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"January
was also called from Janus, and precedence given to it by Numa before
March, which was dedicated to the god Mars; because, as I conceive, he
wished to take every opportunity of intimating that the arts and studies
of peace are to be preferred before those of war. For this Janus,
(whether in remote antiquity he were a demigod or a king,) was certainly
a great lover of civil and social unity and one who reclaimed men from
brutal and savage living; for which reason they figure him with two
faces, to represent the two states and conditions out of the one of
which he brought mankind, to lead them into the other."
January's stillness in winter's cold weather as well as Plutarch's
writings describing the doorkeeper of heaven and the god of beginnings
and endings, Janus, for whom the month is named after, are the
inspirations for this musical portrait. His blessing was asked at the
beginning of every day, month, and year, and the first month of the
year, January (Latin, Januarius), was named for him. Janus was
represented in art with two faces, looking in opposite directions,
symbolizing his knowledge of the past and the future. A musical
palindrome seemed an obvious way to portray his dual nature. |