The Goddess Juno as an embodiment of the feminine principle in Roman mythology

The Roman goddess Juno (an analogue of the ancient Greek Hera) was considered the queen of the heavens and the atmosphere (including the lady of lightning), and also the patroness of marriage and motherhood. Significant is the fact that Juno became the embodiment of the feminine within the patriarchal society. A great role was assigned to the goddess in ensuring the security of the Roman state, it was believed that it helps to gather troops during military campaigns. According to legend, once Juno warned the Roman people about the earthquake that threatened him.

Divine Images

A goddess is depicted, usually with a scepter in her hand. Also her integral companion is a peacock (or a cuckoo). In this case, Juno can have several hypostases, each of which has its own function: Juno-Populonia (defender), Juno-Moneta (counselor), Juno-Virginisens (virgin), Juno-Pronuba (marriage), Juno-Rumina (nurse), Juno-Lutsina (light), Juno-Domiduk (bringing in the house), etc.

Family ties

Juno was the youngest daughter of the supreme deity of Saturn (in the Greek mythology - Cronus, Cronus) and his wife Rhea (in some sources identified with Opa), who was also his sister. She also was the sister of Jupiter (ancient Greek Zeus), Neptune (Poseidon - the god of the seas and earthquakes), Pluto (Plutos - the god of wealth), Vesta (Hestia - the goddess of the hearth) and Ceres (Demeter - the goddess of fertility). Jupiter later becomes Juno's husband. The supreme goddess had three children: Mars (Ares - the god of war in Greek mythology), Vulcan (Hephaestus is the god of fire, and also forge craft) and Juventus (Heba is the goddess of youth).

History of Juno

According to mythology, Saturn received a prediction from his mother that one day he would be overthrown by his own son, born of Rhea. Fearing such an outcome, he swallowed all his children. However, the latter, Jupiter, Ray was saved. As a result, the prophecy was destined to come true: Saturn was defeated by Jupiter, and the children, previously swallowed by them (including Juno), are extirled. After that, Jupiter becomes the supreme deity of Olympus and the husband of his sister Juno. In order to win the favor of his sister, Jupiter, who is the master of reincarnation, takes on the image of a cuckoo. Despite such a romantic beginning, the marriage of the two supreme gods of Olympus could not be called calm. The loving Jupiter often changed lovers (among whom, for example, were Io, Callisto, etc.), than enraged the jealous Juno, drawing her anger both on herself and her chosen ones.

Heavenly protection

The goddess Juno was the patroness of the heavenly light, including the moon. According to ancient mythology, the moonlight had a direct effect on the female essence. Accordingly, it was believed that Juno has a great influence on the physiology of women (with menstruation, pregnancy, etc.), as well as their livelihoods (at the time of marriage). In addition, the goddess Juno was a symbol of fertility and passion.

Worship the goddess

The cult of the goddess was widespread throughout Italy. So, for example, in ancient Italian culture there was a ceremony of worship of a new moon. The temple of the goddess Junona was located on the top of the Capitol (one of the seven hills at the base of Rome). In the same place, worship was performed by such gods as Jupiter and Minerva (in Greek mythology, Athena, the goddess of wisdom). The temple was founded in June-month, which was also dedicated to Juno. At the temple was subsequently organized a mint, with the symbol of the goddess preserved, and he found its reflection in the name of the coins.

On Esquiline was located another temple, glorifying Juno. On the first day of March, Matronalia festivals took place in the church. The basis of them, according to tradition, was the bloodshed slaughter, prevented by Sabine women. On this day women enjoyed special reverence from men, were gifted with gifts, and the slaves were temporarily freed from their duties. In modern society, there are often analogies of the Roman Matronalia with the International Women's Day, celebrated on March 8.

Transformation of the divine image

The Goddess Juno in Ancient Rome was gradually assimilated with the Greek goddess Hera. This process was due to the penetration of the Greek system of cults and traditions into the culture of Ancient Rome. Thus, during the Second Punic War, Juno is seen as an image along with the Decemvirs (guardians of Greek rites and beliefs).

In addition, the goddess Juno as a symbol acquires additional significance: in addition to designating the wife of the supreme deity, in the Roman religious tradition, the young men are called mythical beings patronizing individual women. Just like every man had his own heavenly patron - a genius, every woman was guarded by her own youth.