Januarius

Januarius is the Latin form of January, the first month of the year in the Julian and Gregorian calendars. The month’s name derives from Janus, the Roman god of beginnings and transitions. In historical and ecclesiastical usage, Januarius also appears as a given name, notably in Latin religious texts.

Saint Januarius, known in Italian as San Gennaro, is the most prominent bearer of the name. He was a 3rd-century bishop of Benevento who, according to tradition, was martyred during the persecutions of Diocletian around 305 CE. He is venerated as the patron saint of Naples. His relics are kept in the Cathedral of Naples, where a vial of his supposed blood is revered. On certain feast days, most famously September 19, supporters claim the blood liquefies, a phenomenon celebrated with processions and civic ceremonies. Explanations range from religious symbolism to scientific hypotheses, but the liquefaction remains a central part of Neapolitan devotion.

Other uses and legacy: The name remains in Italian usage and in scholarly Latin texts; the San Gennaro festival shapes local identity and tourism. The relics and the blood miracle have featured in literature, film, and music, symbolizing Naples’ patrimony and religious heritage.