Cerealia
The Cerealia was a major festival celebrated in honor of Ceres, the goddess of agriculture. It was held for seven days in mid- to late April and marked the harvest season.
Date: 12th-19th April
Deity: Ceres
Observances: Animal ritual, games, theatrical performances
The festival’s origins can be traced back to the early days of Rome, and it was believed to have been instituted by King Numa. The Cerealia was originally a rustic, agricultural festival, but over time it evolved to include urban elements.
One of the most distinctive features of the Cerealia was a ritual involving live foxes with burning torches tied to their tails. This ritual was believed to have originated from a legend about a farm boy who tried to burn a fox that had stolen chickens. The fox escaped and accidentally set fire to the fields, leading to the practice of releasing foxes with torches during the Cerealia to protect crops from harm.
The Cerealia also included games and theatrical performances with religious themes. These events were a way to celebrate the goddess and entertain the people.
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