How Do You Spell VESTAL VIRGINS?

Pronunciation: [vˈɛstə͡l vˈɜːd͡ʒɪnz] (IPA)

The term "vestal virgins" refers to a group of women who served as priestesses in ancient Rome. The word "vestal" can be pronounced /ˈvɛstəl/ (VESS-təl) with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" is pronounced as the "a" in "cat". The word "virgins" is pronounced /ˈvɜːrdʒɪnz/ (VUR-jinz) with the stress on the first syllable. The "i" is pronounced as the "i" in "bird" and the "g" is pronounced as a soft "j". Together, the term is pronounced /ˈvɛstəl ˈvɜːrdʒɪnz/ (VESS-təl VUR-jinz).

VESTAL VIRGINS Meaning and Definition

1. Vestal virgins were a prestigious and exclusive group of women in ancient Rome who served as priestesses dedicated to the goddess Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and home. The term "vestal" comes from the Latin word "vestalis," which means “pertaining to Vesta.”

   The vestal virgins lived in the House of the Vestals, a sacred residence located near the Forum Romanum. These women were carefully selected and took a vow of chastity for a period of 30 years. They were chosen between the ages of six and ten and were required to serve for at least 30 years, during which they were expected to maintain their purity and celibacy. Failing to do so was regarded as a grave offense against the gods and the state.

   Their primary responsibility was to maintain the sacred fire of Vesta continuously burning. If the fire went out, it was believed to bring misfortune to Rome, so it was their duty to ensure it remained lit at all times. They also performed other important religious rituals and ceremonies, including tending to the sacred objects and treasures within the temple of Vesta.

   Vestal virgins held a unique position in Roman society, as they enjoyed privileges not granted to other Roman women. They were highly respected and their status was almost sacred. They were exempt from many social obligations and were allowed to own property, make a will, and vote in legal matters. Their prominent position allowed them to witness important events and they had the power to pardon condemned prisoners.

   The vestal virgins were regarded as the embodiments of purity and their cult played a crucial role in the religious and social life of ancient Rome.

Common Misspellings for VESTAL VIRGINS

• cestal virgins
• bestal virgins
• gestal virgins
• festal virgins
• vwstal virgins
• vsstal virgins
• vdstal virgins
• vrstal virgins
• v4stal virgins
• v3stal virgins
• veatal virgins
• veztal virgins
• vextal virgins
• vedtal virgins
• veetal virgins
• vewtal virgins
• vesral virgins
• vesfal virgins
• vesgal virgins

Etymology of VESTAL VIRGINS

The word "vestal" is derived from the Latin word "vestalis", which means "pertaining to the vesta". "Vesta" refers to the Roman goddess of the hearth and home. The Vestal Virgins were priestesses serving the goddess Vesta in ancient Rome. The term "virgins" refers to their status as unmarried women chosen for their virginity, as they were required to remain celibate during their service to the goddess.

Similar spelling word for VESTAL VIRGINS

• vestal virgin.