JANUS, in heathen worship, the first king of Italy, who, it is said, received Saturn into his dominions, after his being driven from Arcadia by Jupiter. He tempered the manners of his subjects, and taught them civility; and from him they learned to improve the vine, to sow corn, and to make bread. After his death, he was adored as a god. Romulus caused a temple to be erected to him, the gates of which were open in time of war, and shut in time of peace. This temple was shut up, for the first time, in the reign of Numa; the second, after the first Punic war; and thrice under Augustus. Nero, Vespasian, and several others, observed the same ceremony; but we do not find that it was observed by the Christian emperors.
This deity was thought to preside over all new undertakings. Hence, in all sacrifices, the first libations of wine and wheat were offered to Janus, and all prayers prefaced with a short address to him. January, the first month of the year was dedicated to and named from him. At this festival, the Romans offered cakes of new meal and salt, with new wine and frankincense. Then the consuls for the new year solemnly entered on their office, all artificers and tradesmen began their works, quarrels were laid aside, mutual presents were made, and the day concluded with mirth and joy.
Janus was represented with two faces, either to denote his prudence, or that he views at once the past
Japan. and approaching years; he had a sceptre in his right hand, and a key in his left, to signify his extensive authority, and his invention of locks.
Tho' this is properly a Roman deity, the abbé la Pluche represents it as derived from the Egyptians, who made known the rising of the dog-star, which opened their solar year, with an image with a key in its hand, and two faces, one old and the other young, to signify the old and new year.