> Way of Life in Antiquity> Festivals and Holidays

Christian Holidays (9) Spring Holidays (3) Latin Christmas Carols @ Winter Holidays (9) Jewish Holidays (2)

The Julian Calendar - Julius Caesar Reformed the Calendar
Julius Caesar reformed the calendar of the Romans, creating what is known as the Julian Calendar.

The Fantasy and Folklore of Halloween - Samhain
To the Celts, the year began on a day corresponding to November 1st, the beginning of winter. Since they were pastoral, it was time to move cattle and sheep to closer pastures secure livestock for the winter. Crops were harvested and stored. The date marked both an ending and a beginning in an eternal cycle. The festival observed at this time was called Samhain (pronounced Sah-ween).

Themosphoria
On the 11-13 of Pyanopsion, Greek matrons participated in the autumn sowing (Sporetos) festival known as Thesmophoria. Although the practices are a mystery, the matrons appear to have symbolically relived the anguish of Demeter when her daughter Kore/Persephone was abducted by Hades and to have asked for her help in obtaining a bountiful harvest.

February Fasti
Ancient Roman calendar for February showing the events or fasti and major historical events.