Bellona

Dies Sanguinis, meaning “Day of Blood” or “Day of the Bloody Sacrifice,” was an intense, yet sacred, day in the Roman calendar. Celebrated annually on March 24th, this day was dedicated to the goddess Bellona, who was known for her association with war, bloodshed and violence. Those celebrating this sacred day typically engaged in animal sacrifices, including the sacrifice of a bull, performed by Roman priests in the Temple of Bellona. But what was the purpose behind such gruesome rituals? [[{"type":"media","view_mode":"media_large","fid":"109427","attributes":{"alt":"Animal sacrifice was an important aspect of many Roman ceremonies, especially for the Dies Sanguinis. (Fair use)","class":"media-image","height":"405","style":"width: 610px; height: 405px;","typeof":"foaf:Image","width":"610"}}]] Animal sacrifice was an important aspect of many Roman ceremonies, especially for the Dies Sanguinis. (Fair use) The Mysterious Origins