or LARENTALIA, called also Larentinatha, Laurentales, and Larentales, feasts celebrated among the Romans on the 10th of the kalends of January, or 23rd of December, in memory of Acca Laurentia, wife of the shepherd Faustulus, and nurse of Romulus and Remus.

Acca Laurentia, from whom the solemnity took its name, is represented as no less remarkable for the beauty of her person, than her lasciviousness; on account of which she was nicknamed by her neighbours lupae, "the wolf;" which is said to have given rise to the tradition of Romulus and Remus being suckled by a wolf. She afterwards married a very rich man, who brought her great wealth, which, at her death, she left to the Roman people; in consideration whereof they performed to her these honours; though others represent the feast as held in honour of Jupiter Latiaris. See LARENTINALIA and LAKES.