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Making Mistakes During Sacra Privita

Roman Republic | Respublica Romana > Forums > Sacra Publica | Public & community aspects the Roman Religion > Cultus Deorum Romanorum | Ancient Roman Religion > Making Mistakes During Sacra Privita

This topic contains 3 replies, has 3 voices, and was last updated by  Servia Curia Gemina 6 months ago.

Viewing 4 posts - 1 through 4 (of 4 total)
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  • July 17, 2020 at 10:04 pm #38813

    Servia Curia Gemina
    Denarii: 𐆖 206.50
    Plebeius
    Nova Svecia

    What kinds of mistakes are actually cause for starting a ritual all over from the beginning? Right now I tend to go back if I mess up a word, sneeze, or do something out of order.

    July 18, 2020 at 12:04 am #38816

    Tiberius Terentius Varro
    Denarii: 𐆖 704.22
    Plebeius
    Gallia Mississippia
    CensorSacerdosSenator

    Salve Soror!

    A good question. The ancient tradition indeed gives multiple examples of how the wording of ceremonies must be correct and not interrupted by an error. This is particularly true for the scara publica.

    But to get to the meat of the matter, we must ask ourselves the following questionS. Why does proper recitation matter? Why is orthopraxy important?

    The answer is simple and found in the virtue of pietas. Pietas for Romans is grounded in duty and respect. When you visit an honored relative or esteemed member of your community, you would rightly provide them respect. You would assist them and honor them by having a sense of duty towards them. You would speak with respect. Provide them thoughtful gifts. You would choose your words with care. If you are pious, you would not speak carelessly or not think about your actions before them. You would not give them a gift that is below what you could provide them.

    Pietas towards the gods is no different. You do not provide them with a ceremony that is below the best you can offer. We only offer our patrons, mortal or divine, the very best. Why? Because our sense of duty to the natural and beautiful hierarchies of the universe asks it. Pietas is this very idea of understanding the value in this hierarchy.

    Today we live in a world that bucks the notion of hierarchy. But that explains much of what is wrong today. Hierarchies and the respect we provide them give life meaning. They are natural, good, and beautiful. They ask for diligence and, at times, work. But in this work, we find beauty and order. We find meaning and value.

    Your sacra privata should be the best you can provide. If you could perform a ceremony better, then you should. Not because you fear the gods. But because you are pious and want to give the gods the best you have because they are worthy of such an honor.

    Gemina, thank you for asking this insightful question.

    Bene vale.

    July 20, 2020 at 5:29 pm #38849

    Titus Flavius Severus
    Denarii: 𐆖 1,399.30
    Patricius
    Sarmatia
    SenatorAugurLictor CuriatusPraetor

    Salve,

    You are doing the right thing, Gemina. The circumstances indicated by you are a violation of the ritual, entailing its repetition until the ritual is performed again. I especially want to note that not only your own mistakes or incorrect actions / inaction can lead to a violation of the ritual, but also reasons completely beyond your control, for example, noise somewhere on the street, unexpected dog barking, etc.
    There are three components to be observed when performing a ritual – the right person, the right time and place, and the right course of action. If at least one of these elements is not observed, this does not entail the nullity of the entire sacred act.

    July 22, 2020 at 4:19 pm #38877

    Servia Curia Gemina
    Denarii: 𐆖 206.50
    Plebeius
    Nova Svecia

    Salvete! Varro and Severus, thank you for your advice. I guess on my end of things, I’m trying to focus more on making sure the space where I’m practicing is quiet. Also rushing less- that helps. I have a bad habit of choosing a narrow window during the day in which to conduct rites. It ends up being my favorite part of the day though so it’s worth working on.

    It’s interesting, this about doing things from more of a point of loving piety as opposed to end-of-days-style fear. Something to think on.

    Thank you!

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