The month of May has not disappointed this year with its bountiful blossoms and glorious sunshine. The earthly wheel turns another notch leading our thoughts to new life as all of our senses awaken to the rousing call of nature. But when the birds quieten for the night and bees fall silent in their hives, the stillness gently nudges our thoughts from birth to deep sleep and perhaps even death. It is all too easy to forget about death at this time of year yet death does not follow a seasonal calendar but instead marches to the beat of its own drum even in the midst of flowers, gentle sunlight and frolicking lambs. The ancient Roman calendar was very busy during this month with many festivals taking place. Some of these festivals honoured the season and its associated deities, while other festivals honoured or appeased the dead.
Thank you for this fascinating essay, I learned a lot! I love the idea of Floralia and Rosalia going hand in hand. I think it’s so nice that they kept the graves decorated for months like that. People nowadays don’t do enough to remember their loved ones that have passed on, and hardly anyone thinks about honoring their ancestors. I also loved that bit about being buried in the fetal position. I’ve seen pictures of old tombs unearthed, and I always wondered why the bodies were curled up. It makes sense now that I know it was meant to signify their rebirth!
Fertility and Death Rites in the Month of May
Thank you for this fascinating essay, I learned a lot! I love the idea of Floralia and Rosalia going hand in hand. I think it’s so nice that they kept the graves decorated for months like that. People nowadays don’t do enough to remember their loved ones that have passed on, and hardly anyone thinks about honoring their ancestors. I also loved that bit about being buried in the fetal position. I’ve seen pictures of old tombs unearthed, and I always wondered why the bodies were curled up. It makes sense now that I know it was meant to signify their rebirth!