January (Myth)

January (Myth) 

January is named for Janus, the Roman god of new beginnings, transitions, and doorways. 

The month of January is named for Janus (Ianuarius).

Janus God of new beginnings and Guardian of gateways. 

round 713 BC, the semi-mythical successor of Romulus, King Numa Pompilius, is supposed to have added the months of January and February. 

There were 22 major gods, and Janus was one of them. His name Janus is derived from the Latin “ianua” meaning “doorway” or “gate.” Because of his symbolic connection to change, the month of January, the beginning month of the calendar year, was named for him.