FERLAE
\fˈɜːliː], \fˈɜːliː], \f_ˈɜː_l_iː]\
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In Roman antiq. holidays, during which free Romans suspended their political transactions and lawsuits, and slaves enjoyed a cessation from labor. The feriae were thus dies nefasti. They were divided into two classes, feriae publicae and privatae. The latter were observed by single families or individuals in commemoration of some particular event of consequence to themselves or their ancestors. Feriae publicae included all days consecrated to any deity, and consequently all days on which public festivals were held. The manner in which the public feriae were kept bears great analogy to our observance of Sunday, the people visiting the temples of the gods and offering prayers and sacrifices.
By Daniel Lyons