Ceres is an ancient Italian corn Goddess who was often worshiped with the early Etruscan deities, Liber and Liberia. She is an Earth mother. She is one of the twelve great Olympians and the chief of the household deities. She is the daughter of Cronos and Rhea. By Poseidon she bore Arion and by Jupiter she bore Proserpine.
Her most famous temple in Rome was dedicated in 493BCE on the Aventine hill. Her temple was decorated by Greek artists and was reportedly extremely beautiful. She had Her own flamen, the Cerialis. She is reputedly fond of offerings of salt and spelt and of incense.
Her celebration on the 19th of April, the Cerialia was meant primarily for the plebeians and the lower classes. The Games in Her honor were not played before 202BCE and we know nothing of the rituals performed at Her temple. White robes were worn at Her Games and foxes were let loose in the Circus Maximus with burning brands tied to their tails. We don't know why this was done. That evening, the plebeians would hold dinner parties for each other.
Every five years on October 4th, She was honored by a fast.
She is also known by the following names:
Kerres (Greek), Angerona (Etruscan), Cabiria (Babylonian), Demeter (Greek)
Ceres's sacred rites were performed in Rome on the following days:
The month of August is under Her protection.
April 19 - Cerialia
October 4 - Ieiunium Cereris
Related Links: Ceres
