worldhistoryfacts:A head of Janus, dating to the Roman period. Janus, one of the few original Roman
worldhistoryfacts:A head of Janus, dating to the Roman period. Janus, one of the few original Roman gods (as opposed to the many they took from the Greeks), was a two-faced god, looking to the past and future. He was the god of transitions, beginnings, and endings. Ancient Romans celebrated January by making offerings to Janus (after whom the month was named) and exchanging gifts. Romans were expected to work at least a little on the first day of January, lest they create an unfavorable omen for the upcoming year.{WHF} {HTE} {Medium} -- source link