Editing Roman festivals (section)

==Keeping the ''feriae''==

[[Varro]] defined ''feriae'' as "days instituted for the sake of the gods."<ref>Varro, ''De lingua latina'' 6.12 ''(dies deorum causa instituti'', as cited by Scullard, p. 39, noting also the phrase ''dis dedicati'', "dedicated to the gods," in [[Macrobius]], ''Saturnalia'' 1.16.2.</ref> Religious rites were performed on the ''feriae'', and public business was suspended. Even [[slavery in ancient Rome|slaves]] were supposed to be given some form of rest. [[Cicero]] says specifically that people who were free should not engage in lawsuits and quarrels, and slaves should get a break from their labours.<ref>Cicero, ''De legibus'' 2.29, as cited by Scullard, p. 39.</ref> [[Roman agriculture|Agricultural writers]] recognized that some jobs on a farm might still need to be performed, and specified what these were. Some agricultural tasks not otherwise permitted could be carried out if an expiation were made in advance ''([[piaculum]])'', usually the sacrifice of a puppy.<ref>[[Cato the Elder]], ''De agricultura'' 138; [[Columella]] 2.21.2; Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' p. 39.</ref> Within the city of Rome, the [[flamen]]s and the priest known as the ''[[Rex sacrorum]]'' were not allowed even to see work done.

On a practical level, those who "inadvertently" worked could pay a fine or offer up a ''piaculum'', usually a pig. Work considered vital either to the gods or preserving human life was excusable, according to some experts on religious law. Although Romans were required not to work, they were not required to take any religious action unless they were priests or had family rites ''([[sacra gentilicia]])'' to maintain.<ref>Scullard, ''Festivals and Ceremonies of the Roman Republic,'' pp. 39–40.</ref>