hm... interesting...

I was looking up info about Minerva on the net and I stumbled across this fun fact:

"Quinquatrus - 19 March
"This day was called Quinquatrus because it was the fifth day after the Ides of March. It came to be regarded as the start of a five-day festival and holiday (the greater Quinquatrus) in honor of Mars. Although, originally a festival to honor Mars, it changed to Minerva whose temple on the Aventine is said to have been dedicated on 19 March. The festival was especially celebrated by those who honored Minerva such as spinners, weavers, artisans, artists, poets painters, teachers and students. During the 5 days of the festival, there were no classes. It was at this time that teachers received their yearly stipend. On the first day, the Pontifex Maximus offer sacrifices in the temple of Minerva. On the last day, patrons offered dinners for the friends and clients. In between, games, plays and contest were held. Following this festival, students began new courses of study. " (KET)

I think it's particularly interesting that this was a holiday celebrated by teachers and students and that there were no classes held during the festival... Seems to me, it almost like a Roman "Teacher Appreciation Day" (or rather, several days). And incidentally, March 19th is the day that we all start back to classes after Spring break... I almost want to have a party for it! ;D

~ Rachael