Our Lady of Celestial Fire

Festival for Maia and Mercury


May 15

(Roman) Ancient: Id. May (full moon).
The Ides of May are Mercury’s birthday, and so He and His mother, Maia, are celebrated on this day. Devotees of Mercury, especially merchants, draw sacred water from the Aqua Mercurii (a spring) into fumigated jugs. They dip laurel branches into this water and sprinkle it over their goods and their own hair while praying for future success in their endeavors.