neptunesdolphins | Roman Gods of the Month: March

The month of March is named for Mars, the Roman God of War. Besides war, Mars also protected the land and crops. Spring brought both preparations for planting and for war. The Feriae Marti (the Festival of Mars), lasts for nearly the entire month and is similar to the Carnival Season and Mardi Gras.

Traditionally, the New Year for Romans began in March, the first month of the original calendar. After the reforms of Numa Pompilis and Julius Caesar, it was still celebrated as a second New Year’s Day. The spring equinox was still the beginning of the planting and war seasons.

Juno Lucina

On March 1, the Matronalia is held in honor of mothers. Husbands and daughters give presents to mothers. Juno Lucina, the aspect of Juno who governs over women and childbirth, receives prayers for safe childbirth and fertility.

Anna Perenna

On March 15th (Ides), Traditional New Year is celebrated. Anna Perenna, the Goddess of the Returning Year, oversees the celebrations. People would picnic and drink cups of wine in her honor, and offer prayers for a prosperous year. They, also, picnicked along the Tiber, camping out singing and dancing.

Attis, Consort of the Magna Mater

From March 15 to 27, the Hilaria is held for Attis, the Shephard. This God is the Son and Lover of Cybele, the Magna Mater. This unusual festival is the “Passion of Attis.” It commemorates his birth, death, and rebirth. On the last day, the sacred stone of the Magna Mater is washed in ashes.

Liber Pater and Libera

On March 17, the Liberalia is held. Wearing ivy wreaths, several old women offer cakes made from oil and honey (libia) to Liber Pater, the God of Fertility and Wine. Then a large phallus is taken around to encourage the plants to grow and for a good harvest. Liber Pater and Libera are the Gods of the Male and Female Seeds, respectively.

Minerva

From March 19 to 24, the Quinquatrus is held to honor Minerva, the Goddess of the Arts and War. Since the first day is sacred to Her, as Her Birthday, no blood is shed on that day. The Quinquatrus is celebrated by artisans and students. Traditional Roman festivities included martial arts contests.

Mars

Starting the 1st of the March and on the 9th, and 24th, the Salii (Leaping Priests of Mars) danced through the streets of Rome singing hymns, and later held feasts in honor of Mars. They danced to commemorate the day the Shield of Mars fell to the earth. (Therefore, the Salii wore classic Bronze Age armor and sang ancient hymns.) Meanwhile, horse races were held, sacrifices made, and trumpets purified. Mamurius Venturius, the Old Man of March, was driven out of Rome taking disease and sickness with Him.

Divus Julius (Caesar)

After being assassinated on the Ides of March, Julius Caesar became divine. Now as Divus Julius, He has a hero cultus. I honor Him during this month and in July (named for Him).