Janus - Who Is Janus

Profile of Janus Two-faced Janus (Ianus), presumed to be native to Italy, is the god of beginnings/endings. Its after Janus that the first month of the year, Januarius January, is named. The kalends (the 1st) of each month may have been dedicated to him. Janus Basics Janus was usually the first of the gods to receive offerings. Consuls entered office on the Kalends of his month -- January. Janus and the Salian Priests Holding sacred shields, Salian priests sang a hymn to Janus. This hymn includes lines that have been translated as: Come forth with the cuckoo [in March] Truly all things dost thou make open.Thou art Janus Curiatius, the good creator art thou.Good Janus is coming, the chief of the superior rulers.- The Salian Hymn to Janus Rabun Taylor (citation below) eloquently describes the lack of a coherent story about Janus: Janus, like so many ancient gods who lacked the grace of a story, was a messy concrescence of scraps fallen from the table of memory. His incoherence was the cause of some puzzlement in the Roman Imperial era, and so he was periodically subjected to reassessments by master yarn-spinners like Ovid or by cosmologists and philosophers seeking to find profound symbolism in his duality. A Transitional God: War, Peace, Crossings Janus was not only a god of beginnings and transitions, but was also associated with war/peace since the doors of his shrine were opened except in times of peace. He may have been a god of stream crossings. Ovid on the Myth of Janus Ovid, the Augustan Age teller of mythological tales, provides a story about the early benefits conferred by Janus. [227] I have learned much indeed; but why is the figure of a ship stamped on one side of the copper coin, and a two-headed figure on the other? Under the double image, said he, you might have recognized myself, if the long lapse of time had not worn the type away. Now for the reason of the ship. In a ship the sickle-bearing god came to the Tuscan river after wandering over the world. I remember how Saturn was received in this land: he had been driven by Jupiter from the celestial realms. From that time the folk long retained the name of Saturnian, and the country, too, was called Latium from the hiding (latente) of the god. But a pious posterity inscribed a ship on the copper money to commemorate the coming of the stranger god. Myself inhabited the ground whose left side is lapped by sandy Tibers glassy wave. Here, where now is Rome, green forest stood unfilled, and all this mighty region was but pasture for a few kine. My castle was the hill which the present age is accustomed to ca ll by my name and dub Janiculum. I reigned in days when earth could bear with gods, and divinities moved freely in the abodes of men. The sin of mortals had not yet put Justice to flight (she was the last of the celestials to forsake the earth): honours self, not fear, ruled the people without appeal to force: toil there was none to expound the right to righteous men. I had naught to do with war: guardian was I of peace and doorways, and these, quoth he, showing the key, these be the arms I bear.Ovid Fasti 1 The First of the Gods Janus was also an augur and mediator, perhaps the reason he is named first among the gods in prayers. Taylor says Janus, as the founder of sacrifice and divination, since he can see the past and the future through his two faces, is the worlds first priest. Janus for Luck It was Roman tradition at the New Year to give the god honey, cakes, incense and wine to buy favorable signs and a guarantee of good luck. Gold brought better results than baser coins. Then I asked, Why, Janus, when I placate other gods, do I bring incense and wine to you first? So that you may gain entry to whatsoever gods you wish, he replied, through me, who guard the threshold. But why are glad words spoken on your Kalends? And why do we give and receive best wishes? Then the god, leaning on the staff in his right hand, said, Omens are wont to reside in beginnings. You train your anxious ears on the first call, and the augur interprets the first bird he sees. The temples and ears of gods are open, no tongue intones wasted prayers, and words have weight. Janus had finished. I was not silent for long, but tagged his final words with words of my own. What do your dates and wrinkled figs mean, or the gift of honey in a snow-white jar? The omen is the reason, said he - so that the sweetness replicates events, and so that the year should be sweet, following the course of its beginnings.Translation of Ovid Fast. 1.17 1-188 from Taylors article) Read more about Janus. References: The Salii and Campaigning in March and OctoberJ. P. V. D. BalsdonThe Classical Review, New Series, Vol. 16, No. 2 (Jun., 1966), pp. 146-147The Salian Hymn to JanusGeorge HemplTAPhA, Vol. 31, (1900), pp. 182-188Janus Custos BelliJohn BridgeThe Classical Journal, Vol. 23, No. 8 (May, 1928), pp. 610-614Problems about JanusRonald SymeThe American Journal of Philology, Vol. 100, No.The Shrine of Janus Geminus in RomeValentine MüllerAmerican Journal of Archaeology, Vol. 47, No. 4 (Oct. - Dec., 1943), pp. 437-440Watching the Skies: Janus, Auspication, and the Shrine in the Roman ForumRabun TaylorMemoirs of the American Academy in Rome, Vol. 45 (2000), pp. 1-40

