JANUARY, in chronology, the first month of the year, so called from Janus, one of the ancient Roman deities, painted with two faces; one whereof was supposed to look towards the new year, and the other towards the old.—January was introduced into the year by Numa Pompilius; Romulus's year beginning in the month of March. The Christians heretofore fasted on the first of January, by way of opposition to the superstition of the heathens; who, in honour of Janus, observed this day with feasting, dancings, masquerades, &c.