Greetings, dear TREBIUS VALENS readers,
Here is Aulus Trebius Valens, and today I invite you to dive into the traditions of ancient Rome to discover a festival that in many ways recalls our modern Halloween: the Lemuria.
The Lemuria, celebrated on 9, 11 and 13 May, were dedicated to appeasing the spirits of the dead, called lemurs. Unlike the merry and costumed festivities of Halloween, Lemuria were days of solemn rites to protect our homes from evil spirits. Like candy and disguises, the Romans had their own ways of interacting with the spirit world.
The main ritual of the Lemuria was conducted by the pater familias, the head of the family. At midnight, barefoot and in silence to avoid attracting the attention of the spirits, he threw black beans behind him reciting: "With these beans I redeem myself and mine." The beans, like the sweets given to children in today’s costumes, were used as offerings to appease wandering souls.
But that was not all. To drive away the residual spirits, the head of the family made a deafening noise by hitting a bronze pan while saying: "Manes maiorum meorum, abite!" (Men of my ancestors, get away!). The noise was meant to scare and repel spirits, similar to our scary Halloween decorations and sounds designed to conjure up the atmosphere of the other world.
Comparing the Lemuria to Halloween, we see that both festivals share common themes: communication with the spirit world, rituals of protection and appeasement, and the importance of remembering and honoring the dead. While our modern celebrations are often marked by costumes, sweets and parties, the Lemuria were moments of reflection, purification and respect for our ancestors.
Today, the traditions of Lemuria can still inspire us. Remembering our ancestors and honoring their memory strengthens our own identity and nurtures a deep connection to our past. There is much to be learned from ancient practices, and by rediscovering them we can find ways to integrate them into our modern lives.
At TREBIUS VALENS, we believe in the power of history and traditions to enrich our present. By revisiting the customs of ancient Rome, we hope to inspire you to explore and celebrate your own cultural heritage.
May the men of your ancestors always protect and guide you.
With respect and admiration,
Aulus Trebius Valens
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