Bulla: The Roman Protective Amulet for Children – Cultural Significance of Amulets and Talismans

Bulla (plural:Bullae)

Large blister containing a watery fluid; similar to a vesicle but larger.

In ancient Rome, a bulla was a hollow, rounded pendant worn by boys and girls as a protective amulet. It was made of leather or metal, and was often filled with objects such as hair or amulets. Boys wore a bulla until they reached the age of 14, while girls wore them until they were married.

The bulla was believed to provide protection from harm and evil spirits, and was often given to a child at birth. It was an important symbol of a child’s status and was worn as a mark of their identity. The bulla was often decorated with symbols of good luck and prosperity, such as the figure of a phallus or the fly-whisk of the paterfamilias.

As a tutor, when teaching about the Roman culture, you could explain the importance of bullae and their role in the lives of children in ancient Rome. You could also discuss the cultural significance of amulets and talismans in different cultures around the world and how they relate to the idea of protective objects.

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