A rainfall of rose petals from the Pantheon oculus

The magical appearance of “La pioggia di petali di rose” or the rain of rose petals coming down from oculus of the Pantheon is beautiful and spectacular that produces effects that go far beyond the religious aspects.

Although nobody really knows its origins, it is assumed that it dates back to the times of the early Christians, though there are also people who believe that on May 13, 609 (AD) the first celebration of the rose petal ceremony took place, after the inauguration of the Pantheon as a church. In 608 the Byzantine emperor Focas bestowed the Pantheon as a gift to Pope Bonifatius IV, who converted the building into a church dedicated to St. Mary and the Martyrs. After being suspended for many years, oddly enough only in 1995, Archbishop Antonio German resurrected this tradition on Pentecost Sunday and it is now called “la Domenica delle Rose" or the Sunday of the roses”.

The ceremony starts with the Mass of Pentecost (50th day after Easter) that commemorates the descent of the Holy Spirit upon Mary and the Apostles. At the end of the Mass five vigili del fuoco (fire fighters) climb to the top of the dome with seven canvas bags containing red rose petals. After reaching the top of the dome (at a height of almost 44 meters) the five fire fighters begin to drop thousands and thousands of red rose petals through the large circular aperture of 8,92 meters in diameter, that radiates light and heat inside the Pantheon.

The “rain of red roses” symbolizes the descent of the Holy Spirit in the form of flames on the day of Pentecost. The fluttering petals initiate a striking, almost magical sight. While the choir sings the hymn “Veni Creator Spiritus” the red rose petals slowly descend in rays of sunlight to create a drizzling rain that will form a red carpet on the floor of the Pantheon.