i.e. " the good ones" [MANA], is the general name by which the
Romans designated the souls of the departed; but as it is a natural tendency to consider the
souls of departed friends as blessed spirits, the name of Lares is frequently used as
synonymous with Manes, and hence also they are called dii Manes, and were
worshipped with divine honours. (Cic. de Leg. 2.9, 22; Apul. de Deo Socrat. ; August. de Civ. Dei, 8.26, 9.11; Serv.
ad Virg. Aen. 3.63, 168; feriae denicales), sacrifices were
offered to the spirits of the departed with the observance of various ceremonies. But an
annual festival, which belonged to all the Manes in general, was celebrated on the 19th of
February, under the name of Feralia or Parentalia, because it was more especially the duty of
children and heirs to offer sacrifices to the shades of their parents and benefactors. (Resur. Carn. 1.)