Roman mosaic showing grape harvesting
Vinalia Rustica was a Roman festival celebrated on August 19. This day celebrated the harvest of grapes, vegetables and the time of nature’s fertility. During the festival, gardens, markets and vineyards were dedicated to the oldest form of Venus – Venus Obsequens. The purpose of the holiday was to ask Jupiter not to bring storms, hail, heavy rainfall or floods until the grapes were ripe. In addition, he was asked about the best time to harvest.
On the same day, Venus was worshipped as the goddess of vegetation and gardens. Venus was venerated as the patroness of the so-called profaned wine (vinum spurcum), which was consumed on a daily basis. A young sheep (agna) was sacrificed during the festival.
Sources
- Jaczynowska Maria, Religie świata rzymskiego, Warszawa 1987
- Zieliński Tadeusz, Religia Rzeczypospolitej Rzymskiej
