Bona Dea

Bona Dea was the Roman goddess of fertility.

Depiction
Bona Dea was usually depicted as sitting on a throne while holding a cornucopia. Her image was often found on coins.

Abode
Bona Dea is a fertility goddess who was mostly worshipped by matrons and presided over virginity and fertility in women. She was celebrated in secret rites held on December 4. Only women were allowed to celebrate in her festivals.

Bona Dea also presided over healing and, as such, sick individuals were tended to in the garden of her temple with herbs.

Attributes
Her most notable attribute includes a snake which was a symbol of healing. Consecrated snakes were kept in her temple at Rome.

Mythology
During her festivals, the words "wine" and "myrtle" were banned because, in one myth, her father had become intoxicated and beat her with a myrtle stick.

Other Names

 * Fauna