Note 59 — Chapter XI · CAROLUS AUGUSTUS.

The festival of the Robigalia was said to be instituted by Numa for the purpose of worshipping Robigus, or Robigo,—for it is uncertain whether the divinity was masculine or feminine,—in order to avert the blight of too great heat from the springing grain. With the ancient Romans the cereal festivals were held at the time of planting, and not, like our thanksgiving, after the harvest.