Vesta is the main goddess for women. She protects virginity, marriage, and the family.
Who is Vesta?
Vesta was the daughter of Saturn and Opi. She had two sisters, Juno and Ceres, and three brothers Jupiter, Neptune, Pluto.
She did not marry and was a virgin. She is seen as the life force of the earth. Her flame represents that life.
She was a virgin in the literal sense however, the virgin also represents the desire to focus on the home, hearth, and family.
Vesta became known as one of the twelve Di Consentes, or major deities, in the Roman Pantheon, along with her sisters.
Her Greek counterpart is Hestia.
Fun Fact: The word vestibule comes from Vesta. The vestibule is the entrance of the home.
When Do We Celebrate Vestalia?
Vestalia begins on June 7 each year and falls just prior to the summer solstice. It is a multi-day celebration running from June 7 - 15.
During this time women were allowed into her shrine to make offerings. A sacred bred called mola salsa was baked from spelt.
During this festival in Ancient Rome, only women were allowed to enter the shrine. They removed their shoes and offered sacred cakes up to the goddess.
On June 9th there was a celebration and Vesta’s sacred animal the donkey was honored. Doney’s were decorated with flowers and cakes were hung from the bodies. Donkeys were fed a good meal and had the day off. (Donkeys were traditionally used in agriculture and to turn the wheels for milling and grinding).
On the last day, they would sweep the temple clean and throw the crumbs in a nearby river. June 15 was seen as a day for millers and bakers to celebrate and they placed baked goods around their communities.
While many activities were done in celebration the time of Vestalia was considered unlucky. No government business or marriages occurred during this time.
The Ending of Vestalia
The emperor Theodosius ordered her flame extinguished in 391 AD following the prohibition of the Roman religion and forcing the residents to convert to Christianity.
Vestalia is still celebrated in some parts of Italy.
Who Are The Vestales?
The Vestales, also known as the Vestal Virgins, guarded the sacred flame within the temple. Young girls between six and ten years old were selected from aristocratic families.
It was considered a great honor to be selected and was the only priesthood position for women only. They tended the fire, lead rituals, and protected the sacred space.
The Vestales lived in community housing and received a salary for their work. She even received a pension when her thirty years of service ended.
The virgins took an oath to be chaste for thirty years. Not all of them kept this oath.
Rhea Silvia famously broke hers by having an affair with the God Mars. She gave birth to the twins Romulus and Remus.
The Sacred Fire
The remains of the Temple of Vesta in Rome Italy. Photo by Frank Jones
Vesta was represented by fire. In the home that could be the fire of the hearth of a perpetual fire at a family altar. Towns had a fire that burned in the center of town.
Vesta’s shrine kept an eternal fire going for the community. Any housewife was free to come and get fire for their family’s hearth.
Celebrating Vesta Today
We celebrate Vesta today in many ways. Here are some ideas.
Bake cakes as an offering and donate some baked goods to someone in need.
Decorate your home with flowers.
On June 15 give your home a good cleaning and then cleanse with a besom.
Make crowns with flowers.
Honor Vesta when you are baking, sewing, knitting, or building something for the home.
When Would You Call Upon Vesta?
To bless and protect your home
To help you heal the home from past wounds or tragedy with its walls
To strengthen the bond of family members
To help calm any disagreements amongst family members
Other Summer Holidays
Pomona was a popular minor Roman goddess often known as the goddess of apples. Her day is celebrated on August 13th.