5/23/11

Goddess of the Week: Coventina

Inscribed bas-relief of CoventinaImage via Wikipedia
Apparently, Allison has a new pool. She would like a goddess of all things aquatic. I give her Coventina.

Coventina is a water goddess from Northumberland, England. She had a temple there, and in that temple there was a well. People would ask Coventina for favors, and if she granted the favor they would come and drop a coin in her well. The coins would say things like, "To Couventia, Aelius Tertius, prefect of the First Cohort of Batavi, willingly and deservedly fulfils a vow." Or, "There once was a goddess Coventina, who people did ask, beg, and plead-a. I asked for a man, who was hot, tall, and tan, now I'm barefoot and pregnant. Who needs ya?" (Actually, that one sounds a lot better in the original Latin.)

The point is, Coventina is a generous goddess, and she can fulfill all your watery needs, but she expects recompense, otherwise kids are going to poop in the pool left and right--and then you'll be high, dry and indebted to the pool man. Much better to just pay your dues. Throw some coins in that pool! And don't be skimpy. Nobody wants your pennies. Even my struggling, working-class college students won't stop to pick up pennies. So throw in some dollar coins. They won't get stuck in the filter will they? They might? Jeesh. You gotta work hard to please a goddess these days. How about this? You have a nice barbecue and you offer Coventina a nice flotation device. It might work, but don't sue me if your concrete cracks.

Channel Coventina: When you need a favor. No need making your own pool; if you get what you want you can throw a coin in any fountain. Better yet, just assume you'll get your wish and throw the coin in the fountain from the get go. How do you think that old coin-in-the-fountain tradition started anyway?

Need a goddess? I got goddesses? Post a comment telling me your need. (You can also email me if you're feeling shy.) Then check back in a week or two and see what I found you.

PS: There's still time to join the drawing for your own goddess pack. Just let me know you want to be included. The drawing is next Monday. There are two drawings: One for faithful readers and one for new followers.
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14 comments:

Pasadena Adjacent said...

When I first scanned your title, I read "Goddess of West Covina" that must be where the kids poop and women end up barefoot and pregnant.

Curly said...

I need a fountain... NOW! :-D

Watson said...

We have a fountain! Send me your coins and I'll throw them in!
http://tinyurl.com/3kyzk2m

Susan Campisi said...

Now I know what to do with all those quarters I'd been saving for laundry that I no longer need now that I have a washer and dryer. I think Coventina had something to do with this. I owe her!

Margaret said...

PA: I wish the women of West Covina much more than all that.

Daisy: That sounds like a pretty good scam.

Susan: My laundry machine is still my favorite thing in my house. I lived so many years saving coins. It's paradise not to.

Joanne said...

I love fountains, and can't pass one by without tossing in a coin and making a wish :)

Petrea Burchard said...

Coventina might also enjoy some chlorine.

Shell Sherree said...

Now I have Three Coins in a Fountain on the brain, but there are worse things.

Anonymous said...

Personally, I think the limmerick was brilliant. In English.

Anonymous said...

Oh god, I misspelled limerick, didn't I? Think anyone will notice?

WV: Uncshus. Yes, that's how I spell unctuous.

Lindsay N. Currie said...

This one is great. . .made me laugh out loud and startle my dog awake:)

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Ha! This post is great, but your limerick is my FAV! :o)

LJ said...

Love your blog! I'm an existing RSS follower. Please add me to the drawing!

Anonymous said...

Coventina is one of my favorites. I'm looking for just the right water element to add into my garden to honor her. I loved visiting her in Northumberland, too.