Terminalia

Roman festival

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Last updated

July 14, 2026

Quick Summary

The Terminalia was a Roman festival held on February 23, marking the end of the Roman year. It honored Terminus, the god of boundaries, who was represented by boundary stones or posts. During the festival, owners of adjacent lands would gather at their common boundary stone. They would adorn their respective sides with garlands and make offerings of food and wine, often sacrificing a lamb or pig. The god Terminus, depicted without feet or arms, symbolized the steadfastness of boundaries and was seen as a keeper of peace by preventing disputes over property lines.12

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Terminus
…year) the festival called the Terminalia was held. The owners of adjacent lands assembled at the common boundary stone, and each garlanded his own side of the stone. Offerings of cakes, grain, honey, and wine were made, and a lamb or pig was sacrificed.
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…year) the festival called the Terminalia was held. The owners of adjacent lands assembled at the common boundary stone, and each garlanded his own side of the stone. Offerings of cakes, grain, honey, and wine were made, and a lamb or pig was sacrificed.
Read More