Our Lady of Celestial Fire

Festival for Anna Perenna


March 15

(Roman) Ancient: Ides Mar. (full moon).
The goddess Anna Perenna (Unfailing Years), who appears as an old woman, presides over the turning of the years, and so Her festival falls on the first full moon of the ancient year. There are offerings for Her, and prayers that the year will be prosperous and healthy. Men and women go to the park or countryside, stay in tents, and celebrate, singing, dancing and drinking as many cups of wine as the number of years they hope to live. (Frazer considers this to be a relic of fertility rites.) Whenever people meet they address each other as “Blessed” (Fortunatus or Fortunata).