Gods of the Month: Liber Pater and Libera

On March 17, the Liberalia is celebrated to encourage the fertility of the land. (Fertility, as a virtue (Uberitas, Fecunditas), is important to Romans since it is vital to life.) Represented by a large phallus, Liber Pater, an ancient Italic God, ensures the fecundity of plants. Dancing around with a giant phallus is one of the main features of Liberalia. Liber is joined by Libera who protects the female seed. Together, They encourage the plants to grow.

In Roman homes, fascinum (a winged phallus) is kept to ward off evil and to ensure good luck. Children wear them as bullae for protection. Phalli with eyes are for warding off the Evil Eye.

Salve Liber Pater!

God of Fecundity

Keeper of the Male Seed

Teach us to honor Uberitas

Teach us to honor Fecunditas

Salve Libera!

Goddess of Fecundity

Keeper of the Female Seed

Teach us to honor Uberitas

Teach us to honor Fecunditas

Let us always keep

These virtues.