JANUARY, the opening month of the year, was introduced into the calendar by Numa, and by him consecrated to Janus, from whom it received its name. As the god Janus had two faces looking in opposite directions, so January, as the first month of the year, looked back upon the past and forward upon the future. The consecration of the month took place by an offering of meal, salt, frankincense, and wine, each of which was new. On the first of this month all enmities were suspended, presents were exchanged, consuls installed, &c. See CALENDAR.