by Horatius Piscinus on Thu Mar 27, 2003 9:13 pm
Salve Mari
The Rosalia I think may have had to do with commemorating the fallen comrades of a legion. The roses, and the fact it was held in May would seem to indicate that. The legion's dies natalis would be something different. Pliny mentions the anointing of the eagles, at Nat Hist 13.23 where speaking on the introduction of perfume. Does he mean all holidays here, or only certain ones? And if only certain ones, what others besides the dies natalis and the Rosaliae?
"The most astonishing thing, however, is that this extravagant behaviour has found its way even into our military camps. At any rate the eagles and the standards, dusty and bristling with sharp points, are anointed on holidays. I wish I could say who first introduced this practice. The fact is, no doubt, that our eagles were bribed to conquer the world by such a reward! We seek their patronage for our vices so that we may have the right to use hairoil under our helmets!"
Vale optime
Piscinus
M Horatius Piscinus
Sapere aude!