January 1 marks what in Roman culture, known to symbolize the agricultural year?

The correct answer is the Compitalia, which was a festival held in ancient Rome that marked the beginning of the agricultural year. This festival was dedicated to the Lares, the protective deities of the household and fields. Celebrated in January, Compitalia involved various rituals and offerings to ensure a prosperous farming season ahead. It reflected the Roman agrarian calendar and emphasized the importance of agriculture in Roman society.

In contrast, Liberalia is associated with the festival of Liber, connected to wine, fertility, and the coming of age of boys, taking place later in March. Mithras is connected to a distinct mystery religion centered around the god Mithras, important to Roman soldiers, but does not specifically relate to agricultural practices. The Lar Familiaris refers to household spirits in Roman religion, but it doesn't symbolize the agricultural year or have a specific festival that marks the start of that year like the Compitalia does.