Vesta (Roman Goddess of Fire) 7 June — Vestalia. The day of Vesta Aperit, the opening of the sanctuary of the temple of Vesta in Rome. Vesta, whose name means 'torch' or 'candle' is the Roman goddess of fire. She is the daughter of Saturn and Ops. Her sacred animal was the donkey. She is the Patroness of Bakers, and presides over the hearth and preparation of meals. Publicly the shrine of Vesta contained a sacred fire tended by six Vestal Virgins. The Vestals were of great standing in Rome; chosen by lot from Patrician families between the ages of six and 10, they would serve for 30 years after which they could marry. They took a vow of absolute chastity; to break it meant death for culprit and her lover. During 11 centuries, only 20 Vestals were so published. A criminal condemned to death who happened to meet a Vestal was immediately released. On their feast day, 7 June, the Vestals' mothers would bring food to the sanctuary, which was otherwise entered only by Vestals. On the full moon at the beginning of May, the Vestals would throw 24 manikins (replacing human sacrifice) into the Tiber to ensure water supply. See May, the Month of. Sources:
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