February 21st marks the last day of the 9 day festival of Parentalia, celebrated in ancient Rome.   Called Feralia, the day is somewhat similar to Mexico's Day of the Dead or the honoring of ancestor's during the modern Pagan sabbat of Samhain.  During Feralia, ancient Romans would travel to the tombs of their ancestors (called "Manes"), bringing offerings of wreathes, grain, salt, and bread soaked in wine; violets would be scattered around and in the tombs.  The wealthy families of Rome would prepare lavish public feasts at the tombs.

Unlike the rousing celebration of Day of the Dead, Feralia was considered a time of mourning.  Marriages were banned during this time and public worship of the Gods was stopped; no incense was burned on the altars and hearth fires were often left unlit.  One ancient story tells of a time when Fernalia was ignored during war time, causing spirits to rise from their graves and haunt the streets of Rome until tribute was made properly to the spirits in their tombs.

Though generally not celebrated today, Feralia can be brought into the modern Pagan home to honor deceased family and/or friends, especially those who have passed since the last honoring of the dead in October.  On February 21st, create an ancestor altar in the home, including photos or mementos of those past, a dish of salt, a dish of bread soaked wine, and a vase of violets if they can be found.  Cook a feast of the departed's favorite foods and leave a plate for them on the altar or set a place for them at the dinner table.  Offer the departed a prayer of thanks for sharing your life and the good times that they shared with you while still walking the earth.

Sources of information:

Vestal virgins, sibyls, and matrons: women in Roman religion By Sarolta A. Takács

Subscribe at the top of this page to be alerted to new articles by this author. Visit the author's blog, Confessions of a Pagan Soccer Mom