Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Cardea
In Roman mythology, Cardea was the goddess of health, thresholds and door hinges and handles, also associated with the wind. Her name comes from cardo, meaning door-pivot. She protected children against vampires and witches, and was also the benfactress of craftsmen. Her cult was important in ancient Rome, and was worshipped at the Beltane festival and during June, both of which were seen as a metphorical "hinge" for the year. Masks, balls and figurines (oscilla) were hung from doorways or trees to encourage crop growth in reverence to her. The hawthorn tree was sacred to her.
Ovid said of Cardea, in what is apparently a religious formula, "Her power is to open what is shut; to shut what is open."
She was originally the nymph Carna until Janus gave her power over door handles and hinges and status as the protectress of children.
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