These days are biased on the festivity of Parentalia begins (from Feb. 13 to Feb,
21). Parentalia are festivities dedicated to the defunct members of the
family. The term Parentes indicates
both parents and Ancestors. Unlike the "modern" festivities for the dead, 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 and Goddesses, it means that descendants, to evidence the best of a Family (mos maiorum = as the Ancestors did), must Cultivate Gods and Goddesses (colere Deos) and follow their indications which allow men/women to stay on the Way (Via Romana). This is what Pietas really is and means for the Roman Tradition.
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 and Goddesses, it means that descendants, to evidence the best of a Family (mos maiorum = as the Ancestors did), must Cultivate Gods and Goddesses (colere Deos) and follow their indications which allow men/women to stay on the Way (Via Romana). This is what Pietas really is and means for the Roman Tradition.
Asphodelus
(plant infelix) 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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