| Consualia | |
|---|---|
| Official name | Consuales Ludi |
| Observed by | Roman Republic, Roman Empire |
| Type | Ancient Roman |
| Celebrations | Chariot racing |
| Observances | Horses,Mules andAsses were adorned with garlands |
| Date | 21 August, 15 December |
TheConsualia orConsualesLudi was the name of twoancient Roman festivals in honor ofConsus, atutelary deity of the harvest and stored grain.Consuales Ludiharvest festivals were held on August 21,[1] and again on December 15, in connection with grain storage. The shrine of Consus was underground, it was covered with earth all year and was only uncovered for this one day.Mars, the god of war, as a protector of the harvest, was also honored on this day, as were theLares, the household gods that individual families held sacred.
During the celebration horses, mules, and asses were exempted from all labour, and were led through the streets adorned with garlands and flowers.Chariot races were held this day in theCircus Maximus, which included an odd race in which chariots were pulled by mules.
InRoman mythology, the Consualia was founded byRomulus as an occasion to gather hisSabine neighbors.[2]: 1.9 When the community was assembled and in a state of drunken festivity, Romulus's menabducted the daughters of the Sabines to become their brides (see "The Rape of the Sabine Women").
There were also sacrifices to Consus on 7 July. Consus' feasts were followed by those of the related goddessOps: theOpiconsivia on 25 August and theOpalia on 19 December.
According toLivy,[2]: 1.9 the festival honorsNeptune.
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