Ceres (mythology)

Ceres, in Roman Mythology, equivalent to the Greek Demeter (which see for more details), daughter of Saturn and Rhea, wife-sister of Jupiter, mother of Proserpina, and patron of Sicily.

Ceres is the goddess of growing plants (particularly grain) and of motherly love. Personified and celebrated by women in secret rituals at the festival of Ambarvalia, held during May. There was a temple to Ceres on the Aventine Hill. Her primary festival was the Cerealia, held on April 19. She was depicted in art with a scepter, a basket of flowers and fruit, and a garland made of wheat ears.

The asteroid 1 Ceres is named after this goddess.