“The name, given to the month of ‘January’, is derived from the ancient Roman name ‘Janus’ who presided over the gate to the new year. He was revered as the ‘God of Gateways’, ‘of Doorways’ and ‘of the Journey.’ Janus protected the ‘Gate of Heaven’, known as the ‘Lord of Beginnings’, is associated with the ‘Goddess Juno-Janus’, and often symbolized by an image of a face that looks forwards and backwards at the same time. This symbolism can easily be associated with the month known by many as the start of a new year which brings new opportunities. We cast out the old and welcome in the new. It is the time when many reflect on events of the previous year and often resolve to redress or improve some aspect of daily life or personal philosophy.”
- Mysitcal World Wide Web
Oftentimes, New Year's Resolutions are expressed in a affirmative manner indicating what actions will be done on a regular basis in the New Year, e.g., I will walk 3.5 miles four days each week in 2011. This is akin to opening the door to new ways of being. In addition, we can also express our resolutions in a negative manner indicating what actions will no longer be done, e.g., I will not smoke at any time in 2011. This is akin to closing the door on old ways of being.
"New Year ceremonies are designed to get rid of the past and to welcome the future. January is named after the Etruscan word
janua which means door."
- New Year's Customs
January: Quotes, Poems, Lore, Sayings, Garden Chores
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