Which month was considered unfavorable for marriage in ancient Rome?

In ancient Rome, May was regarded as an unfavorable month for marriage primarily due to its association with the festival of Lemuria, which was dedicated to honoring and appeasing the spirits of the dead. This festival involved rituals aimed at exorcising malevolent spirits from the home, and it was believed that this time was particularly inauspicious for starting new ventures, including marriage.

The cultural significance placed on specific times and festivals influenced various aspects of daily life, including marriage customs. In contrast, other months like April and June were often viewed more favorably for weddings, as they did not carry the same connotations of danger or ill omen related to the festivities observed in May. Thus, the association of May with spiritual unrest made it a month many Romans avoided for matrimonial ceremonies.