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Floralia

When:
April 28 – May 3

Where:
Ancient Rome 📜

Since:
Ancient Times

💐🌷🌹

Floralia: Celebrating Spring with Flowers, Festivities and Fun

Flowers, history, and mythology!
If you’re into any of those things, then you’re going to want to pay attention to Floralia, the ancient Roman festival celebrating the goddess Flora and the arrival of spring.
But why should you care?
Well, let’s just say that if you’re not interested in learning about an event that involved nudity, wine, and flowers, then you might want to check your pulse.
This six-day festival, from April 28 to May 3, is a colorful and joyful celebration that brings people together to appreciate nature, express gratitude, and have some fun. 
From bawdy comedies to floral wreaths, Floralia has something for everyone who loves a good time!

The History of Floralia: A Festival Fit for a Goddess

The origins of Floralia can be traced back to Rome’s earliest days, a time when mythology heavily permeated the public’s perception.
Over time, Flora evolved from being a goddess known for herbs and fruits into a deity related to flowers, who was also considered a protector of women and a symbol of springtime.
According to one legend, Flora was once a mortal woman who inherited a garden from a wealthy lover and became a successful businesswoman by selling flowers and perfumes. She was eventually deified and became a popular figure in Roman culture, with her own temple, priesthood, and holiday.
This is just one of the origin stories. As is traditional for ancient deities, there is no easily defined canon.
Her Greek counterpart probably started her career as a nymph who gained godhood after marrying Zephyrus, the god of West Wind.
Flora’s name is the essential etymological basis for many  modern English language words like flora, florid and flower.

Floralia was not just any old flower festival from the stuffy ancient Roman times.
Quite contrary, because if there’s one thing we know about the Romans, it’s that they knew how to party!
When it comes to how exactly how Romans celebrated Floralia, records indicate that it was quite the spectacle!
It is said that people danced in the streets and drove chariots around gardens covered in wildflowers while priests offered sacrifices and sang hymns honoring Flora.
They would decorate the city with flowers, hold theatrical performances, and even have athletic competitions.
The festival took place from April 28 to May 3 and involved all sorts of wild and crazy activities, such as theatrical performances, feasting, and, of course, naked dancing!
But before you start thinking that the Romans were just a bunch of hedonistic party animals, it’s worth noting that Floralia also had a religious significance.
The festival was a way to honor Flora and ask for her blessings for the upcoming growing season.
Either way, it’s clear that the Romans really knew how to throw a springtime celebration!

How to Celebrate Floralia: Wine, Flowers, and Fun

Now that you know a bit about the history and mythology of Floralia, you might be wondering how you can celebrate it yourself in a 21st century compatible way.
Why not bring back some of the good parts of the festival that are still as relevant as they were millennia ago?

If you need some inspiration,then here are a few ideas that might help you get started:

  • Well, first things first: you’re going to need some wine. And flowers. Lots and lots of flowers!
    Okay you can substitute wine with your drink of choice. As long as the drink is something you deem festive.
  • Create a flower crown to wear to your local Floralia celebration.
    Find a nice one at a store or get creative to make your flower crown more personal. Make it a flower crown worthy of you!
  • Get yourself some flowers, decorate your home or office, and invite some friends over for a flower-themed party.
  • Take a flower arranging class and impress your friends with your newfound skills.
  • Host a dinner party with a flower theme, where you serve dishes that include flowers as an ingredient. 
  • Tend to your garden, plant some flowers and/or just enjoy the atmosphere of your plants.
    Tell them they are pretty plants. And that they are good plants.
  • And don’t forget to share your experience on social media using the hashtags #Floralia, #FloraliaRevival, #SpringFestival and #PartyLikeARoman!

Safety Tips for Celebrating Floralia: Don’t Be a Buzzkill

Before you hop into full-fledged celebrations, it’s important to look before you leap

  • To stay safe during the festival, be sure to wear sunscreen, drink plenty of water, and take breaks if you start to feel tired.
  • If you’re doing any outdoor activities, make sure to protect yourself from the sun and insects.
  • If you have allergies, take any necessary medication before attending the festival.
  • Keep laws in mind when it comes to bare skin and be considerate to people who don’t want to see a lot of you.
    Keep your visuals for those who appreciate it.
  • If you plan to bring a pet to the festival, be sure to keep them on a leash and bring plenty of water for them.
  • Lastly, it’s worth mentioning that all parties should respect animals and their habitats- something as simple as leaving behind young rabbits hopping around the garden could do more harm than good!

In Conclusion:

In conclusion, Floralia is a beautiful festival that celebrates the beauty of spring and the goddess Flora.
As spring calls us once again to express our gratitude towards nature with lively music and laughter – we invite you to carry on the spirit of this noteworthy Roman Holiday!
Don’t be shy – show off your floral creations online and celebrate however you please!
And if someone asks why? Just say Wild Calendar gave you permission!
So go forth now, wild ones – Happy Floralia!

Wild Calendar