LIBER AND LIBERA, a pair of deities of uncertain origin, worshipped in Italy. The name Liber is probably connected with the adj., liber, free, less likely with the root of libare, to pour drink-offering. Both etymologies were current in antiquity. Modern authorities differ. The name cannot be a mere transla tion of Abatos or 'EXev&pcos, well-known epithets of Dionysus (q.v.), for the Liberalia is of the oldest cycle of Roman festivals, and therefore older than Greek influence; but the resemblance may have helped to identify the two gods. The question cannot be considered decided whether he is an offshoot of Iuppiter Liber (so Wissowa), or an originally independent deity (so Preller and others). At all events, he was identified with Dionysus, and the triad Ceres, Liber and Libera represent in Rome, from fairly early times, but always under Greek influence, the Eleusinian Demeter, Iacchus-Dionysus and Persephone. At the Liberalia,
held at Rome on March 17, we know that the toga virilis was commonly assumed for the first time, with appropriate cere monial, by boys who were of age to do so; that cakes (liba) were provided by old women in the service of Liber who sat in the streets and sacrificed on behalf of anyone who chose to buy their wares; and that meals were taken in the open air. At Lavinium a whole month was consecrated to Liber, and at this and other country towns a festival was held, comprising a procession, the garlanding of a phallus, and all manner of songs and jokes were used ; all this was supposed to make the seeds grow. It closely resembles Greek ritual, but may be a parallel Italian development.
See Preller-Jordan, Riimische Mythologie (vol. ii., 1883), P. 47 ff.; G. Wissowa, Religion and Kultus, 2nd ed., p. 298 ff.; Roscher's Lexikon, s.v.