Resolutions: Janus comes around again

As published in MapleLine Magazine: Nov.4, 2009

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by Kim Restall

The celebration of New Year's and the resolutions that accompany that celebration have long been a part of civilization. The first resolutions date back to around 2,000 BC when the arrival of a new year was first celebrated in Babylon. In those days resolutions were most commonly made as promises to return borrowed items (such as farm equipment) to neighbours.

In 46 BC, Julius Caesar created the Julian calendar. He named the first month January after Janus, the mythical Roman King and God of Beginnings. Janus was said to have two faces, one to look toward the past and reflect on previous events, and one to look forward to the future. Inspired by Janus, ancient Romans often made resolutions to exchange gifts or ask forgiveness from their enemies from the previous year.

Today it is common to reflect on the past year and identify things to improve or change. The practice of making resolutions has gained popularity since ancient times, and stands out as one of the key modern traditions linked with a change in date. There is certainly a much broader variety of resolutions made, but in keeping with the ancient hopes for safety and good health, nowadays one of the most popular resolutions is fitness and weight loss. The modern twist is to strive for improved physical health as well as aiming to achieve an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

One of the most common rationales behind the fitness resolution is the emphasis on eating abundantly during the preceding festive holiday season. MM

Kim Restall is a writer with the MapleLine Journalism Program in Sooke, BC.

See an article about other year-end celebrations of light.

See a short Solstice feature 3 days before Christmas on page 24 of the print edition of MapleLine Magazine (Holiday 2009 issue / No.09-Jan.10).