Janus

Ancient Latin divinity representing the sun, presiding over all beginnings, and opening the year; porter of heaven and keeper of gates; generally double-faced, but some military (Samurai), agricultural, artisan, and trading cla es. Christianity was proscribed 1605; the Jesuits were expelled; ab. 30,000 Christ i a Christian peasants were ma acred 1637. J. was soon closed to the world by by severe regulations, made effectual through a system of espionage: the inhabitants could not leave its shores without expre permi ion. But reaction against military rule at last set in. The revolution of 1868 was the result, when the Shogun resigned. In 1869 the name of Jedo was changed to Tokio, and the Mikado removed thither. The daimios voluntarily laid down their dignity. Previous to the edict forbidding foreign travel, the Japanese had some intercourse with neighboring countries. In 201 the Empre Jiugo invaded Corea, and imported Corean customs into J. A Mongol invasion on the coast of Kiushiu was re IMG:content-0849.png:[graphic] Janus. times 4-headed as presiding over the seasons. His temple (so called) at Rome, a mere covered pa age, was open in time of war to show that the god had gone to aid the warriors. New Year's Day was his chief festival.