Veneralia
The Veneralia was a festival celebrated on 1st April in honor of Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis. Venus Verticordia was the goddess of love, chastity, and the power to change hearts. Fortuna Virilis was the goddess of fortune and prosperity.
Date: 1st April
Deity: Venus and Fortuna
Observances: Ritual bathing and adornment of the cult statue of Venus
The cult of Venus Verticordia was established in 220 BC in response to a series of prodigies, or unusual events, that were interpreted as signs of divine displeasure with sexual offenses among Romans of all classes. These offenses were believed to be causing harm to the Roman state.
A young woman chosen for her purity was tasked with dedicating a statue to Venus Verticordia. The statue was initially housed within the temple of Fortuna Virilis, a slightly older cult.
Venus Verticordia was believed to have the power to influence love, sex, betrothal, and marriage. She was seen as a goddess of both chastity and desire, and she was invoked by both men and women seeking her help in matters of the heart.
Venus Verticordia’s name, “Venus the changer of hearts,” suggests her ability to influence people’s feelings and emotions. She was believed to have the power to inspire love, passion, and devotion.
During the Veneralia, the cult image of Venus Verticordia was taken from her temple to the men’s baths. There, she was washed and adorned with myrtle, a symbol of love and renewal.
Women and men would pray to Venus Verticordia for help in matters of the heart, sex, betrothal, and marriage. The festival was a time to seek the goddess’s blessing and guidance in these important aspects of life.
Fortuna Virilis was also honored during the Veneralia. As the goddess of fortune and prosperity, she was believed to influence the success of individuals and the state. By honoring both Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis, the Romans sought to ensure the well-being of their families and their community.
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