Definitions for vestal virgins
vestal vir·gins

WikipediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. vestal virgins

   In ancient Rome, the Vestal Virgins or Vestals (Latin: Vestālēs, singular Vestālis [wɛsˈtaːlɪs]) were priestesses of Vesta, virgin goddess of Rome's sacred hearth and its flame. The Vestals were unlike any other public priesthood. They were chosen before puberty from a number of suitable candidates, freed from any legal ties and obligations to their birth family, and enrolled in Vesta's priestly college of six priestesses. They were supervised by a senior vestal but chosen and governed by Rome's leading male priest, the Pontifex maximus; in the Imperial era, this meant the emperor. Vesta's acolytes vowed to serve her for at least thirty years, to study and practise her rites in service of the Roman State, and to maintain their chastity throughout. As well as their obligations on behalf of Rome, Vestals had extraordinary rights and privileges, some of which were granted to no others, male or female. The Vestals took it in turns to supervise Vesta's hearth, so that at least one Vestal was stationed there at all times. Vestals who allowed the sacred fire to go out were punished with whipping. Vestals who lost their chastity were guilty of incestum, and were sentenced to living burial, a bloodless death that must seem voluntary. Their sexual partners, if known, were publicly beaten to death. These were very rare events; most vestals retired with a generous pension and universal respect. They were then free to marry, though few of them did. Some appear to have renewed their vows. In 382 AD, the Christian emperor Gratian confiscated the public revenues assigned to the cult of Vesta in Rome, and the Vestals vanish from historical record soon after.

The Nuttall EncyclopediaRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Vestal Virgins

   . See Vesta.

Editors ContributionRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. vestal virgins

   time limited virginity based on their oath or contract for temple service. Had to be virginal to begin with, but not a vow of chastity forever, only during their commitment. could marry afterwards

   
   

   Submitted by anonymous on September 16, 2019  

MythologyRate this definition:0.0 / 0 votes

1. Vestal Virgins

   (Ves′tal Vir′gins) were the priestesses of Vesta, whose chief duty was to see that the sacred fire in the temple of Vesta was not extinguished. They were always selected from the best families, and were under a solemn vow of chastity, and compelled to live perfectly pure lives.

How to pronounce vestal virgins?

1. Alex

   US English

   David

   US English

   Mark

   US English

   Daniel

   British

   Libby

   British

   Mia

   British

   Karen

   Australian

   Hayley

   Australian

   Natasha

   Australian

   Veena

   Indian

   Priya

   Indian

   Neerja

   Indian

   Zira

   US English

   Oliver

   British

   Wendy

   British

   Fred

   US English

   Tessa

   South African

How to say vestal virgins in sign language?

Numerology

1. Chaldean Numerology

   The numerical value of vestal virgins in Chaldean Numerology is: 7

2. Pythagorean Numerology

   The numerical value of vestal virgins in Pythagorean Numerology is: 6

References

1. ^ Wikipedia
   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vestal_Virgins
2. ^ The Nuttall Encyclopedia
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/12342/pg12342-images.html#VestalVirgins
3. ^ Mythology
   https://www.gutenberg.org/cache/epub/42474/pg42474-images.html#:~:text=vestal virgins