Vesta
1
9.9
A Roman goddess of the home whose temple priests always keep a holy fire burning
- proper noun
- /ˈvɛstə/
- Literature
:
Vesta
- In ancient Rome, Vestal virgins were priests of Vesta who were dedicated to the Roman goddess Vesta.
- Aunt Vesta
Examples
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In ancient Rome, people would pray to Vesta, the goddess of the hearth, for protection and warmth.
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Dedicated to Vesta, goddess of the hearth, whom Ovid calls "custos flammai," or "keeper of the flame."
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O mother Vesta, eternal mother of Rome... ...help me.
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The temple of Vesta was a sacred place where the flame was never allowed to go out.
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The Vestal Virgins were women who dedicated their lives to serving Vesta and maintaining the sacred fire.
Synonyms
4
9.7
Greek goddess who watches over the home and its fire
is the Roman counterpart who tends the sacred household flame
Surface Forms
Vesta main
Etymology
Vesta was the Roman goddess of the 'hearth' and the sacred 'fire' that kept homes and families safe. Think of her as the keeper of the home flame, like the Greek goddess Hestia, which is why Vesta is linked to home and family.