Partula (goddess)

In ancient Roman religion Partula (also known as Parca) was a goddess of childbirth. She watched over pregnancy and determined its duration.[1]

Early Roman religion was concerned with the interlocking and complex interrelations between gods and humans. In this, the Romans maintained a large selection of divinities with unusually specific areas of authority. A sub-group of deities covered the general realm of infancy and childhood.[2] In this area, Partula was called upon as a general guardian and tutelary deity of parturition.

References

  1. ^ Tertullian, Deuteronomy Carne Christi, chaps. 37, 39. "Partula adjusted every thing relative to the labour".
  2. ^ "Reference Guide to Roman Mythology". http://web.raex.com/~obsidian/RomPan.html. Retrieved 2008-09-17.