Parilia
parilia palilia ancient roman festival rural character performed annually april aimed cleansing sheep shepherd carried acknowledgment roman deity pale deity uncertain gender patron shepherd sheep ovid describes parilia length fasti elegiac poem roman religious calendar implies predates founding rome bc varronian chronology indicated pastoral preagricultural concern republic farming idealized central roman identity festival took generally rural character increasing urbanization caused rustic parilia reinterpreted rather abandoned rome intensely traditional society imperial period date celebrated birthday rome latin dy natalis romae natalis urbis end late republic parilia became associated birthday rome numerous account founding rome exist particular one related parilia described ovid fasti according myth romulus upon reaching rome day parilia took stick engraved line ground defined boundary new city pomerium prayed god jupiter mar vesta asking protection area however brother remus unaware boundary crossed line struck romulus henchman celer time influence several roman ruler structure parilia changed first julius caesar heard news roman victory munda bc around date parilia added game ceremony game citizen would wear crown caesar’s honor caligula instituted celebration procession priest nobleman boy girl noble birth singing virtue escorting golden shield previously bestowed upon citizen rome capitol time parilia became rome birthday celebration rather rural festival ad hadrian founded new temple venus rom changed festival’s name romaea temple ruined th century pastoral structure festival carried shepherd sheep pen decorated green branch wreath draped gate remainder ceremony took place sequence first sign daylight shepherd would purify sheep sweeping pen constructing bonfire straw olive branch laurel sulfur noise produced burning combination interpreted beneficial omen shepherd would jump flame dragging sheep along offering millet cake milk presented pale marking second segment ceremony offering shepherd would wet hand dew face east repeat prayer four time prayer requested pales’s assistance freeing shepherd flock evil brought accidental wrongdoing eg trespassing sacred ground removing water sacred water source final portion rural festival made use beverage burranica combination milk sapa boiled wine consumption beverage shepherd would leap fire three time bringing end ceremony urban form parilia hand blended roman religious practice carried priest ovid personally participated form describes experience fasti central action rural ceremony carry urban form add two ingredient religious festival fordicidia october horse fordicidia sacrifice pregnant cow deity tellus promote cattle field fertility unborn calf removed womb burnt october horse right hand horse team particular chariot race october previous year together ash unborn calf blood head october horse mixed vestal added burning bean straw bonfire dumézil questioned whether equus october provided horse blood since two ancient source mention ingredient omit identifying victim beltane