Vitulatio
vitulatio annual thanksgiving celebrated ancient rome july day nonae caprotinae following poplifugia july poplifugia lesserknown festival obscure origin even roman macrobius say marked roman retreat etruscan fidenae gallic invasion vitulatio commemorated comeback victory dy religiosus day religious prohibition people refrain undertaking activity attending basic necessity late republic vitulatio like festival held july – seems eclipsed popularity ludi apollinares game ludi held honor apollo july – eponymous goddess vitula embodied joy perhaps life vita according vergil received first fruit offering verb vitulari meant chant recite formula joyful intonation rhythm macrobius say vitulari equivalent greek paianizein παιανίζειν sing paean song expressing triumph thanksgiving offer however antiquarian range etymology including one victoria victory one modern explanation relates word vitulatio vitulus heifer animal served ritual scapegoat iguvium described iguvine tablet