Veneralia

The Veneralia was an ancient Roman festival in honor of Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis
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April 1 is not just a day for pranks and jokes, it is also the day to celebrate Veneralia, an ancient Roman festival in honor of Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis. A festival dedicated to love, sex, and fertility – what’s not to love?
The Veneralia may seem like an odd celebration to modern sensibilities. But in ancient Rome, the festival was a big deal – and for good reason! 

How it began:

The festival started back in 220 BC, when the Roman gods were apparently less than thrilled with the city’s sexual shenanigans. Even the Vestal Virgins weren’t immune from divine disapproval.
So a wise Sibylline oracle recommended establishing the cult of Venus Verticordia, the “changer of hearts,” to persuade everyone, no matter their class or gender, to uphold good old-fashioned sexual morality.
Basically, Venus was tasked with making sure that Romans of all classes kept things PG-13 in the bedroom.
While the idea of a fertility festival may seem strange to modern folks, the message of respecting boundaries is still important today. So if you’re looking for a little inspiration to keep things chaste, maybe you should try celebrating Veneralia this April 1st!

The mythology behind Veneralia:

It’s like the ultimate power couple – Venus Verticordia and Fortuna Virilis!
Venus Verticordia the goddess of love, sex, fertility, and change of heart. She could make anyone fall in love with just a flutter of her wings.
Fortuna Virilis, on the other hand, was the goddess of “manly” or “virile” fortune. Fortuna made sure the fertility and prosperity kept on flowing.
Together, these two goddesses represented the ideal Roman values of sexual propriety, marriage, and family. Talk about a dynamic duo!

The purpose of Veneralia:

During the festival, the people of Rome would flock to the temple of Venus Verticordia to pray, make offerings, and ask for her help in matters of the heart. But the real highlight of the festival was when women would throw a spa day for the statue of Venus Verticordia and adorn her with myrtle garlands.
Men, on the other hand, would visit the temple of Fortuna Virilis to seek her blessings for good fortune and prosperity. Think of it as a fertility boost for your wallet.

Outdated morals?

For modern people, Veneralia might seem like a strange and old-fashioned festival that celebrates outdated values and beliefs. The sexually charged nature of the festival might also seem offensive or inappropriate to some.
However, it’s important to remember that Veneralia was a significant event in ancient Rome and that it reflects the cultural and religious beliefs of that time

How to celebrate:

So you’re ready to celebrate Veneralia, but where to start? First things first, do some research to understand what this ancient festival is all about. Gather some friends who are keen to join in the festivities and add some fun to the occasion.

Next, plan some activities to celebrate the festival’s purpose, like making offerings, decorating the goddess’s statue, and offering prayers. Oh, and don’t forget to dress the part – wear something light-colored to symbolize purity. And finally, the most important tip of them all: don’t forget to practice safe statue bathing! We don’t want any slippery mishaps ruining your special day.

When it comes to celebrating Veneralia, the possibilities are endless. You could host a themed party with costumes and games, or have a romantic evening with your significant other. Some examples of Veneralia celebrations in ancient Rome included visiting the temple of Venus Verticordia, attending feasts and public games, and offering prayers and sacrifices to the goddess.

Alternatively:

If Veneralia isn’t quite your style, there are still plenty of ways to celebrate springtime and fertility. Some modern alternatives to Veneralia include attending a farmers’ market or gardening festival, going for a walk in nature to appreciate the blooming flowers and the greening of the landscape, or even just indulging in some fresh fruits and vegetables to celebrate the season of renewal.

In conclusion:

The Veneralia was an ancient Roman festival that celebrated the changing of the seasons and the fertility of the earth, as well as the important role of sexual purity and propriety in Roman society. While the holiday may seem strange to modern people, it can still offer a valuable opportunity to reflect on the important role of nature and the changing of the seasons in our lives, as well as the importance of maintaining healthy relationships and honoring our commitments to others. With a little creativity and imagination, you can find many fun and meaningful ways to celebrate the Veneralia and all that it represents.

So, grab your garlands of myrtle and get ready to ask Venus Verticordia for a little help in the love department. Who knows, maybe Fortuna Virilis will throw in a little good luck for good measure.