Known as the protector and special counselor of the state, Juno was an ancient Roman goddess who shared a similar existence to that of the ancient Greek’s Hera (wife of Zeus). In this article, you will learn about Juno, festivals in her honor, and her family ties.
Juno is the patron goddess of Rome and the Roman Empire. Because of this, she was also called Regina (which meant queen). In Rome, she was worshipped alongside Jupiter and Minerva as a sort of triad on the Capitol (referred to as Juno Capitolina). The goddess took on many different forms for the people of Rome. When she was called Moneta (“the one who warns”), she watched over the finances of the empire. A temple located on the Arx was found on one of two Capitoline hills, and was devoted to Juno, but also served as the mint.
The ancient Romans also associated Juno with war, which translated into the kind of clothing she wore , as depicted in art. She was often seen wearing a cloak made out of goatskin , a garment that the Roman soldiers favored when they went on their military campaigns. She was also seen armed. This warlike attribute shifted into Greek myths and appeared in their depiction of the goddess Athena, who would wear a goatskin as well.
Family Ties
Juno was the offspring of Saturn. She was not only the sister of the chief god Jupiter, but also his wife , in the same manner as Hera and Zeus for the Greeks. Juno is also known as the mother of Mars, Vulcan and Minerva.
Festivals in her Honor
A popular yearly festival to pay homage to Juno was called the Matronalia, which involved the sacrificing of lambs and cattle. This was a major festival that always took place on March 1 (considered New Year’s Day for the ancient Romans). This day also included a procession comprised of married women who went to the temple to give offerings and say prayers to Juno. They placed circlets on their heads and brought flowers to Juno. Husbands also responded by giving their wives gifts and saying prayers for their health.
Juno was also honored in a festival called the Nonae Caprotinae (or “The Nones of the Wild Fig”), which took place on July 7. Fig trees played an important role during this celebration as women offered sacrifices to Juno under this type of tree. It was believed that the ripening of the figs was linked to fertilization. Other festivals associated with Juno were held on July 1 and September 13, where Juno Regina of the Capitol was worshipped.
Because the month of June was named after Juno, it was thought to be the most favorable time to marry because she was the patroness of marriage. Different representations of the goddess was also celebrated on the first of every month.