WHITEBITCHES: Vestal Virgins

Frederick Leighton

"The Vestals were committed to the priesthood at a young age (before puberty) and were sworn to celibacy for a period of 30 years. These 30 years were, in turn, divided into three periods of a decade each: ten as students, ten in service, and ten as teachers. Afterwards, they could marry if they chose to do so.  However, few took the opportunity to leave their respected role in very luxurious surroundings. This would have required them to submit to the authority of a man, with all the restrictions placed on women by Roman law. On the other hand, a marriage to a former Vestal was highly honored." - Wikipedia

As an avid investigator of WHITEBITCHES, I am particularly drawn to the prestige this group of women was able to maintain within the context of ancient Rome.  The imagery is no less intriguing and seems ripe with inspirational qualities...