Janus
/ˈdʒeɪ.nəs/noun
The Roman god of beginnings, gates, transitions, time, duality, and endings.
Did you know?Janus was often depicted with two faces, symbolizing the ability to look both into the past and the future, embodying the concept of transitions in life.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Italic
PI
*janus
“A deity representing the concept of passage or doorway.”
Old Latin
OL
Janus
“God of doorways and beginnings; protector of gates.”
Classical Latin
Latin
Janus
“Deity associated with transitions and duality.”
1st Century BCE
Latin
Janus
“Worshiped at the beginning of the year, symbolizing new starts.”
Modern English
English
Janus
“Retained as the name of the deity, representing duality in various contexts.”