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13 Unusual Ancient Roman Superstitions
The ancient Romans were deeply superstitious, and their lives were filled with rituals and beliefs that sought to appease the gods, ward off evil, and secure favor in an unpredictable world. These superstitions were often strange, eerie, and deeply rooted in the fear of the unknown. Here are 13 of the most intriguing and unusual superstitions that governed the lives of the Romans.
1. The Evil Eye (Fascinum)
The Romans were highly concerned with the “evil eye,” a malevolent glare believed to bring bad luck, illness, or even death. To protect themselves, they used charms and amulets known as fascinum. These often depicted phallic symbols were thought to have protective powers against the evil eye. Such charms were commonly worn by adults and children and even placed on buildings to ward off negative energies.
2. Augury: The Omens of Birds
Birds were considered messengers of the gods in ancient Rome. Augurs, specialized priests, would interpret the gods’ will by observing birds’ behavior. The direction of flight, types of birds, and the sounds they made were all critical in determining whether an action, such as going to war or holding a public event, would be blessed or doomed. This practice was so integral that major decisions were often postponed if the auguries were unfavorable.
3. Beware the Ides of March
The Ides of March (March 15th) became infamous due to the assassination of Julius Caesar in 44 BCE. Romans believed that significant events happening on this day could bring misfortune. After Caesar’s death, the Ides of March took on a particularly sinister reputation as a day to be cautious and watchful.
4. Crossing the Threshold
In Roman culture, the threshold of a house was a sacred space, guarded by spirits known as “lares” and “penates.” It was considered bad luck to step directly on the threshold when entering a home. This belief was so strong that during weddings, the groom would carry the bride over the threshold to avoid any potential bad omens, a practice that continues in some cultures today.
5. Nundinae: The Superstitious Naming Day
The ninth day after a child’s birth, known as “nundinae,” was considered the proper day to name a child. Romans believed that naming a child before this day could attract evil spirits or bad luck. The nundinae was also when protective charms were placed around the child’s neck, believed to safeguard the child’s health and future. The superstition surrounding the timing and ceremony of naming was deeply rooted in the fear of drawing negative attention from malevolent forces.
6. Curse Tablets (Tabulae Defixionum)
Curse tablets were a common way for Romans to invoke the supernatural against their enemies. These small sheets of lead or stone were inscribed with curses and often buried in places associated with the underworld, like graves or wells. The idea was that the spirits of the dead or chthonic gods would carry out the curse. Romans believed these tablets had real power to harm their enemies, and many have been discovered with detailed instructions for retribution.
7. The Ominous Sneezes
Sneezing was seen as an omen in ancient Rome, with different interpretations depending on the circumstances. A sneeze before a journey might be taken as a sign to delay, while a sneeze during a conversation could indicate that the gods agreed with what was being said. The superstition was so pervasive that some Romans would offer blessings immediately after someone sneezed to ward off any potential bad luck.
8. Sinister Left Side
The Romans believed that the left side (sinister in Latin) was associated with bad luck and negative omens. This belief permeated daily life, where actions like starting a journey or entering a building with the left foot were avoided. The word “sinister” eventually came to mean “evil” or “ominous” in many languages, reflecting this deep-seated superstition.
9. The Calends, Nones, and Ides: Dangerous Days
The Roman calendar was full of days considered particularly significant or dangerous, especially the Calends (first day of the month), Nones (5th or 7th), and Ides (13th or 15th). Activities like getting married or starting new ventures were often avoided on these days to prevent bad luck. The Romans believed that the gods were more active on these days, and missteps could invite their wrath.
10. Vestal Virgins and Their Sacred Fire
The Vestal Virgins were priestesses dedicated to Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The Romans believed that as long as the Vestals kept the sacred fire burning, Rome would be protected from disaster. If the fire went out, it was seen as a terrible omen, signaling that Rome was in danger. The Vestals lived under strict rituals and were considered embodiments of Rome’s fate, with their actions deeply intertwined with the city’s fortune.
11. Animal Omens: Wolves, Owls, and More
Romans paid close attention to animal behavior, believing that certain creatures could bring omens of good or bad luck. Wolves, for instance, were generally seen as good omens, symbolizing strength and protection. Conversely, owls were considered harbingers of death. If an owl was heard hooting near a home, it was believed to foreshadow death within that household.
12. Superstitions of Mirrors
While mirrors are often associated with superstitions in modern times, the Romans also believed that mirrors held significant power. Breaking a mirror was thought to bring bad luck because it was believed to damage the soul’s reflection. This superstition highlights the Romans’ belief in the interconnectedness of the physical and spiritual worlds, where even everyday objects could influence one’s fate.
13. The Mysterious Lupercalia Festival
Lupercalia, celebrated on February 15th, was an ancient Roman festival with a mix of purification and fertility rites. During the festival, priests known as Luperci would run through the streets, striking people with strips of goat hide. Women believed that being struck would increase their fertility and ensure an easy childbirth. The festival was filled with superstitions, it was believed that participating in the rites would protect Rome from evil spirits and ensure prosperity for the coming year.
Conclusion
The superstitions of ancient Rome reveal a society deeply intertwined with the supernatural, where everyday life was governed by the whims of the gods and the mysterious forces that shaped their world. These eerie and unusual beliefs highlight the Romans’ desire to understand and control the unknown, often blurring the lines between religion, superstition, and magic. As you explore these ancient customs, it’s clear that the Romans lived in a world where the strange and supernatural were ever-present, guiding their actions and influencing their fate.