Parentalia and Lemuria (roman festivals)

how many days did it last

what date

9

13-21 February

what were people not allowed to do/go to during this time?

• marry

• temples were closed

• no official business was allowed to take place

Ovid suggests the dead require what kind of gifts?

small and inexpensive

what would happen on the first eight days

offerings are taken to the tombs

what would happen on the ninth day

the family would meet and share a meal in the home

how does Ovid try to persuade the readers to take part in the parentalia in the primary source

• if they don’t ghosts will come after them - tries to scare readers

• Aeneas started the custom w King Latinus

• Easy to do (small + inexpensive gifts)

how many days was the Lemuria held for?

what dates

May 9, 11, and 13

what was the purpose of the Lemuria

who instituted it

• to ward off any ghosts of the restless dead from the Romans’ homes

• to appease the spirit of Remus

• instituted by Romulus

what took place during a Lemuria ritual

they threw black beans around the room to ward off the spirits