Legal Definitions - feriae

In ancient Roman law, feriae referred to designated religious or public holidays during which normal civic and legal activities were temporarily suspended. These were periods when political debates ceased, court proceedings were halted, and enslaved people were granted a partial reprieve from their usual labor.

• Example 1: Suspension of Legal Hearings
  Imagine a Roman citizen named Lucius who had a crucial property dispute scheduled for resolution before a praetor (a Roman magistrate). If the day of his hearing fell on a declared feriae, such as the Vinalia Rustica festival, the court would not convene. Lucius's case would be postponed until after the holiday period concluded, demonstrating how lawsuits were suspended during these special days.

• Example 2: Halting Political Deliberations
  Consider the Roman Senate, typically a bustling arena for political discourse and lawmaking. If a significant public holiday like the Ludi Romani (Roman Games) was declared a feriae, the Senate would not meet. Debates on new legislation or matters of state would be put on hold, illustrating the suspension of political activities during these designated periods.

• Example 3: Partial Respite for Enslaved Individuals
  In a large Roman household, enslaved individuals performed a wide range of duties, from cooking and cleaning to agricultural labor. During a feriae, such as the Saturnalia, while essential tasks might still be performed, the enslaved members of the household would experience a noticeable reduction in their workload. They might be relieved of heavy or non-urgent chores, or even participate in certain festive activities, showcasing the partial break from labor they enjoyed.