nd February were introduced into the year by Numa Pompilius; Romulus's year beginning in the month of March.—The kalends, or first day of this month, was under the protection of Juno, and in a peculiar manner consecrated to Janus by an offering of a cake made of new meal and new salt, with new frankincense and new wine. On the first day of January a beginning was made of every intended work, the consuls elect took possession of their office, who, with the flamens, offered sacrifices and prayers for the prosperity of the empire. On this day all animosities were suspended, and friends gave and received new year's gifts, called Strengae. On this day too the Romans above all things took care to be merry and divert themselves, and oftentimes such a scene of drunkenness was exhibited, that they might with propriety enough have distinguished it with the name of All-fools day.

The Christians heretofore fasted on the first day of January, by way of opposition to the superstitions and debaucheries of the heathens.