Brumalia
The Brumalia (
Etymology
The name of Brumalia comes from bruma, [ˈbruːma], "winter solstice", "winter cold", a shortening of *brevima, [ˈbrɛwɪma], presumed obsolete superlative form of brevis, later brevissima ("smallest", "shallowest", "briefest").
Overview
The Roman "Bruma" is known only from a few passing remarks, none of which predates Imperial times. Mentions of the Brumalia are found after the IV c. Against the Church disapproval John Malalas and John the Lydian used rhetoric that claimed their introduction by Romulus himself.[7]
Roman life during
Farmers would
Although Brumalia was still celebrated as late as the 6th century, it was uncommon and celebrants were ostracised by the Christian church. However, some practices did persist as November and December time customs.[4]
In later times, Romans would greet each other with words of blessing at night, "Vives annos", "Live for years".[4]
Contemporary celebration
It has been revived as a festival annually held by Connecticut College.[8]
References
Notes
- ^ "The Brumalia are attested only in Byzantium", Graf F., Roman Festivals in the Greek East From the Early Empire to the Middle Byzantine Era, Cambridge UP 2015, p.201
- ^ Les Brumalia sont une fête byzantine connue essentiellement a Constantinople, Perpillou-Thomas, Francoise, Les Brumalia d'Apion II, Tyche–Beiträge zur Alten Geschichte, Papyrologie und Epigraphik 8 (1993), p.107.
- ^ Mazza 2011, pp. 172–193.
- ^ a b c d e John the Lydian 2009.
- ^ Crawford 1914.
- ^ Livanos, Christopher; Bernard, Floris (2018). The Poems of Christopher of Mytilene and John Mauropous. Harvard University Press. p. 253.
Poem 115, titled: To his friend Nikephoros, who had sent him cakes around the time of the Broumalia
- ^ Graf, p.189; see also Malalas, Chron., 7.7
- ^ Swenson, Nora (November 1, 2010). "Concert from Conservation: Initiatives help fund Floralia". The College Voice.
Bibliography
- Crawford, John Raymond (1914). De Bruma et Brumalibus festis. Harvard University Press.
- Graf F., Roman Festivals in the Greek East From the Early Empire to the Middle Byzantine Era, Cambridge UP 2015, ch.7 The Brumalia (p.201-18)
- Mazza, Robert (February 2011). "Choricius of Gaza, Oration XIII: Religion and State in the Age of Justinian". In ISBN 9781848854093.
Webography
- Wright H., The Classical Weekly, Vol. 15, No. 7 (Nov. 28, 1921), p.52-4, epitome of De Bruma et Brumalibus Festis by J. R. Crawford
- Gill, N. S. "Brumalia". About.com. Archived from the original on 18 November 2012. Retrieved 25 March 2013.
- John the Lydian (December 2009). "A translation of John the Lydian, "De Mensibus" 4.158". Roger Pearse: Thoughts on Antiquity, Patristics, putting things online, freedom of speech, information access, and more. Trans. Pearse, Roger. Retrieved 25 March 2013.