The Spelt

I've noticed that my previous post about food has stimulated some interest. For this reason now I will describe a rather complex issue related to a peculiar food which I have deliberately not mentioned in my previous post: the spelt.

Spelt in fact plays a pivotal role within the Traditional Roman Religion: for this reason I devote to spelt this specific post but highlighting that it is very difficult to be exahustive here. I thus will cite just few general concepts and ideas.

Spelt is a sacred food by definition. It plays the same role barley plays for ancient greeks. Gods and Goddesses address to the followers of roman religion calling them: spelt eaters.

There are many rites linked to spelt harvesting I cannot describe here. It is important to remember that spelt was eaten as puls: this is a sort of mush with a little bit of lard and a puree of broad beans for the festivity dedicated to Carna (June the 1st)

Panes Laureati were not proved flat breads made with spelt, water, salt and laurel leaves.

The Flamen Dialis ate strues (spelt and honey) and fertum (spelt, salt, milk and sheep liver): these were sacred not proved flat breads.

It is important to remind the mola salsa (spelt and salt) prepared by the Vestales. this flour was necessary for bloody sacrifices: the animal became sacred when its head was covered with mola salsa.

A flat bread made with spelt and honey was necessary also for not-bloody sacrifices (libum) and with the name of ianual was used as a gift to be exchanged during the festivities of january the 1st.

A specific discussion should be reserved to confarreatio (the communion or marriage with spelt): this is the most sacred form of marriage.

Spelt is the symbol of frugality, semplicity and moderation in eating.

Spelt is sacred in the Traditional Roman Religion also because it is linked to the importantce of the family and the Ancestors' Cult. Spelt represents the Ancient Food or "what our ancestors ate". Eating spelt in the everyday diet within the family the links with the ancestors and the family links themselves are simbolically reinforced.

For this reason it is important to eat spelt in any occasion: today it is quite easy. Spelt can be easily found in soups, grains and it can be eaten also in different ways and in many salads. It is possible to find also spelt flour or bread and flat breads made with spelt flour.

Also taday spelt can become again an important element within the everyday meals and in many specific festivities: for example a spelt soup is the central dish for the meal in the night of december 21st for the festivity od Divalia and the opening of Janua Coeli.