Analysis Of The Poem The Sea - 729 Words

The Ocean ‘’Come in Ally,’’ Kevin says. I shake my head without a moment s hesitation. I do not want to go in the ocean. My mind is racing through all of the different animals that are in that ocean, just waiting for me. What if I get stung? What if a crab pinches me? What if I get eaten? There are so many really big animals in there that could swallow me in one bite! Then I close my eyes and focus on my breathing. Take a deep breath in and let it out. Smell the roses and blow out the candles. I breath in the crisp summer air and decide I am ready to open my eyes again. When I do, I become aware of every wave, ripple, and sparkle reflecting off the water. My eyes follow my family as they are thrown with every wave that†¦show more content†¦I can’t go in the water. I can’t. My breathing is so fast that I fear I might pass out. It feels like an eternity, but it has only been a few seconds. We get so far out that the water is up to Kevin’s waist and my feet start to touch the water. Kevin tries to let me go, but I will not let go. I can’t. Unexpectedly he goes underwater with him still carrying me. The shock of the water takes me by surprise and I let go. My feet hit the sand and I let out a gasp. Even though the sand is warm and soft I do not want to be touching it. I push myself up out of the water and as soon as I get up, a huge wave pushes my back underwater and I am thrown into the sand. It is soft, yet it still hurt. I push myself to stay in. This isn’t so bad. Another wave comes and it pulls me under again and a rock is being pushed into my knee. The rock drags across my leg drawing blood. I get out of the ocean and look at my leg. It doesn’t look too bad but it definitely left a mark. My breathing slows down as I close my eyes. When I calm down I realize that my mouth is turned upwards at the corners. Am I smiling? Then I realize that was the most fun I have had in awhile. Sure I got hurt a little, but I am not eaten, stung, or pinched. I thought that my thoughts would never change. Until now. This time when Kevin calls me I go in without a moment s hesitation. I can doShow MoreRelatedAt Sea - Poem Analysis1343 Words   |  6 Pagesï » ¿At Sea - Simon Armitage The Title to this poem At Sea is a neutral title and doesn t give away a lot of the meaning to the poem. It doesn t necessarily commit to anything specific; it s just a statement. This is just like the poem. Armitage hasn t completely stated what the poem is about, there is nothing to say that it is definitely describing someone/something At Sea . However, there are small links that suggest the Sea is being used metaphorically. I think that the summary ofRead MoreAnalysis Of The Poem The Sea Of Lavender 1506 Words   |  7 Pagesthe first effect. As a college student, maybe I’m not so paying attention to the global news, and my words are not so professional or correct, but I know that with the global warming, more and more glacier and ice layer will melt. 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Pro Assisted Suicide Essay Example For Students

Pro Assisted Suicide Essay Assisted SuicideNo matter where you are, it seems that life and death are never quite black and white. Death is a very controversial event that most people have no control over. Now when you add in key words like assisted suicide or euthanasia, it only gets grayer. Assisted suicide is legal in only one U.S. State; perhaps this is because Americans are more concerned with the longevity of life rather than the quality of life.In the state of Oregon it is perfectly legal to ask your physician to help you end your life. Surprisingly, it is the only state in the United States of America where it is legal. One writer had this to say about the new law, A new professional and moral era in medicine began in Oregon in 1998- the state entered a brave new world in which physicians assume responsibility for hastening the death of their terminally ill patients, and patients determine the timing, circumstances and means of their death (Campbell 498). In Oregon you can ask your physician to help you end your life, but what if you dont live in Oregon? Outside of Oregon, the terminally ill do not have many rights concerning their death. They can choose to continue treatment, which, for many means to merely prolong death and make it more painful (Now The Hard Part 89). Thats the alternative, pain for those who are terminally ill. For people whose lives are prolonged, not by choice, the loss of dignity and control must contribute immensely to their suffering (McMurran 16). Pain, loss of dignity, prolonging the inevitable, thats what is offered to those outside of Oregon. The government, of course, does not want anyone to suffer, so they passed this act, the Pain Relief Act of 1999, which entailed two major points. Its purpose being, to hinder physician assisted suicide by prohibiting the use of controlled substances, and to push forward with palliative-care research and education (Callahan 7). If we had more palliative-care in this country, then the need and want for assisted suicide would be diminished, and terminally ill patients would be able to live comfortably.

