Fresco showing the god Mercury in the center
Mercuralia was a Roman festival in honour of the god Mercury (Mercurius). They were celebrated on May 15 in Ides of May.
This day was considered the date of birth of Mercury – the patron of merchants and thieves. On that day, merchants sprinkled their heads and their goods with water from the holy source of Mercury (Aqua Mercuria) near Porta Capena to ensure prosperity for themselves and their interests.
Sources
- Jaczynowska Maria, Religie świata rzymskiego, Warszawa 1987
- Zieliński Tadeusz, Religia Rzeczypospolitej Rzymskiej
