Explanation: It was the task of the Vestal Virgins, a collection of six priestesses in Ancient Rome, to ensure that the Sacred Fire of the goddess Vesta didn't go out through the year (being ritually extinguished and relit only on the first of March, ideally).
During the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, the Temple of Vesta was destroyed in the conflagration. I'm sure it must have seemed odd, at that moment, to be tasked with the preservation of sacred fire at the same time as fire consumed the whole damn city, lmao.
That sounds dangerously like POLLUTION of the SACRED FIRE!
The Vestals actually had a special way of kindling the Sacred Fire each year - by reflection of the sun's rays, thus making a 'pure' flame, not ignited by earthly materials.
7 replies
Explanation: It was the task of the Vestal Virgins, a collection of six priestesses in Ancient Rome, to ensure that the Sacred Fire of the goddess Vesta didn't go out through the year (being ritually extinguished and relit only on the first of March, ideally).
During the Great Fire of Rome in 64 AD, the Temple of Vesta was destroyed in the conflagration. I'm sure it must have seemed odd, at that moment, to be tasked with the preservation of sacred fire at the same time as fire consumed the whole damn city, lmao.
Just add the sacred fire to the main fire and come back for it later. Then it's all sacred Fire
That sounds dangerously like POLLUTION of the SACRED FIRE!
The Vestals actually had a special way of kindling the Sacred Fire each year - by reflection of the sun's rays, thus making a 'pure' flame, not ignited by earthly materials.
This reminds me of a plot to a King of the Hill episode.
Torch Song Hillology
Use holy water rules.
Your posts are always so fun and informational at the same time, thank you for being a pillar of the fediverse!
Always happy to amuse with a little trivia from my favorite obsessions! 🙏