During the boom period of Roman empire There were many gods to whom they paid homage. Among all of them we can highlight Vesta , the Roman goddess of the home. It was one of the most adored by the inhabitants of the plain town, since protected their homes and fidelity between spouses . In this article we will analyze the Romans' way of worshiping it and the festivities commemorated in its honor.
Daughter of Saturn Y Ops , sister of Jupiter , Neptune , Pluto , Juno Y Ceres . Its counterpart in Greek mythology is Hestia , although the Roman goddess of home reached more importance in society. As it used to happen in antiquity, the gods went from civilization to civilization although changing the names and characteristics associated with them. His cult was founded in the Ancient Rome by Numa , second king of Rome, and lasted until the end of paganism. Do you want to discover more about this beloved goddess? Well, you just have to keep reading this article!
Vesta. The beloved Roman goddess of home
Origin and representations of the deity
Vesta was the symbol of home and fidelity . His representations in art have been scarce, if we compare them with those of the other deities, since in the rites related to it, fire was the main component. It is usually identified with beautiful and delicate feminine forms, and the way to invoke or pay homage to the Roman goddess of home was lighting an orange candle .
Among the inhabitants of the ancient Roman Empire, a Vesta he was considered a kind and affable deity. This, together with the importance that the Romans gave to the happiness of the home, made his cult was one of the most important of all .
There are very old myths, which go back to the foundation of Rome , in which it appears Vesta . In the most famous, the goddess intercedes before the king Tarquetio so that he will forgive his daughter's life Ilia . That princess to whom Vesta saved from dying, is considered as the mother of the most famous twins in history and founders of Rome: Romulus Y Rowing . It is said that in gratitude for this venerable action, the son of Rómulo established the cult to the vestals .
Worship and festivities of the Roman goddess of home
The cult to Vesta it was one of the oldest in the Ancient Rome The so-called Vestals were commissioned, a group of virgins who made sure that the torch of the goddess that contained the sacred fire never went out, was established from practically the birth of the monarchy. The Romans gave a lot of importance to their work to keep the flame of Vesta always on , because they associated it directly with the fortune of civilization.
Originally, the vestal virgins There were two, but this number was increasing over the decades. The House of the Vestals was located behind the temple dedicated to the goddess of the home in full Roman Forum . The temple to the goddess Vesta It was an oversized enclosure. Something that indicates the importance that this deity had for the ancient Romans.
Vesta He had one week a year, in which he was particularly worshiped. From June 7 to June 15, the Vestalias , parties designed to renew the relationship with the Roman goddess of the home and who also served to ask for perpetual protection for the family unit. During the first day of the Vestalias , the temple was opened so that all those women who wanted to, made their sacrifices and promises to the Roman goddess of the home. The Roman people paraded through the streets at the trot of donkeys with wreaths of flowers on their necks. In the year 394 and under the order of Theodosius I , Vesta's fire was off and the expulsion of each and every one of the Vestal Virgins who inhabited the temple was proceeded. With the eradication of one of the most powerful cults of the Empire, Theodosius I sought that the population join the ranks of the new religion established: Christianity.
After reading this article about the Roman goddess of the home, you will be an expert in Roman mythology. If you want to complement or expand your information, we advise you to read this other Hestia article with which you can check the similarities and differences between both deities. We would also love to hear your opinion about Vesta and its festivities, since after reading these two articles you will have become an expert in Greek and Roman mythology. Did you know the importance of this goddess in the Roman empire ? Has it become Vesta in one of your favorite deities? What do you think about the celebrations during the Vestments ? We are eager to read your comments!