Roman festivals Flashcards
When does the Lupercalia take place?
In February, used to be called Februata (purification)
What was the original purpose of the Lupercalia?
Seems to be connected to purification and fertility of both the land and women
What were the priests involved in the Lupercalia called?
Luperci
Where did the luperci initially meet?
In a cave called the lupercal (possibly location of wolf suckling of Romulus and Remus)
What animals are sacrificed at the Lupercalia
Goat and dog
Why was a dog sacrifised?
Symbolises enemy of the wolf
What happens with the goats blood after the sacrifice?
Bloodied knife is applied to their forehead, then wiped off with wool dipped in milk
What do the luperci then do after the sacrifice?
Run around a set course naked whipping young women with their goat skin thongs
Why did the young men whip the women?
They thought this would promote fertility
Interpretation - What myth is connect to the Lupercalia
Romulus and Remus
Interpretation - What does the name Lupercalia refer to
Lupus (wolf)
Lupercus (Goddess of fertility)
What did Augustus later ban in the Lupercalia?
Young men running as it showed to much fun and took away from the serious aspect
When is Saturnalia celebrated?
December 17 - 23
What modern holiday is very similar to Saturnalia?
Christmas
Who is Saturnalia dedicated to?
Saturn - ruler of the world during the ‘Golden age’
What did the Roman poet Catullus describe Saturnalia as?
“The best of days”
What are the origins of Saturnalia?
Saturn was the Roman god of sowing and seed - a celebration of the end of winter sowing
The festival begins at the Winter Solstice - the coming of new light and the promise of a positive future
Saturn ruled during the Golden Age - the festival celebrates a return to this level of prosperity
Why was the festival Saturnalia considered unique?
All levels of society participated - men, women, children, slaves
What did Saturnalia celebrations begin with?
rituals and sacrifises
Where did the rituals and sacrifices of Saturnalia take place?
Temple of Saturn
How was the festival saturnalia important?
Responsibility for the feast fell onto the Senate and state money was used to pay for it
What did Saturnalia originate as?
a farmer’s festival for winter sowing (to mark the end of the autumn planting season in honour of Saturn)
What are some traditional gifts of Saturnalia?
wax tapers, little dolls, and silver
What is the most crucial aspect of Saturnalia?
Attitude and atmosphere
What is allowed during the week of Saturnalia?
public gambling
Where was the temple of Saturn?
In the Roman forum
During the private feast in the home, what was unusual about the meal?
Slaves, masters and family members would sit and eat as equals
How did the sacrifice at the Saturnalia differ from other Roman sacrifices?
The priest would take part in the sacrifice with his head uncovered
