In Latin, the month of June is Mensis Iunius . The name comes from the goddess Juno, the queen of Olympus and wife of Jupiter. However, the name Iunius may also be connected to Juventus, a goddess of youth. In contrast to the month of May, when ancestors and spirits were honored, June was a month for the young and the living. There was also a great emphasis on marriage and childbirth, two of the goddess Juno’s most important responsibilities. Therefore, marrying during the month of June was thought to bring good fortune.
In ancient Rome, June was often represented by a torch. This probably stood for the summer solsticewhich occurred during the month and marked the start of the annual harvest. June began with a festival to honor Juno and her son Mars, who were both considered protectorsof the Roman state.
Among other important events, a festival for celebrating the military and the goddess Bellona was held early in the month. The second week of June was dedicated to the goddess Vesta, and was a time for honoring wives and mothers. There was also a festival dedicated to Minerva, the goddess of wisdom and the arts.
