The Month of January: Named after a Roman Deity

The month of January is named after Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and endings, doorways, and transitions. According to tradition, during his reign, King Numa revised the Roman republican calendar so that January replaced March as the first month. Numa Pompilius was the second king of Rome. He is credited with establishing a number of notable institutions, including the temple of Janus for the Roman god of beginnings.  January was named after their Roman god, Janus.  March celebrated Mars, the god of war so the month was changed from March being the first month to January being the first month. This association with the Roman god Janus may be for several reasons:

• Janus was often depicted with two faces: one looking back at the past and one looking forward to the future. This symbolism perfectly aligns with January's position as the first month of the year, marking both the end of the previous year and the beginning of a new one.
• Janus was the protector of gates and doorways, symbolizing new beginnings and fresh starts. January, as the first month, carries a similar energy of new opportunities and resolutions.
• The Roman festival of Januaria was held in January, dedicated to honoring Janus and celebrating new beginnings. This further emphasizes the connection between the month and the god.

Rome’s temple of Janus was a place of great symbolic significance. One story attached to the deity, who was invoked when war was declared and peace was made, takes place in the early days of Rome, after the Romans had abducted the Sabine women as their wives. The Sabine men fought back. As Philip Matyszak, (author of many bestselling books on classical civilization), relates: ‘The Romans were pushed back to the city gate and closed it as they retreated. However, the gates mysteriously reopened and the Sabines came storming in, only to be swept away by a boiling spring which spontaneously erupted from the temple of Janus.

‘From there onward it was decreed that when Rome was at war the gates of the “temple” (which was more of an arched passageway) should stand open so that the god could more easily exit to help his people. In times of peace the gates were closed, which might have required the liberal use of oil, since during the long history of the Roman Republic the gates were only closed twice.’

Roman worship of Janus involved a variety of practices and rituals, reflecting his diverse roles and domains. Here's a glimpse into how the Romans honored this god:

Formal Ceremonies:

• Januaria: This festival held in January was dedicated to Janus, featuring sacrifices, prayers, and processions. It marked the new year and celebrated new beginnings.
• Public Sacrifices: Before any major sacrifice to another deity, Romans would first offer prayers and libations to Janus, acknowledging his role as the opener of paths.
• Rex Sacrorum Rituals: The "King of Sacrifices" performed special rituals for Janus on the 9th of January, offering a ram and invoking his blessings for the year ahead.

• Prayers and Offerings: Individuals might offer personal prayers and gifts to Janus at his shrines or near doorways,seeking his support in new ventures, journeys, or life transitions.
• Omens and Divination: Due to his association with beginnings and change, Janus was a key figure in Roman divination practices. Priests consulted his oracles and interpreted signs related to him to forecast future events.
• Temples and Shrines: The most famous shrine was the Temple of Janus Geminus, a small building with two opposing doors located in the Forum Romanum. These doors symbolized war and peace, and their opening or closing marked significant events in the Roman state. Other, smaller shrines and altars dedicated to Janus dotted the city.

• Keys: As the keeper of gates and doorways, Janus was often associated with keys. Romans might wear miniature keys as amulets or offer symbolic key-shaped objects to seek his protection and blessings.
• New Year's Traditions: While not directly linked to Janus worship, Roman New Year's customs like gift-giving,resolutions, and festive celebrations echoed themes of new beginnings and change, resonating with his domain.

It's important to note that Roman rituals and customs evolved over time, and practices surrounding Janus might have varied during different periods. Romans sought his guidance in transitions, and acknowledged his power over doorways and change remained consistent throughout Roman history.

By the way,  the early Roman calendar started in March, with March being named after Mars, the god of war. January and February were later added by King Numa Pompilius around 700 BC.

 January's name is a reminder of the ancient Roman god Janus and the Roman symbolisms. Source: Google Bard and Britannica.com