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(Also available in English)
The Paterfamilias (or Materfamilia) of the Gens has
the ultimate responsibility for setting precidents regarding the
worship conducted at the household shrine to the Lares (the Lararium).
While every family will have a different specific formula for honoring
the Lares and Di Penates (the Gods of the family and the home,
respectively), the following is offered as a model. At the very least,
some sort of prayer to the Lares and Di Penates should be made every
day. There is no need to be capite velato (with the head
covered) on regular days for prayers, nor any lucerna lit or incense
offered.
Having washed his hands while saying the prayer of ablution, the Paterfamilias begins the rite. The ritual presented below assumes the Lararium is to the North. When (adoratio) is indicated, one raises the right hand to the lips, kisses the fingertips of the right hand, and then extends the hand out in offering. The body should also be swung (twisted) once, left to right, so that the hand is moved sideways in a "general offering" motion.
"Salve lar familiaris (adoratio). Salvete Di Penates (adoratio). Salve Gen Patris Familias (adoratio). Salve Vesta Mater. (adoratio) "
The altar (or lararium) is then touched.
"Ita est!"
The Paterfamilias turns south in a clockwise direction, assumes the adoratio posture, and a closing prayer is spoken.
"Quod bonum faustum felix fortunatum salutareque sit mihi (the breast is touched with the right hand) Genti ________ (insert gens name) ac nationi Novae Romae Universae. Ita est!"
The Paterfamilias facing north once more at the Lararium, touching the altar.
"Illicet!"
The adoratio posture is once more assumed, twisting the body from right to left as it is done. The rite is ended.
