Feralia

The Feralia was an ancient Roman festival held annually on February 21st in honor of the Manes, the spirits of the dead, particularly family ancestors. It formed a part of the Parentalia, a longer period of veneration for the dead that stretched from February 13th to February 21st.

Unlike other festivals within the Parentalia, which involved rituals and offerings performed at family tombs, the Feralia was a public holiday dedicated to the general population of the departed. It was a somber and largely silent affair. Temples were closed, marriages were forbidden, and magistrates did not wear their official regalia.

Offerings to the Manes during the Feralia were typically simple. These included garlands of flowers (violets and roses were common), handfuls of salt, bread soaked in wine, and loose corn. These offerings were intended to placate the spirits and ensure their benevolence towards the living.

The name "Feralia" is thought to derive from the Latin word "fero," meaning "to bring" or "to carry," perhaps referring to the carrying of offerings to the dead. The holiday served as a reminder of mortality and the importance of honoring one's ancestors. It marked the culmination of the Parentalia, after which the living could resume their normal activities.