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Message sent to Nova Roma Main List on 11 Apr 2003 10:14:35 -0700 (PDT) by Plebeian Aedile Lucius Arminius Faustus.

Salvete Quirites!

I HEREBY OPEN THE LUDI CEREALIA!

This Ludi Cerealia will be going on from the 12th to the 19th of April.

The Cerealia 2756 is organized by the Aediles Plebis L. Arminius Faustus et Marco Curius Scribonnius Britanicus, under the religious celebrations lead by the Flamen Cerealia illustrious Hadrianus Rutilius Bardulus.

The Cerialia or Cerealia was the most important festivity celebrated in Rome to honour Ceres. It began on April the 12th, coinciding with the Forcidicia (feast of Tellus Gravida) and extended until April the 19th. It was a feast of plebeian character and it was organized by the Aediles of the Plebs, while the patricians were considered guests during these days (although before, in the feasts of Cybele �Megalesia- the patricians were the ones who invited the plebeians). In these days people dressed in white, as an expression of their happiness for Proserpine�s return to Ceres�s side, and it was customary to carry pine torches on the street. Even two pines were ritually set alight by night to �light up� Ceres in Her search for Proserpine. It was forbidden to have sexual relations since a day before the beginning of the feasts and until their end. Another rite of this day was to give three turns around the fields with a sow, sacrifying it to Ceres after that. Ovid says that flour and salt can be sacrified to the Goddess on the lararium�s fire (focus), as well as incense or pine branches impregnated in resin. Virgilio adds milk, honey and wine among possible offerings. (text provided by Flaminen Rutilius at http://www.geocities.com/gens_rutilia/Ceres_english.pdf).

On the modern virtual reeditions of the Cerealia, we will have the following events

I - Opening/Ending ceremonies and speeches by both aediles

II � Fine Religious public praiers, poems and Hymns to Ceres - Many citizens and worshippers. Public spontaneus manifestations

III � A wonderful Chariot Race - Organized by Aedile M. Curio

IV � A huge Literary Contest - Organized by Aedile L. Arminius

V � A awesome Gladiator Show - Organized by Aedile L. Arminius

The virtual ludi on NR has its three proposal: Religious, Cultural and Entertainment.

1- Religious - A humble way to remember and celebrate the memory of the traditional roman gods.

2 - Cultural - The Ludi are a school of romanitas. The aediles flamineque make extensive research and presents it to the citizens on a pretty easy way of understanding.

3 � Entertainment  - It is a way to gather our citizens on increasing fellowship.

THE PLEBEAIN AEDILSHIP WANTS TO WARMLY THANK THE FOLLOWING CITIZENS:

To Flaminen Cerealis Hadrianus Rutilius Bardulus

To Senator Marcus Arminius Maior

To Quaestor Publius Tarquitius Rufus

To Scribae Titus Arminius Genialis

To citizen Gaius Galerius Peregrinator

To Cibele�s priestess Iulia Volpisca

To both Curules Aediles

To the fellow Tribunes of the Plebis

To the Praetores, Consules, Censores, Pontifices, Augures et magistrates omnia.

To the citizens participating, sending prayers, joining munera, assembling bigae, writing for the contests.

And for Mother Ceres et Proserpina for blessing them all.

ENJOY THE LUDI CEREALIA!!!