By Dayanara Gamez

   From the Mayans to the Romans, sacrifice honored gods, appeased spirits and brought good fortune for centuries. 

   But what is the relevance of the history and significance of this ancient practice today? In association with the Arizona Junior Classical League, an organization that promotes greater classical knowledge and appreciation, Tempe Prep’s Classics Club hosted its celebration of sacrifice, Agnonalia, on Jan. 28.

   Students decorated doorways and participated in Certamen, a quiz-bowl game that focuses on classical civilizations. 

   The date of this event is not just a coincidence. Club sponsor Dr. Ryan says, “It’s a way of looking at history.” As a part of the Arizona Junior Classical League, the community aligns its calendar with ancient classic holidays to interact with history.

   Yet Agnonalia’s history goes much deeper than a school event. “Agnonalia is a festival that is sacred in which there is a sacrifice to the gods,” says Dr. Ryan. These rituals were important parts of Greek and Roman culture, as it was believed to honor the gods and gain their favor. 

   The exact origins of the holiday are vague. “We don’t know exactly where it came from and neither did they,” Dr. Ryan said.

   What we do know is that the holiday specifically honors the god Janus, a deity that embodies the concept of duality and the month of January. He is the god of doorways, gates and transitions, and connected the physical and metaphysical worlds. Janus is also a symbol of change and progress and the door to new possibilities and opportunities.

   Dr. Ryan said that he would  love the opportunity to host the Agnonalia event next year. He says, “I would like more students to get involved and have the opportunity to take initiative.” 

   If you want to enhance your understanding of classical language, culture and tradition, Classics Club is always looking for new members.