Feralia


Feralia

February 21This ancient Roman festival marked the culmination of a week-long celebration in honor of the manes, spirits of the dead. It began on February 13 with the Parentalia, a private celebration in honor of deceased family members, and ended on February 21 with a public celebration known as the Feralia. This was the day on which offerings and gifts were placed on the graves of the deceased and the anniversary of the funeral feast was celebrated. The Feralia was similar to the later Christian holiday, All Souls' Day.
SOURCES:
DictFolkMyth-1984, p. 673
FestRom-1981, p. 74
FestSaintDays-1915, p. 191
OxClassDict-1970, p. 434
OxYear-1999, p. 85