Today it is Dies Nefastus Publicus – the day reserved for religious holidays. They are almost like Dies NEFASTI, but administrative activities must not be performed during them. It is not recommended to perform any kind of physical labor. So, if you want to hang out with your fellow-Romans – don’t talk about serious matters – just gather together and praise a God or a Goddess to whom this specific day is dedicated. Oh! And don’t forget to give your slaves a day-off!
On this day Romans worship: Minerva, sometimes called Quinquatria. During this period scholars obtain relaxation from their studies, and generally give presents to their tutors, which were called minervales, in honour of Minerva, the patroness of literature. Among other things, plays were performed and topics from the literature were discussed. Minerva is the Goddess of wisdom, justice, law, victory, and the sponsor of arts, trade, and strategy. Minerva is not a patron of violence such as Mars, but of strategic war. Minerva is one of the three Deities in the Capitoline Triad, along with Iuppiter and Iuno. She is the virgin Goddess of music, poetry, medicine, wisdom, commerce, weaving, and the crafts. She is often depicted with Her sacred creature, an owl usually named as the “owl of Minerva”, which symbolised Ger association with wisdom and knowledge as well as, less frequently, the snake and the olive tree. Minerva is commonly depicted as tall with an athletic and muscular build, as well as wearing armour and carrying a spear. As the most important Roman goddess, She is highly revered, honored, and respected.
