Matronalia

American  

[mey-truh-ney-lee-uh, -neyl-yuh, ma-] / ˌmeɪ trəˈneɪ li ə, -ˈneɪl yə, ˌmæ- /

noun

(sometimes used with a plural verb)

plural

Matronalialia, Matronalialias

1. an annual festival of ancient Rome held by matrons in honor of Juno.

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Etymology

Origin of Matronalia

1700–10; < Latin Mātrōnālia ( festa ), neuter plural of mātrōnālis of, belonging to a married woman. See matron, -al ¹

Example Sentences

Her chief festival was the Matronalia, on the first of March, hence called the "Women's Kalends."

From Ten Great Religions An Essay in Comparative Theology by Clarke, James Freeman

At which time the Matronalia were celebrated to Juno Lucina, and the Husbands used to pray to that Goddess to protect the Chastity of their Wives.

From The Lovers Assistant, or, New Art of Love by Fielding, Henry

As for the women, there was established in their honor the feast called Matronalia, in which husbands gave presents to their wives and lovers to their betrothed.

From Historic Tales, Volume 11 (of 15) The Romance of Reality by Morris, Charles

The women became thus dearer to the whole community, and the feast called Matronalia was established in their honor, when wives received presents from their husbands and girls from their lovers.

From The Story of Rome from the Earliest Times to the End of the Republic by Gilman, Arthur

Worshipped at the Matronalia in June, as the possessor of all motherly qualities, and especially as the protector of children from ill-treatment.

From Ten Great Religions An Essay in Comparative Theology by Clarke, James Freeman