In 46 B.C. Julius Caeser changed the calendar. Prior to that the year turned in the Spring when crops were planted. The new Roman Calendar featured what we now call January which is named after the Roman God called Janus.
It was believed that the spirit of Janus inhabited doorways and arches. We take those for granted nowadays, but think of what a marvel a doorway really is when you think about it. The God Janus had the unique ability to see into the past and into the future at the same time. Similar to entering into a passageway, when you are at the precipice you can see both the future (where you are going) and the past (where you have come from).
Roman’s had adopted a paractice similar to the ancient Babylonians in that they would make sacrifices to Janus and promise to good conduct in the upcoming year. It was felt that if your sacrafice was meaningful enough that Janus would aid you in your new year resolution.
You may choose to plan on partying all night long on December 31st, but you may also choose to join a nearly 4000 year old religious tradition of setting new year resolutions.
In my mind the commitment to keep a certain habit is the sacrafice. I commit to do the following everday for 365 days and in return I hope that….
Guy Reams (356)
365 Member
