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Hilaria

Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature

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a festival among the ancient Romans, which they observed in the Kalends, April 8, or on March 25, in honor of the goddess Cybele. Its name it derived from the occasion, which was one of general mirth and joy. The citizens went in processions through the streets, carrying the statue of Cybele. Masquerades, and all sorts of disguises, were also permitted. The day preceding the festival, in contrast with the festive day which was to follow, was a day of mourning. The reason for this is that "Cybele represented the earth, which at that time of the year begins to feel the kindly warmth of the spring, and to pass from winter to summer; so that this sudden transition from' sorrow to joy was an emblem of the vicissitudes of the seasons, which succeeded one another." — Broughton, Biblioth. Historico Sacra, 1, 494.