Floralia

Flora, by Evelyn de Morgan

Today marks the beginning of the three, or possibly six, day festival honoring Flora, Roman goddess of flowers and youth. She is the maidenly incarnation of the Great Mother, Cybele, also known as Magna Mater. On these days medallions displaying various sexual positions as well as seeds and beans were thrown into the crowds. Also, athletic competitions between classes took place with the participants treated as equals.

Fair Flora! Now attend thy sportful feast,
Of which some days I with design have past;
A part in April and a part in May
Thou claim’st, and both command my tuneful lay;
And as the confines of two months are thine
To sing of both the double task be mine.
-Ovid