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Feralia

(21 February)

This post is also available in: Polish (polski)

Roman mosaic showing the skull.

Feralia was a Roman festival in honour of the spirits of deceased ancestors, celebrated on February 21. On this day, the celebrations of Parentalia ended. These were the main celebrations ending the holiday week (February 13-20) for Parentalia of a private nature.

During the celebration, modest gifts in the form of wreaths, flowers, a little food and wine were placed on the graves. You always had to remember to celebrate this holiday. According to legend, during one of the wars, it was forgotten to celebrate Feralia. Because of this, the city was hit by the plague and the souls of the dead took to the streets. Only when the offerings were made did the souls of the dead return to their graves, and the plague ceased.

Immediately after this holiday (February 22), Caristia was celebrated.

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

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