Renewal of the Vestal fire in Vesta's circular temple
The sacred fire of Vesta was a holy fire in Ancient Rome. The Vestal Virgins, originally numbering two, later four and eventually six, were selected by lot and served for thirty years, tending the holy fire and performing other rituals connected to domestic life - among them were the ritual sweeping of the temple on June 15 and the preparation of foods for certain festivals. The renewal of the Vestal fire in Vesta's circular temple was occasioned on the 1st March. Read more