Janus, the Roman god of new beginnings. Sculpture at the Vatican Museums, Rome.

As we approach the end of another calendar year, we are completing a trip that takes about 365.24217 mean solar days. Traditionally this period is called a Tropical Year which represents one full cycle of the seasons. It is interesting to note that a Tropical Year officially begins on the Vernal Equinox in March — why then do we celebrate New Year’s on January 1?  History will sometimes reveal that some decisions are arbitrary.