Matronalia
The Matronalia was a festival dedicated to Juno Lucina, the goddess of childbirth and motherhood. It was a celebration honoring women and their role in society.
Date: 1st March
Deity: Juno Lucina
Observances: Temple rituals, gift giving and prayers
Originally, the Matronalia was the first day of the Roman year, falling on the first day of March. However, the festival’s date was later associated with the dedication of a temple to Juno Lucina on the Esquiline Hill, which is believed to have occurred c. 268 BC.
On the Matronalia, women would participate in rituals at the temple of Juno Lucina. The details of these rituals are not fully preserved, but it is known that women wore their hair loose, a departure from the usual Roman custom of tying it up. They were also forbidden from wearing belts or knotting their clothing.
At home, women received gifts from their husbands and daughters. Roman husbands were expected to offer prayers for their wives’ well-being. Additionally, women were responsible for preparing a meal for the household slaves, who were given the day off work. This custom was similar to the Saturnalia, when Roman men prepared a feast for their slaves.
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