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Date(s) - 09/01/2020
All Day
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The Agonalia reoccurs also on 17 March, 21 May, and 11 December. On all four dies agonales the Rex Sacrorum sacrificed a ram in the Regia. Ovid records that on 9 January, on the Agonal morning, Janus was the recipient of this sacrifice. In primitive times to go out from one’s house or settlement meant leaving the safety of the known for the lesser known, and so care must be taken to secure the favour Janus, the god of the Doorway. Also, Janus reigns over beginnings. Presumably, this festival was historically focused upon asking Janus for guidance and protection over the new year ahead or throughout the depths of winter when the rest of nature is mostly asleep, or at least until March 17 the next reiteration of this festival. The festival likely occurred from sunrise until sunrise the following day with a sacrifice occurring January 10th at sunrise.
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