Pagan calendar


Current Date: Jun 19 2013 20:56:08 BST (DST in effect)
Heathen Date: Odin's day, Midyear 19, 2263 RE
Pagan Calendar - Roman Calendar

Armilustrium

Summary

 Armilustrium

Calendar

 Roman

Date

Oct 19 Every year

Description

The Armilustrium was a festival in honor of Mars, the god of war, celebrated on October 19. On this day the weapons of the soldiers were ritually purified and stored for winter. The army would be assembled and reviewed in the Circus Maximus, garlanded with flowers and the trumpets (tubae) would be played as part of the purification rites. The Romans gathered with their arms and armour on the Aventine Hill, and held a procession with torches and sacrificial animals. The dancing priests of Mars known as the Salii may also have taken part in the ceremony.

Armilustrium also refers to a large open space on the Aventine Hill where the festival was held.

References

 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armilustrium


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