previous next

Vertumnus

or Vortumnus. An alleged Etruscan divinity, but this origin seems to be refuted by his genuine Roman name (from verto). The Romans connected Vertumnus with all occurrences to which the verb verto applies, such as the change of seasons, purchase and sale, the return of rivers to their proper beds, etc. But in reality the god was connected only with the transformation of plants and their progress from blossom to fruit. Hence the story that when Vertumnus was in love

Vertumnus. (Berlin Museum.)

with Pomona he assumed all possible forms, until at last he gained his end by metamorphosing himself into a blooming youth. Gardeners accordingly offered to him the first produce of their gardens and garlands of budding flowers. The whole people celebrated a festival to Vertumnus on the 23d of August, under the name of the Vortumnalia, denoting the transition from the beautiful season of autumn to the less agreeable one. The importance of the worship of Vertumnus at Rome is evident from the fact that it was attended to by a special flamen (flamen Vortumnalis). See Flamen.

hide Display Preferences
Greek Display:
Arabic Display:
View by Default:
Browse Bar: