Brumalia

(24 November)

This post is also available in: Polish (polski)

Sacrifice of a goat

Brumalia was a month-long festival in honor of Bacchus or Saturn (Greek god Kronos). This feast was celebrated on November 24. The name of the holiday comes from the word: bruma, meaning “the shortest day”.
It is believed that his celebration began the first king of Rome – Romulus. The legendary ruler was supposed to entertain senators, the army and service throughout the month. To this end, he invited other personalities to play, depending on which day they were assigned on the lists. He encouraged similar actions of senators who were to look after their subordinates.

During the Brumalia, the goddess Demeter and Kronos sacrificed a pig (growers) and Dionysus a goat (growers). The goat was considered the enemy of wine, a sack full of air was made from her skin and she jumped on it. Ordinary Romeans, in turn, offered gifts Ceres (wine, olive oil, honey and grain) to the priests of the goddess. There was a cheerful mood during the festival, and the saints enjoyed wine.

The Romans focused on the army, agriculture and hunting, they considered the November short days a period of rest from everyday tasks. Prophecies were predicted for the rest of winter during this holiday. The holiday was celebrated until the 6th century CE, when it was considered pagan and not worthy.

Sources
  • Jaczynowska Maria, Religie świata rzymskiego, Warszawa 1987
  • Zieliński Tadeusz, Religia Rzeczypospolitej Rzymskiej
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