Damona - Celtic Goddess of Cattle and Healing
Damona was the goddess of cattle and healing who was worshipped by the Celts in Gaul, specifically Burgundy.
Damona, meaning "Divine Cow", was often worshipped at healing springs either on her own or with a male consort, such as the god Borvo. The main centers of her worship were Bourbon-Lancy, Bourbonne-Les-Bains and Alise-Sainte-Reine in Gaul
The goddess was often associated with the cow and her worship demonstrates the importance of cattle and farming in Celtic culture.
Milk, butter, cheese and beef were a staple source of food and their hides used for clothing. Oxen were used for ploughing and in religious ceremonies Cows also represented wealth in Celtic culture and were an important part of the Celtic economy.
A sculpture of Damona found at Arnay-le-Duc shows her holding a snake which was a symbol of healing and regeneration. Other representations of Damona (Alise-Sainte-Raine) include the goddess with a crown of ears of corn, an association with fertility and health.
The Celtic god Abilus, the god of health, was worshipped with the goddess as his consort in Arnay-le-Duc (France) during the Bronze and Iron age. He was venerated by the sick and was associated with the snake by the Gallic tribe of the Sequaini. His worship continued into the era of the Roman Empire.
The Celtic god Abilus, the god of health, was worshipped with the goddess as his consort in Arnay-le-Duc (France) during the Bronze and Iron age. He was venerated by the sick and was associated with the snake by the Gallic tribe of the Sequaini. His worship continued into the era of the Roman Empire.
Damona's link to sleep was found on an inscription at a shrine in Bourbon-Lancy . Worshippers would sleep in her temple in the hope they would be cured after being visited by the goddess. The implication was Damona was also associated with prophecy.
The god Borvo, the god of hot springs, usually accompanied the goddess (Bourbonne-les-Bains) and the association of Damona with healing waters. The Roman god Apollo and Apollo Moritasgus (Alesia), were sometimes associated with her as was the god Abilus at Arnay-le-Duc. Links to Damona and the Irish goddess Boann have been made by modern scholars.
The gallic tribe of the Lingones were most closely associated the the worship of the goddess.
Jewellery designers today use depictions of Damona in their designs, such as engagement rings.
