Novendiale

Novendiale

(Lat. novem, "nine," and dies, "day") is the name of a custom which prevailed among the heathen of repeating their mourning for the dead on the third, seventh, and ninth days, and hence called novendiale. On these days they were accustomed to offer milk, wine, garlands, etc., to the manes. The practice was first instituted by Tullus Hostilius. The imitation of this custom by Christians is condemned by Augustilne who animadverts on the superstitious observance of nine days of mourning. Novendale was also a name among the Romans for the sacrifice which they offered at the close of the nine days devoted to mourning and the solemnities connected with the dead. (See Mourning).