Princeton free essay sample

By any means, he wasn’t a typical family member, teammate, or friend. He was over 6 feet tall and weighed over 1000 pounds. He was black, white, and brown. He never even said a word to me, but I was closer to him than I am to some people that I have talked to for hours. We just understood each other. I still can see in my mind the cool breeze blowing through his dark black mane. I can hear the sound of his feet drifting across the ground. I remember the way a friendly whinny or a soft nuzzle could always make my day better even if all I wanted to do was cry. During the past year, I experienced a setback concerning my horse, Princeton. I came to know Princeton when, as a result of my development as a rider, it became appropriate for me to advance to a horse that was capable of jumping higher then my current horse. We will write a custom essay sample on Princeton or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page After riding and trying a variety of horses over several weeks, I was beginning to become discouraged that I couldn’t find a new teammate. Then I met Princeton. I knew as soon as I saw him walking down the aisle that he was the horse for me. He was gorgeous, and as soon as I looked into his nervous eyes I felt attached to him. He needed someone just like I needed him. We decided to make Princeton part of our family. Some of my happiest hours were spent with Princeton just sitting on a fence while I watched him eat grass. I wouldn’t trade anything for the moments I was lucky enough to spend with this horse. I spent most of my time taking care of this gentle giant. I rode Princeton daily for 3 years, and in at least 24 horse shows. We came to know and respect each other, and slowly I gained his trust and the nervous look in his eye went away. Princeton wasn’t just a horse to me, he became my friend and my teammate. Together we were successful in almost every horse show. At the end of 2006 horse show season, we won the Novice Hunter division, and during the 2007 season we won the Open Hunter division for the Northern Illinois Hunter Jumper Association. Princeton didn’t just help my skills as a rider improve, he helped me become more responsible. However, things have a way of changing. In October 2007, it became apparent to me and my riding instructor, that Princeton wasn’t capable of developing as necessary to keep up with the improvement of my riding skills. This was really hard for me to soak in. I considered the alternatives, but no option seemed right. They included: continue riding Princeton , lease him out to other riders, or sell him. My heart felt like it was breaking when I realized it was time to sell this horse that I had grown so close to. As soon as I thought this difficult matter could not get worse, it did. Shortly after Princeton was placed with a horse trainer to be evaluated then sold, Princeton was seriously injured, and multiple veterinarians ultimately concluded that he would never be able to jump again. I was hurt, furious, and disappointed. I felt guilty that I had decided to sell this horse that had learned to trust me, and as soon as he left my world he got hurt. Once more, none of my options seemed right. They were: lease Princeton out to beginner riders, find someone who would adopt him and provide a good retirement home for him, or turn him over to the equine insurance agency and let the insurance company determine my friend’s fate. Following much research and many phone calls, it was discovered that the economics of retiring Princeton to beginner riders would not work, and no retirement barns in the area were nice enough for me to retire my teammate in. The only alternative that appeared to mak e sense was to turn Princeton over to the equine insurance agency, and pray they would find him a good home. Fortunately, the local insurance agent agreed to find a retirement home for Princeton, so even though he was turned over to the equine insurance company, my family and I were ensured that he would not be euthanized. Today, Princeton is retired on a farm in Indiana. He lives a horse’s dream. He goes outside all day and gets to eat grass. A girl comes and takes care of him every day just like I used to. The set back was resolved by considering all of my options: ethical, emotional, practical, and economic. Even though, the wrong decision was made the first time, I still had to follow my gut and try to give my companion the best option he could get since he had no say in the matter. The outcome confirmed for me that there are difficult decisions to be made in life, many times with no happy ending. Also, responsible decision making is possible when all available information is considered, even in difficult emotional situations. I learned that it really is true that, â€Å"sometimes the hardest thing and the right thing are the same.† If something happens in the future, I will react the same way but with more confidence.