(in ancient Rome) a virgin consecrated to Vesta and vowed to chastity, sharing the charge of maintaining the sacred fire burning on the goddess's altar.
Who were the Vestal Virgins?— Jason Horowitz, New York Times, 1 May 2020 The vestal virgins, who maintained the sacred fire of Vesta, the goddess of hearth and home, were the Beyhive of their day.
What does Vestal mean in the Bible?Definition of vestal (Entry 1 of 2) 1 : of or relating to the Roman goddess Vesta 2 a : of or relating to a vestal virgin
What was the role of the Virgins of Vesta?(Ves′tal Vir′gins) were the priestesses of Vesta, whose chief duty was to see that the sacred fire in the temple of Vesta was not extinguished. They were always selected from the best families, and were under a solemn vow of chastity, and compelled to live perfectly pure lives.
Can a Vestal Virgin marry after her term of service?A vestal virgin could marry after her term of service was over, but to do so was considered bad luck. A vestal virgin who lost her virginity during her term of service was punished by being buried alive.
In ancient Rome, the Vestals or Vestal Virgins ( Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. The college of the Vestals was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. These individuals cultivated the sacred fire that was not allowed to go out.
Outside Rome [ edit] Manlia Severa, virgo Albana maxima, [85] a chief Alban Vestal at Bovillae whose brother was probably the L. Manlius... Flavia (or Valeria) Vera, a virgo vestalis maxima arcis Albanae, chief Vestal Virgin of the Alban arx (citadel). [87] Caecilia Philete, a senior virgin ( virgo ... See more
The chief festivals of Vesta were the Vestalia celebrated June 7 until June 15. On June 7 only, her sanctuary (which normally no one except her priestesses the Vestals entered) was accessible to mothers of families who brought plates of food. The simple … See more
According to Plutarch, there were only two Vestal Virgins when Numa began the College of the Vestals. This number later increased to four, and then to six. It has been suggested by … See more
The House of the Vestals was the residence of the vestal priestesses in Rome. Located behind the Temple of Vesta (which housed the sacred fire), the Atrium Vestiae was a three … See more
Throughout time, the image of the Vestal Virgin has been a woman draped in white priestly garments denoting the essence of purity and divinity … See more
May 01, 2020 · noun. 1. : a virgin consecrated to the Roman goddess Vesta and to the service of watching the sacred fire perpetually kept burning on her altar. 2. : a chaste woman.
Jul 20, 1998 · Vestal Virgins, in Roman religion, six priestesses, representing the daughters of the royal house, who tended the state cult of Vesta, the goddess …
Vestal virgin definition, (in ancient Rome) one of four, later six, virgins consecrated to Vesta and to the tending of the sacred fire on her altar. See more. DICTIONARY.COM
vestal virgin. n. (Historical Terms) (in ancient Rome) one of the four, later six, virgin priestesses whose lives were dedicated to Vesta and to maintaining the sacred fire in her temple. Collins …
vestal virgins. Women in ancient Rome who took vows of chastity and tended the sacred flame in the temple of the goddess Vesta. Their group numbered six at any one time. A vestal virgin …
In ancient Rome, any of a small group of virgin priestesses of Vesta, who, sworn to remain chaste, tended the sacred fire in her temple. (literally) A virgin dedicated to the service of the goddess …
Sep 16, 2019 · Editors Contribution (0.00 / 0 votes) Rate this definition: vestal virgins. time limited virginity based on their oath or contract for temple service. Had to be virginal to begin with, …
Wiktionary (3.00 / 2 votes) Rate this definition: vestal virgin noun. a virgin dedicated to the service of the goddess Vesta. Etymology: Latin; virgines Vestales referred to the priestesses in charge …
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