The Roman God Janus

These are five things you need to know about

The Ancient Roman God Janus

 Number 1 – Who is this god?

First off, Janus is the Ancient Roman God of Doors, Gate, Entrances, and Transitions. For the most part, he is considered an ancient roman exclusive god with many stories and legends describing Janus as one of the Primordial gods of beginnings. Therefore, he is the child of no god and even hosted Saturn (Greek Cronus) once Jupiter (Greek Zeus) overthrew him. 

Though there are certain similarities between him with his two faces and the three faces of the triple goddess, Hecate. However, the differences out way the similarities especially when we consider that Janus is more a symbolic god of both physical and abstract concepts that come in 2s whereas Hecate being a goddess of the crossroads represents three the many choices or multiple paths when it comes to one’s decisions and of course the phases of the moon. In this sense, she shares more similarities with other goddesses considered triple goddesses from other traditions.

Janus’ representations come not from multiple choices of a crossroads but from Duality. He is a divine Roman god of temporal beginnings and all thresholds that allow one to cross from one moment and place to another. 

Number 2 – Duality

           Think of Janus as the Yin and Yang of the Roman Mythological world. Obviously, the comparison should not be made, and yin and yang are completely different and part of a separate belief system, but if you are a beginner think of Janus as the one holding 2 dual pieces of puzzles or concepts that usually go together.

           To quote Luke and Monica Roman from their Encyclopedia of Greek and Roman Mythology, “In Latin, ianua is a door or entrance, and ianus is the term for a passageway or arch.” It is easy to see where the name Janus comes from. Janus was not only the symbol of but also the very embodiment of doors, gates, passageways, entrances, and all changes. Especially changes that happen from one event or moment to another.  

           This duality of Janus is present in grand moments that shape us and the world around us such as Life and Death, Beginnings and Endings, Entrances and Exits, this is why doors and gates, and all transitional items are such a crucial part of him and the honoring of his name. He even represents more abstract dual manifestations like Youth and Adulthood, the civilized and the uncivilized world, and of course War and Peace.

           In Ancient Rome his temples could be found in all the major cities. Even in the capital, the entrance to his temple was so symbolic and such a powerful statement, that at times of peace it would be closed, whereas wartime would see the gates open. It was considered a time of great change. One could also see how many politicians would be able to lie to the public using these symbolic entrances to the temple. 

Number 3 – The Two Faces

           Also known as the gatekeeper of the Heavens, Janus’s appearance is pretty unique amongst the Roman Pantheon. He is probably one of the more recognizable gods in Greco-Roman mythology because of the two faces in his head facing opposing directions. What does this mean? These are his dualities come to life. Sometimes these heads can be identical as well as different, but always facing opposite directions. 

Sometimes the faces are clearer on what they mean. Janus’ face can be an old man and a young man, and in this case, he represents the past and the future as well as youth and adulthood. He is always looking at the east and west or the north and south at the same time. He is looking beyond what lies ahead but also deep in melancholy at what has already passed.

           I am not sure what the ear situation is with this deity, though. He could have either a single ear on each end (two ears) like mortal men, but sometimes the representation shows the faces being too far apart with no real explanation for the ears. I mention this because many artists and sculptors would often get around this dilemma by covering Janus in facial hair thus eliminating any odd ear appearances.

Number 4 – Symbols

           His two most notable symbols are keys and coins. With so many attributes relating to time like past and future, one would think that the hourglass is also a symbol of his, but in this case, the hourglass is more reserved for gods who represent time as a whole concept like Chronos (Father Time). However, it is curious that Janus has also been referred to as father, with some accounts naming him Janus Pater (Father Janus).

           The key for Janus represents the opening of this new door, of this new gate. To open and allow change to come. In ancient Rome, the key was also a good luck charm (in a way) that represented good travels and good fortune on a new venture or enterprise.

           The coin not only has two faces just like the go but also represents a dualistic choice. Have you ever flipped a coin to determine an action? In Roman mythology, Janus was the first of mortal men and divine gods to ever mint coins and it is through coins that we humans transitioned from the more uncivilized world to the grand civilizations we have today 

Number 5 – Honoring Janus

           Janus represents big transitional moments in the world such as crossing between an old year to a new one. Again, it is Chronos who is usually represented as father time, however, it is January the first month of the year which is named after Janus. He is the first one we greet at coming into the new year. 

           He should be honored and recognized in transitional moments in life and time. A birthday, where one crosses from an older year to a new one. A marriage, moving to a new country, moving to a new house, starting a new job, beginning a new enterprise, even the birth and death are considered transitional moments for the people around. Even more mundane or minute transitions represent Janus’ presence for those who believed in him, a New Year, as mentioned before, a new month, a new week, even a new day.

           Another symbol or an animal associated with Janus is the rooster, any guesses why? Exactly, Roosters herald a new day into the world. 

           If you want to see Janus being honored, check out HBO’s Rome where Lucius Vorenus is beginning a new enterprise after arriving home from years of military campaigns. I don’t want to spoil much but check out the characters’ reactions towards the figure of Janus and how they immediately interpret it as a prediction for what’s to come. It’s episode 2 if I am not mistaken.

Conclusion

All in all, Janus is not only one of Roman mythology’s most recognizable deities, but he also represents those big inevitable moments. These were moments that all Romans were well aware of the importance they have in our lives. Think of our modern culture and how those celebrations are so important for all of us. Our friend is getting married, let’s throw her or him a party to remember the old times and say goodbye to a period in their lives. Think about how marriage is a celebration; how death is seen by many as a moment to pay their respects and understand that a new era has begun; it is even considered good luck to bring a housewarming gift for a new home. 

           Let’s all remember to appreciate and understand that even the smallest of transitions deserve recognition and for the Romans, and maybe for us, Janus is there overseeing this.

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These videos and blog posts are really about teaching or helping beginners with mythology or just enthusiast who want to refresh their memories or maybe learn something new. I know I do not go super deep into what these gods are all about, trust me, there is so much more to them. However, I do not want to overwhelm my readers with unnecessary or repetitive information.