Floralia

Infobox Holiday
holiday_name =Floralia
type =Pagan
longtype =Pagan, Historical


caption =
observed by =Ancients Romans, College Students
begins =April 27
nickname =Florifertum
ends =May 3
celebrations =Dancing, drinking and decoration using flowers
observances =Offerings of milk and honey
related to =

The Floralia, also known as the "Florifertum," was an ancient Roman festival dedicated to the goddess Flora. It was held on April 27 to May 3 and symbolized the renewal of the cycle of life, marked with dancing, drinking, and flowers. The Floralia was on the IV Kalends May. Dedicated to Flora, the goddess of flowers and vegetation, this day was considered by the prostitutes of Rome to be their own. While flowers decked the temples, Roman citizens wore colorful clothing instead of the usual white, and offerings were made of milk and honey to Flora.

Connecticut College

Currently, the term "Floralia," is also used for a festival thrown annually in May at Connecticut College, a small liberal arts college in the Northeast. The event is sponsored by the Student Activities Council. In previous years the festival was a weekend long activity, culminating in a large spring concert. In more recent years, the festival features day-long music, food, drinks, and inflatable recreation for students and invited guests. Music is performed live throughout the day by various bands, ranging from student bands to cover bands to up-and-coming performers. Recent headliners include Reel Big Fish, 1997, Young Love (band), Girl Talk (musician), The Misshapes, Chester French, Ted Leo and the Pharmacists and Ok Go .

External links

* [http://penelope.uchicago.edu/~grout/encyclopaedia_romana/calendar/floralia.html Encyclopædia Romana: "Floralia"]