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    What is the significance of unlucky broad beans according to ancient Roman official Pontifex Maximus?

    Question #52071. Asked by peasypod. (Oct 31 04 5:36 PM)


    mibmob

    		Um - can you rephrase the q?

    Nov 01 04, 7:54 AM
    peasypod

    		Ok.

    The Roman official known as a Pontifex would not have anything to do with broad beans. He would not eat them, touch them, serve them to guests, or even mention them by name. Why?

    Nov 01 04, 5:41 PM
    DaveLister

    		There was the Feast of the Lemures in which the malevolent spirits of the dead were appeased with offerings of beans.

    According to Ovid, at this festival it was the custom to appease or expel the evil spirits by walking barefoot and throwing black beans over the shoulder at night. It was the head of the household who was responsible for getting up at midnight and walking around the house with bare feet throwing out black beans and repeating the incantation, "With these beans I redeem me and mine" nine times

    Is it anything to do with this?

    Nov 01 04, 6:51 PM
    peasypod

    		Nice One Dave.

    Nov 01 04, 8:42 PM
    mibmob

    		He used to say "Beans? do me a fava!"

    Nov 02 04, 10:17 AM

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