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Arvales, Fratres

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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(Lat.field brothers), a college of priests, among the ancient Romans, whose office it was to offer sacrifices for the fertility of the fields. They were twelve in number, and are said to have owed their original appointment to Romulus. Their distinctive badge of office was a chaplet of ears of corn fastened round their heads by a white band. Once a year they celebrated a three-days festival in honor of Ceres, towards the end of May. (See AMBARVALIA).