Ceres

myminifactory

In ancient Roman worship, Ceres was a revered deity of agriculture, grain crops, fertility and maternal bonds. Initially, she was the central figure in Rome's plebeian or Aventine Triad, later paired with her daughter Proserpina in the Greek-inspired rituals of Ceres. The seven-day April festival of Cerealia featured the popular Ludi Ceriales (Ceres' games), while her May lustratio at the Ambarvalia festival was a significant harvest-time celebration. Additionally, she was honored during Roman marriages and funeral rites. As the only agricultural deity listed among the Dii Consentes, Rome's equivalent to the Twelve Olympians of Greek mythology, Ceres held a unique position in Roman pantheon. The Romans viewed her as the counterpart of Demeter, whose mythology was reinterpreted in Roman art and literature to reflect the character of Ceres.