Janus, the ancient Roman god, gives January its name and is symbolically associated with looking backward and forward at New Year.
Roman tradition portrayed Janus with two faces, allowing him to look in opposite directions. He was connected with beginnings, transitions, doorways, and passages, making him a natural symbol for the change from one year to the next. The Latin name for January, Ianuarius, derives from his name.
The modern January 1 New Year date has Roman roots, although calendars and New Year observances varied across ancient societies. January 1 became the start of the Roman consular year in 153 BCE, when newly elected consuls began their terms on that date.
Janus is often mistakenly described as the god of time itself. His strongest associations are thresholds and beginnings; the two faces represent transition and dual perspective rather than a general rule that he controls time.