Also called Nona, Decima, Morta, Tria Fata.
Their story
The Roman Parcae were first birth goddesses. Aulus Gellius, citing Varro, names Nona and Decima for the ninth and tenth months of pregnancy, and Morta. Later they were identified with the three Greek Moirai who spin, measure and cut the thread of life. Three statues called the Tria Fata stood near the Rostra in the Forum.
Best times to give to them
- At a birth
- Naming day of a child
- Birthdays
What they like being given
- Wool or thread
- Honey cakes
- Incense
How to honour them
- Spin or knot a thread while praying for a newborn.
- Accept what you cannot change and work on what you can.
- Offer thread on your birthday.
How they can help you
- Acceptance
- Blessing births
- Life transitions
Symbols
- spindle
- thread
- shears
- scroll
The Roman and Greek Fates were merged, and the original roles are only partly known.
Sources
- Aulus Gellius, Attic Nights 3.16
- Catullus 64
- Procopius, Wars 5.25
More Roman spirits
- The Lares Guardian spirits of the household and crossroads
- Penates Guardians of the household store cupboard
- Manes The honoured spirits of the family dead
- Genius The divine double of each man and household
- Juno (personal spirit) The guardian spirit of each woman
- Lares Compitales Guardians of crossroads and neighbourhoods
- Forculus and Limentinus Spirits of the door and the threshold
- Camenae Spring goddesses of song and prophecy