Manes, Lares, and Lemures. © Jason R. Abdale (August 21, 2021). When is the most fearful time of year, a time of ghosts, ghouls, and monsters? One might naturally say “Halloween, of course” with a certain undertone of irritation. After… Read More ›
calendar
April 25 – The Ancient Roman Robigalia Festival
Wheat in a field. Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons. https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Wheat_in_field.jpg. April 25 was the date of an ancient Roman festival called the Robigalia. Robigo was the god of wheat blight…yes, the Romans had gods and goddesses for practically everything. For… Read More ›
October 12 – The Augustalia: The Feast Day of Caesar Augustus
Decorating the Temple, painted by Luigi Bazzani (1887). In ancient Rome, from the year 19 BC onwards, October 12 marked the date of the Augustalia, the feast of Caesar Augustus. It was declared in commemoration of the consecration of the… Read More ›
January 1 – The Kalends of January
Happy New Year, everyone! All over the world on the first day of the year, there is drinking, feasting, and fireworks. This day also marks the last day of many people’s holiday vacations, and they are all in for having… Read More ›
November 13 – The Feast of Feronia, Patron Goddess of Freed Slaves
With the harvest season in full swing, it’s time to give thanks to the gods for the bounty that they provided. In ancient Rome, one such festival took place on the Ides of November (November 13) and it was dedicated… Read More ›
March 14 – The Equirria Martia: The Chariot Race of Mars
A Roman Chariot Race, by Alexander von Wagner (1882). Manchester City Art Galleries. Manchester, UK. In ancient Rome, March 14 was the date for the Equirria Martia, a chariot race dedicated to the ancient Roman war god Mars. The Equirria… Read More ›
May 10 – The Rosalia: The Ancient Roman Festival of the Roses
A wreath is laid at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington National Cemetery. Photograph by Connor Kurtz (June 10, 2007). Public domain image, Wikimedia Commons.https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Tomb_of_the_Unknowns_crack.jpg. In ancient Rome, a festival known as the Rosalia, “the Festival of the… Read More ›
February 27 – The Chariot Race of Februus
February is the month of Februus, the ancient Roman god of purification. The name Februus comes from the Latin verb februa (which may have either Etruscan or Sabine roots), which means “to purge, purify, or cleanse”. The word “fever” is based on… Read More ›
May 1 – Part 3: “May Day” in Medieval, Renaissance, and Early Modern Europe
For most people nowadays, late June marks the beginning of Summer with the occurrence of the Summer Solstice, the day which holds the longest period of sunshine. However, this view is relatively recent. Even in some societies to this day,… Read More ›
May 1 – Part 2: Beltane, the Celtic Festival of Summer
Lo, dawning o’er yon mountain greyThe rosy birth-day of May!Glen-Shira knoweth well ‘tis Beltane’s blissful day. — Evan MacColl Summer is a-comin’ in! May 1 is the date of the ancient Celtic festival of Beltane, which marks the first day… Read More ›
DINOSAURS AND BARBARIANS 
