The Vestals and the New Fire by sandra46
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Description
There were a number of side events at Birdoswald. One of them was the kindling of the new fire by the Vestals from the sacred fire. In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The College of the Vestals and its well-being was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. They cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out. The Vestals were freed of the usual social obligations to marry and bear children, and took a vow of chastity in order to devote themselves to the study and correct observance of state rituals that were off-limits to the male colleges of priests. The Vestals were committed to the priestesshood before puberty (when 6–10 years old) and sworn to celibacy for a period of 30 years.Once retired, a former Vestal was given a pension and allowed to marry. The Pontifex Maximus, acting as the father of the bride, would typically arrange a marriage with a suitable Roman nobleman. A marriage to a former Vestal was highly honoured, and – more importantly in ancient Rome – thought to bring good luck, as well as a comfortable pension.
Thanks for your kind comments.
Comments (28)
T.Rex
Well made photo. And thanks for the education about a group in the Roman empire I've heard a lot about, but knew essentially nothing about. Thanks for the education. Have a great 2017! :-)
Faemike55
Beautiful photo and wonderful information - never knew about the duties and restrictions
MagikUnicorn
superb
Radar_rad-dude
Quite the amazing occupation. A very fine descriptive and excellent photo, Sandra! Happy New Year to you as well!
UteBigSmile
Estonishing capture dear Sandra, love it a lot!
KarmaSong
I'd heard about the Vestals when I was doing Latin at school, but never figured out what they looked like, actually. Thank you for sharing this amazing capture, along with your most interesting narrative ! All the best for the New Year !romangirl
Fascinating story! Great capture!
jac204
Nice capture and interesting background story.
soffy
Wonderful shot and story,Happy New Year *****
wysiwig
Wonderful image and fascinating history.
renecyberdoc
very neat.
durleybeachbum
We should be hard pressed to find enough folk prepared to do this nowadays. What a wonderful photo!
eekdog
Amazing group and shot.
Richardphotos
I did not know about the history or forgot. very interesting and a great capture. happy new year
Madbat
I always thought that's where the Catholic Church came up with Nuns. Minus the fire starting.
Although, come to think of it, an order of nuns running around lighting fires sounds interesting lol.
Yeah, I'm gonna pay for that...
blondeblurr
Like most of us, I have heard of those Vestal Virgins, but have learned here a little bit more about the actual rituals of the Priestesses and it's very interesting, Sandra...
All he best for 2017 and cheers
jocko500
good history here
Jean_C
Superb capture!
virginiese
great capture ! I like your informations too ! Thanks to you I've learn a lot about the Vestals :-) Thanks for sharing ! I hope that 2017 begins well for you !
Leije
Nice reconstitution, excellent shot !
ia-du-lin
Great capture - Happy New Year!
Cyve
What a fantastic scene my friend... Fantastic capture also !!!
junge1
Great scene Sandra and very interesting historical information!
rbowen
Great capture!
jmb007
bien
anitalee Online Now!
Excellent
efron_241
I wish you a Great Christmas and a happy New Year too. Stay Ok in 2019 !
giulband
Excellent capture !!