LARES PENATES Meaning and
Definition
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Lares penates is a Latin phrase used to describe the household gods or deities worshipped in ancient Roman religion. Derived from the words "lares" and "penates," this term refers to the protective entities believed to oversee and safeguard the Roman home, family, and its daily affairs.
The "lares" were considered ancestral spirits or deities who acted as guardians of the household. They were believed to be protective spirits of deceased family members who watched over the home and its occupants, ensuring their well-being and prosperity. The lares were usually represented by small images or statues and were often placed in a sacred corner of the house called the "lararium" to be venerated and offered prayers and offerings.
On the other hand, the "penates" were gods associated with the storehouses and pantry of the home. They were closely associated with the provision of food, abundance, and the domestic welfare of the family. The penates were believed to ensure the pantry was always full and protected the home against disease, famine, and other calamities.
Together, the lares penates were considered essential elements of Roman household religion, as they were believed to exert influence over the well-being, prosperity, and continuity of the family. The veneration and inclusion of these deities in daily religious practices aimed to maintain harmony and balance within the domestic sphere.
Common Misspellings for LARES PENATES
- kares penates
- pares penates
- oares penates
- lzres penates
- lsres penates
- lwres penates
- lqres penates
- laees penates
- lades penates
- lafes penates
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- la5es penates
- la4es penates
- larws penates
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- larea penates
Etymology of LARES PENATES
The word "lares penates" comes from Latin and has its roots in ancient Roman religion and mythology.
"Lares" refers to the deities known as "lares" in Roman mythology. The lares were household gods who were believed to protect the home and the family. They were associated with the spirits of ancestors and were often depicted as guardians or divine protectors. The word "lares" itself is believed to have originated from the Etruscan word "lar", which means "household" or "home".
"Penates" also comes from Latin and refers to another set of household gods in Roman mythology. The penates were the gods of the pantry or storeroom and were associated with the protection of the family's food and provisions. The word "penates" is believed to be derived from the Latin verb "penus", which means "food" or "provisions".
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