On February 13 the festivity of Parentalia begins (from Feb. 13 to Feb, 21). Parentalia are festivities dedicated to defunct members of the family. The term Parentes indicates both parents and Ancestors. Unlike the "modern" festivities for the deceased, Parentalia is not a period of grief but being February a month dedicated to Purification, Ancestors are remembered in a purifying and pacifying perspective and also to strengthen the Family. .
In particular, Parentalia are connoted by Pietas, a concept highly characterizing Roman Traditional Religion.
With regards to Parentalia and Ancestors' cult, Pietas is the way through which descendants evidence, with their behaviour and actions, the best and positive characteristics of a Family and its Ancestors. Being the First Ancestor and the Older Ancestors closer to Gods, it means that descendants, to evidence the best of a Family (mos maiorum = as the Ancestors did), must Cultivate Gods (colere Deos) and follow their indications which allow men/women to stay on the Way (Via Romana). This is what Pietas really is and the meaning of Roman Tradition.
Asphodelus is the flower of Parentalia. During these festivities a very frugal meal is organized to remember Ancestors. The focal element of this meal must be the spelt because it represents the ancient food of the older Ancestors.
It could be useful to organize (possibily during a weekend) a frugal dinner where the entire family can be gathered and re-united. Parentalia could be an important occasion to create a moment of unity of the Family as sacred entity (Vesta)
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