Also called Salus Publica, Hygieia (Greek).
Their story
Salus was the safety and welfare of the Roman people, with a temple on the Quirinal dedicated in 302 BC by Gaius Junius Bubulcus, painted by Fabius Pictor. The augurium salutis was an ancient rite asking whether it was permitted to pray for the safety of the people, held only in times of peace. She came to be identified with the Greek Hygieia and shown feeding a snake from a bowl. Vows for the safety of the emperor were made each January.
Best times to give to them
- Anniversary of her Quirinal temple, 5 August
- Kalends of January, for the year's safety
What they like being given
- Milk
- Honey
- Healing herbs
- Incense
How to honour them
- Pray for the health of your household at the New Year.
- Give thanks after recovering from illness.
- Care for your own health as an offering.
How they can help you
- Health
- Safety
- Public good
Symbols
- snake
- libation bowl
- sceptre
Sources
- Livy 10.1
- Cicero, De Divinatione 1.105
- Pliny, Natural History 35.19
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