SCENE II

NUPTIAE--WEDDING CEREMONY

The auspices are taken and pronounced favorable. The groom and bride assume the names of Gaius and Gaia, respectively. These particular names were chosen, according to some, out of respect to the noted spinner Gaius and his royal wife, who were held by the Romans as a pattern of conjugal fidelity and skilled industry; according to others, because of the derivation from _gaudere_. Tullia with the words “Ubi tu Gaius, ego Gaia” (where you are Gaius, I am Gaia) signifies her willingness to enter the gens of her husband. The eating of the cake presented by the Pontifex (confarreatio) is the most important part of the ceremony, suggesting the sacramental view of marriage. The skin upon which the bride and groom are seated is supposed to be that of the sheep sacrificed before the ceremony begins. Prayer is offered to Jupiter by the Pontifex, and to Juno by the Flamen Dialis, after which congratulations are offered.