BONA DEA

In Roman Mythology, a godde concerning whom a great diversity of opinion prevails, even among the writers of antiquity. On the authority of C. Labeo, she is represented by Macrobius, who treats at length upon her nature and worship, as synonimous with the Grecian Rhea or Cybele. The Bona Dea had two temples at Rome; but her rites were generally solemnised in the house of the consul or prajtor. In the celebration of these rites only women participated, thereby indicating the peculiar chastity of the godde . But a perusal of the ancient writers will convince the most sceptical that the exclusion of men from the solemnities of the Bona Dea was purely nominal, and that in the course of time the gro est licentiousne was practised during their celebration. (See Cic: pro Milone: Juv. Sat. VI.) [s. 165]