About
The Vestalia honoured Vesta, goddess of the hearth and of the sacred fire of Rome. During these days the inner store of her temple was opened to married women, who came barefoot with offerings of food. It was a holiday for bakers and millers, whose donkeys were garlanded with flowers and loaves, and on the last day the temple was ceremonially swept clean.
Customs
- Visiting the hearth and offering food to Vesta
- Garlanding working animals, especially donkeys
- Bakers and millers resting from their work
- Cleaning the hearth and sweeping out the rubbish on the final day
- Baking salted cakes
Food
- Salted spelt cakes (mola salsa)
- Fresh bread
- Olive oil
- Salt
A simple ritual
- Clean your cooker, fireplace or kitchen, the heart of your home.
- Light a candle in a safe holder on or near it and greet Vesta.
- Offer a small piece of bread and a pinch of salt.
- Give thanks for warmth, food and those who share your home.
- Put out the candle and sweep the kitchen floor, taking the sweepings outside.
Never leave candles or fires unattended, and keep them away from pets and children.
Who is honoured
- Vesta The living flame at the heart of home and Rome