Their story
Roman babies were purified and named on the dies lustricus, the eighth day after birth for girls and the ninth for boys, and Nundina presided over it. Macrobius explains that the child was then given a name and often a protective amulet, the bulla. The day was marked by a family celebration. She shares her name with the nundinae, the market days that fell every eighth day.
Best times to give to them
- The naming day, eighth day for girls or ninth for boys
- Nundinae, the market day every eighth day
What they like being given
- Milk
- Flowers
- Honey cakes
- Incense
How to honour them
- Hold a small naming ceremony for a new baby.
- Give the child a protective charm or keepsake.
- Speak the child's name aloud before the family shrine.
How they can help you
- Naming a child
- Welcoming a newborn
Symbols
- bulla amulet
- rattles
- ninth day
She is known only from a few mentions.
Sources
- Macrobius, Saturnalia 1.16.36
- Festus, De Verborum Significatu (s.v. lustrici dies)
More Roman goddesses
- Juno Queen of heaven and protector of women
- Minerva Patron of craftworkers, teachers and healers
- Venus Mother of the Roman people and goddess of love
- Diana Lady of the woodland grove and the moon
- Vesta The living flame at the heart of home and Rome
- Ceres Mother of the grain and friend of the common people
- Luna The moon, shining through the night
- Libera Partner of Liber in the Aventine triad