Lectisternium, meaning to “spread a couch” is an ancient Greek and Roman ritual when food was offered to gods and goddesses. It was traditional to dress up statues of Jupiter, Juno, and Minerva, lay them on a couch facing the open street and give them a feast!  

The feasting

This rite originated in Greece where couches were prepared honouring three pairs of gods: Apollo & Latona, Hercules & Diana, Mercury & Neptune. The feasting, lasted for 7 or 8 days. The people kept open house and prisoners were released the objective was to banish sorrow and heartache. In time other Gods and Goddesses were included. In Christian times, the word was used for a feast in memory of the dead.