperity.
Janus played a vital role in all public sacrifices in Rome, being the first deity to receive incense and wine before the offerings were extended to others, including Jupiter. As the guardian to the heavens, he served as the conduit to reach the other gods. In Cato the Elder’s work On Agriculture, rituals include offerings to Janus, Jupiter, and Juno as essential components of pre-harvest sacrifices aimed at securing a fruitful yield.
So, if you find yourself pondering the past and future this January 1, consider embracing a traditional Roman celebration. Pack some treats to enjoy, take your keys, and metaphorically close the door on the previous year.
