Lectisternium

What it is

The lectisternium was an ancient Roman ceremony where a meal was offered to deities. Divine images, such as busts or portable figures, were placed on couches draped with fabric. The figures rested their arms on cushions, appearing to recline and eat. Food was served on tables before the couches. This ritual aimed to secure favor from the gods.

Where it comes from

The practice likely originated in Greece, resembling the theoxenia where gods hosted humans. The custom of reclining at meals was also Greek. Some scholars suggest an Etruscan origin, linking it to the Sibylline Books. The first recorded instance in Rome occurred in 399 BC following a plague.

How it is done

Priests prepared couches by draping them with cloth. Divine images were laid upon them, sometimes accompanied by sacred objects like triumph wreaths. Each couch typically held a pair of deities. In the Imperial era, goddesses received chairs instead of couches, creating a sellisternium. Meals were served on tables positioned before the reclining figures.

Tools and materials

The ritual used couches called lecti, draped in fabric. Divine representations included bronze, wax, or marble heads on wooden bodies, or bundles of herbs covered by masks. Cushions supported the arms of the figures. Tables held the food offerings intended for the guests.

What it is for

The ceremony aimed to propitiate the gods during emergencies like plagues or military defeats. It sought to banish sorrow and restore peace. Citizens kept open houses and released prisoners to foster goodwill. Later, it became a way to honor deities regularly or celebrate military victories.

Who does it

The ritual was overseen by the duumviri sacris faciundis, priestly officials who consulted the Sibylline Books. They determined when the ceremony was necessary. Ordinary citizens participated by keeping their homes open and forgiving debts. The priests managed the arrangement of the divine guests.

Peoples and places

The practice belonged to ancient Roman culture. It evolved over centuries, incorporating foreign deities like Apollo and Cybele. The ritual adapted to Roman social customs, such as the shift to chairs for women in the Imperial period. It remained a central part of Roman public worship until the rise of Christianity.

What people believe

Romans believed the gods could accept physical hospitality through their images. The reclining posture suggested the deities were dining alongside humans. The ritual acknowledged foreign influences, particularly Greek customs regarding guest-friendship. It reflected a worldview where maintaining good relations with the divine ensured civic safety.

When it is done

Initially held only during crises, such as the plague of 399 BC or the defeat at Lake Trasimene. It was also performed during triumphs and religious festivals. Over time, it became a daily occurrence in various temples. The timing depended on omens and priestly decisions rather than fixed dates.

How scholars and sceptics see it

Historians like Livy documented the early ceremonies. Scholars debate whether the roots are Greek or Etruscan. Research highlights the connection to the Sibylline Books and their role in authorizing the rites. Studies also examine the transition from couches to chairs for goddesses, noting changes in Roman social norms.

Compare and confuse

The lectisternium is similar to the Greek theoxenia but reverses the roles of host and guest. It differs from the epulum Jovis, where goddesses sat on chairs while men reclined. The sellisternium was a later variation using chairs for all female deities.

Today

The ritual exists as a historical record of Roman religion. It illustrates the integration of Greek customs into Roman worship. Modern scholars study it to understand ancient propitiation and public piety.

Questions people ask about Lectisternium

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Lectisternium on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Wikidata recordOpen data