Terra (mythology)
Terra or Tellus was a primeval Roman goddess, mother of Fama. She was seen as the goddess of the earth, Tellus was also called, "Tellus Mater" or Mother Earth. Romans appealed to her over earthquakes. She was associated with fertility, (together with Ceres). Tellus was also associated with marriage, motherhood and pregnant women. Her Greek counterpart is Gaia.
A festival for Tellus was held on April 15; it was called the Fordicia or Hordicidia. Pregnant cows were sacrificed. The pontifex and Vestal virgins managed this festival. The vestal virgins kept the ashes of the foetal calves till they were used for purification at Parilia.
From January 24 to 26, the Sementivae or Feriae Sementivae took place in honour of Terra or Tellus. Simultaneously in rural areas the Paganalia took place in honour of Tellus Mater and Ceres and marked the finish of winter sowing. The pontifex maximus fixed the dates. The Goddesses were asked to protect sowers and seeds.
See also
References
External links
- Tellus Institute Environmental organisation