See Also: Parilia(encyclopedia)

Parilia (sh)




Ancient Roman festival celebrated annually on April 21 in honor of the goddess Pales, protector of flocks and herds.

It was celebrated first by the early kings of Rome and later by the pontifex maximus. The Vestal Virgins opened the festival by distributing straw and the ashes and blood of sacrificed animals. Ritual cleaning, anointing, and adornment of herds and stalls followed. The celebrants jumped over a bonfire three times to complete the rite of purification.