This was a time in which animals were sacrificed to honor Mars, and hopefully bestow promise upon farmlands. Some accounts say Romans tossed seeds in the air during the festival to honor the pending thrust of spring. Merry-making with seeds wasn’t restricted though. Courts were closed, and some agricultural chores were suspended to honor the deities. General frivolity included priests of the Martian cult clattering about with swords and shields, drumming of drums, tooting of horns…you get the idea. This festival marks the start of Spring in the old Roman calendar. Starting off the month on the 1st, Feriae Marti is a good-vibe time that lasts till March 24th. Symbolic Festivals of the God Mars in March Here are a few of his festivals if you want to party down in honor of Mars. This is time to party-hearty in the name of the great patriarchal god. This could be another reason for Mars’ evolution from nature god to war god.Īs mentioned, Mars’ month is March. Battle usually commenced around March, in the Spring. Also, ancient wars were put on moratorium during inclement weather. I think that’s a neat dovetail with Mars transitioning from a Springtime agricultural god, to a god of war. Springtime, with all her unpredictability, wild growth and intoxicating promise can be a very aggressive time.įor all Nature’s soft sides, She can be a battleax too. This shift in roles isn’t a far stretch of the imagination. This connection between Mars, the land and inchoate springtime, renders symbolism of: New growth, burgeoning life, renewal and big-time surge of energy.Īs Rome expanded territories and became more militaristic, Mars morphed into a war-like deity. The month of March is named after Mars and (barring odd weather patterns) this is the time spring begins to start her engines.
Essentially, Mars was the divine guardian of the land. He originally governed the fertility, sanctity and nourishment of vegetation. A very big deal.Mars was initially an agricultural god to the ancient Romans. He is purported to be the father of Romulus and Remus who were said to be the founders of Rome. Overwhelmingly, Mars is a mega-father god.
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