Speaking of History

[bardiphouka]

Today, if one were a Roman in ancient times, would be the first day of Carmentalia. A feast (which the Romans did ever so well) that lasted 4 days to honour Carmenta, a sort of goddess of childbirth and prophecy. Mostly, we are told, celebrated by women. Personally I can see how prophecy can be ever so handy after childbirth. Especially once the child starts self locomotion.

Of course if one were an ancient Roman I am not sure that childbirth would be that important. And prophecy something to perhaps be avoided.

Comments

[micheinnz.livejournal.com]

Childbirth was extremely important to the Ancient Romans, for several reasons:

1. Best way to make citizens that really get where you're coming from;
2. Best way to ensure the continuation of the family name and family property;
3. Enough women died in childbirth or shortly thereafter that surviving it was seen as a Really Big Thing.

So taking care of the goddess who took care of you/your wife, your sisters and your daughters during childbirth? Yeah, pretty much a good idea.