Editing Matres and Matronae (section)

== Function ==
The motif of [[triple deity#triple goddesses|triple goddesses]] was widespread in ancient Europe; compare the [[Fates]] (including [[Moirai]], [[Parcae]], and [[Norns]]), the [[Erinyes]], the [[Charites]], [[the Morrígan]], the [[Horae]], and other such figures, including the [[Tridevi]] of Hinduism.

[[Rudolf Simek]] suggests that the loose hair may point to maidenhood whereas the head dresses may refer to married women, the snakes may refer to an association with the souls of the dead or the underworld, and the children and diapers seem to suggest that the Matres and Matronae held a protective function over the family as well as a particular function as midwives.{{Sfn|Simek|1996|p=206}}

=== Veneration ===
Information about the religious practices surrounding the Matres is limited to the stones on which their depictions and inscriptions are found, of which more than 1,100 exist.{{Sfn|Simek|1996|pp=204–205}}

Motifs include depictions of sacrifice—including burning incense, pigs, bowls filled with fruit—and decorations of fruits, plants, and trees. In most cases, the votive stones and altars are not found singularly, but rather in groups around temple buildings and cult centers.{{Sfn|Simek|1996|p=206}}