Roman Gods of the Month: January 11- 31

[neptunesdolphins]

 

CARMENTIS

January 11 and 15 are the two days of the Carmentalia honoring Carmentis, a Goddess of Childbirth and Prophecy. Prayers for a safe childbirth are made to Her. For the two days, matrons celebrate their status in the family. In addition, divinations are done.

 

TELLUS and CERES

Held between January 24 and 26, the Sementivae (Note 1) is a festival of purification to protect both the seeds and the sowers. (Work in the fields begins on February 7, when Favonius, the West Wind, brings milder weather.) Tellus and Ceres are entreated to keep the seeds, that were planted in the autumn, safe. Also, the two Goddesses receive prayers thanking Them for the gift of grain. Meanwhile, oscilla (small clay discs) are hung in trees to ward off evil spirits.

 

Notes:

 

Note 1. The Compitalia and the Sementivae are conceptivae (moveable festivals). The Compitalia could be held early as December 17 or as late as January 5. However, it is usually held on January 3.

 

Ovid explains the reason for a non-definite day in “Fasti, Vol. I,” translated by A.S. Kline.

“I have searched the calendar three or four times,

But nowhere found the Day of Sowing:

Seeing this the Muse said: ‘That day is set by the priests,

Why are you looking for moveable days in the calendar?’

Though the day of the feast’s uncertain, its time is known,

When the seed has been sown and the land’s productive.”