The Roman god, Janus was the god of beginnings and of endings and
one of the principal Roman gods and was the custodian of the Universe.
The first hour of the day and the first day of the month and the first month of the year were all sacred to him. The first month of the year, January was named after him. He was a guardian deity, guarding doors and gateways. The gates of his temple in the Roman Forum were closed in time of peace and opened in time of war. Janus was represented as a god with two bearded heads placed back to back so that he can look forwards and backwards at the same time. His principal festival was celebrated on the first day of the year – New Year’s Day, which of course we still celebrate.
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thank you Ian