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Happy New Year! -- though one suspects that it will not be so happy on the large scale.
The Roman New Year originally began in March, on the spring equinox. The month was called "March" to honor the God of War, Mars, since in spring the hearts of young men and old politicians turned lightly to thoughts of killing, raping and looting--at least, in the ancient world.
As the Roman dominions got larger, the armies had to march farther to find places to loot, rather than tax, and spring was too late in the year to set out from Rome. So two new months were created, January and February, so that armies could set out earlier. (Ever wonder why December is the twelfth month?)
The first month was appropriately named after the god Janus, the god of doorways (Eng. janitor), archways, and beginnings in general. His temples, called iani, were glorified archways through which people passed when they began a journey or new enterprise. The most famous one was the Ianus Geminus in the Forum, close to the well of the Comitia. It was through this Ianus that armies passed through at the outset of a campaign, to ensure a successful outcome.
So it was quite natural that the doors of the Ianus Geminus always remained open whilst Rome was at war, and were closed only when Rome was completely at peace. If you know anything about Rome, you will not be surprised that the doors were almost never closed.
I think that we could learn from the Romans. If the outside doors of the Oval Office were always open during wartime, and Congress similarly exposed to the elements, the US would have fewer wars, and they would be quickly ended---especially at this time of year!
