Janus, a distinct figure in ancient Roman mythology, serves as the deity of doors and transitions. He symbolizes the pivotal moments between what was and what is yet to come, existing in the liminal space that signifies change. Ancient Romans recognized the necessity of divine beings for various aspects of life, including Poseidon overseeing the oceans, Venus embodying love, and Apollo associated with the sun. Among these deities, Janus, albeit lesser-known, held a significant role as the god governing transitions.
In Roman lore, Janus was the guardian not just of physical doorways but also of metaphorical ones that represent various dichotomies such as life and death, beginnings and endings, youth and maturity, as well as the contrasts between city life and the countryside, warfare and peace, and civilization versus barbarism. He was revered as a guide during key life events, supervising weddings, births, and funerals, as well as seasonal cycles like planting and harvesting.
Mythologically, Janus was present at the creation of the world, serving as the custodian of the gates of heaven, thereby controlling access to the divine realm. This reverence meant that Janus was typically the first god mentioned during Roman religious rites, receiving offerings before any other deity, with evidence of his worship tracing back to the era of Romulus, Rome’s legendary founder.
The connection between Janus and the month of January is noteworthy; named after him, January represents new beginnings as it is the first month of the year.
Why Two Faces?
Janus is uniquely visualized with two faces—one observing the past and the other gazing forward into the future. This duality highlights his association with transitional phases. Additionally, he is depicted holding a key in one hand, symbolizing his guardianship over doors and thresholds. In the context of travel in ancient Rome, the key also implied the existence of safe passage and trade.
The Janus Coin
Another significant aspect of Janus was his role in the realm of finance and the advent of currency. Roman mythology credits him with minting the first coins, leading his visage to appear on a variety of Roman currency, many of which are preserved in museums today and inspire modern jewelry designs.
Similar Figures in Greek Mythology
While many Roman gods have Greek counterparts, Janus stands alone without a direct equivalent in Greek mythology. However, a comparable figure exists in the character of Orthus, a two-faced dog, who similarly looks to both past and future. Despite this similarity, Orthus did not carry the same cultural weight in Greece as Janus did in Roman tradition.
Honoring Transitions Today
Even though the worship of Janus has waned, the essence of acknowledging transitions remains relevant. For instance, Jewish households often feature a mezuzah on their doorposts, embodying the command to inscribe divine words at their entrances. Christians might place a cross at their doorways, and Muslims partake in specific rituals when entering a mosque. Those without religious affiliations may opt for personal symbols or photographs outside their homes, reflecting positive sentiments meant to welcome visitors.
Transitions, such as seasonal changes, the onset of a new year, and significant life events—including birthdays and new jobs—serve as pathways between past experiences and future possibilities. Celebrating these moments can foster reflection on past journeys while aiding in future planning and goal setting.
While literal doors and transitions in life cannot be addressed by anyone without expertise in the field, maintaining customs surrounding them can help navigate changes both figurative and actual. In Chicago, support for practical matters involving door installations, locks, and keys remains available.
