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| Lares Familiares |
By Lucian
"The normal conception of the spirits in Roman animism would seem to be that of neutral powers, who might be hostile, if neglected, but, if they are duly placated and receive the offerings which they require, will be friendly and give the worshipper health and prosperity." (Bailey p. 40)
During Rome's expansion, the spirits of the dead gradually became more individualized in conception. This is thought to be a result of Greek cultural influences, which not only affected the Roman State religion, but also the more ancient taboo and superstitions that were practiced at the family level.
There were several festivals and religious practices dealing with the dead in ancient Southern Italy just as there were several Mediterranean tribes that contributed to them. The Greeks, especially from Attica, brought Anthesteria to Magna Graecia, but the best known holidays of this type are the Roman Lemuria and Parentalia. Lemuria, (celebrated May 9th, 11th and 13th) had a darker tone and dealt more with banishing hostile spirits. Parentalia (Feb 13th - 22nd) was similarly dedicated to spiritual purification, but also involved the honoring of ancestors, and became more cheerful over the centuries.
"On the days in February known collectively as the Parentalia no temple might be open, no fire might burn on the alters, and no marriages could be performed. The magistrates laid aside their official dress for the day and wore that of ordinary citizens." (Burriss p.83)
The first part of Parentalia were for private ancestral rites. The rituals began on the Ides of February. Offerings were made to the spirits of the dead, which normally included salt, wheat, beans, wine, milk, and flowers.
February 21st was the last day of Parentalia and a closing ceremony called the Feralia took place. The shades of the dead were thought to walk the earth this day, and their living family members would picnic at their tombs and give further offerings of foodstuffs and wine. The placation of the dead was seen as mutually beneficial, but at midnight, now Feb. 22nd, the rituals ensured that the spirits were forced back to the underworld. Ovid considered the Feralia a more ancient and primitive event than the Parentalia as a whole.
February 22nd was the holiday Caristia, also known as Cara Cognatio, it was a state holiday but was based on the ceremonies of the family. It was a communal repetition of the familial funeral feast and rites, and also a family reunion. All family quarrels were to be rectified, and an offering was made to the Lares, the Roman household gods.
During Parentalia, an empty chair was left for the deceased relatives, similar to the practice of leaving an empty chair for the bella 'Mbriana, a Neapolitan house spirit still invoked in some households.
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| Skulls from the Fontanelle Cemetery, Napoli (Photo courtesy of napoliunderground.org) Click link to visit Napoli Underground's slideshow |
The relationship of the Romans to the spirits of the dead is in some ways comparable to the Neapolitan cult of the skull or the Southern Italian interpretation of All Soul's Day, where the spirits in purgatory are prayed for, but also asked favors. It is also theorized that elements of Feralia were incorproated by the Celts into their holiday Samhain, and through that to Halloween; bringing us back to All Saints and All Souls day.
An understanding of the past is necessary to understand the present; and familiarity with our own past and traditions help us realize who we really are. Be wary of those that insist you forget the past or forsake your ancestors, because ignorance is not bliss. Whether or not we agree with the ancient traditions of our people, we should know about them, and make sure that this knowledge is available to everyone.
I consider myself lucky to have a family, not everyone does, so never take it for granted. This year I will not only honor my ancestors but will speak of them to the next generation of my family, so that they will know them too.
References:
• Phases in the Religion of Ancient Rome by Cyril Bailey, published 1932, reprinted 1972 ISBN 0-8371-4759-X
• Taboo, Magic, Spirits A Study of Primitive Elements in Roman Religion by Eli Edward Burriss, published 1931, reprinted 1972 & 1974, ISBN 0-8371-4724-7
• Prolegomena to the study of Greek Religion by Jane Harrison, published 1903 & 1922, reprinted 1962 &1980, ISBN-10: 0691015147; ISBN-13: 978-0691015149
