The very first festival of the year honors women, especially mothers. In ancient Rome, the celebration known as Matronalia or the “festival of women” was observed annually on March 1st. This event was dedicated to the Goddess Juno Lucina, guardian of married women and those in labor. Offerings were made to Juno and the women, and everyone treated them exceptionally well on this special day. Matronalia can be likened to the festival of Saturnalia.
Juno
Juno Lucina is revered as the Goddess of newborn infants. She oversees Birth, assisting women during their pregnancies and guiding their children into the world. Expecting mothers would make offerings to her for a safe delivery. According to a royal decree by Rex Servius Tullius, when a Roman child was born, the parents would present an offering to the Temple of Juno Lucina (usually a coin); subsequently, that child’s name would be recorded along with all births in the city. Newlyweds also sought Juno Lucina’s blessing to aid in conception.
Juno Capitolium, the Goddess of marriage vows and the sanctity of marital relations, was another deity invoked by brides and wives.
While Juno Lucina and Juno Capitolium are distinct, they both relate to the roles of wives and mothers.
Mother’s Day
During the Middle Ages, those who relocated would return home on Matronalia to visit family and their mother church. Servants received the day off to go back home, where they could pick flowers from their masters’ gardens to take with them. This tradition led to the practice of giving flowers to mothers on Mother’s Day.
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Eventually, Matronalia evolved into Mother’s Day in Europe, with the celebration shifting to the fourth Sunday of Lent. In the United States, Mother’s Day occurs in May, honoring the humanitarian contributions of women during the Civil War.
Altar offering
To celebrate Matronalia, you can set up an altar to honor the Goddess Juno and the significant women in your life. Decorate it with images of Juno, candles representing each special woman, and yellow roses, which can later be used to create rose water for anointing.
Inscribe each candle with the name of the person or deity it represents, utilizing the Theban alphabet.
In the evening, light the candles to meditate and express gratitude for the women in your life.
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Celebrating Matronalia
Traditionally, husbands have lavished their wives with gifts on Matronalia. Items like chocolates, flowers, and jewelry are given by husbands to honor their matriarch. Children also present their own gifts to their mothers.
