Skip main navigation
The Brooklyn Museum

Elizabeth A. Sackler Center for Feminist Art
The Dinner Party: Heritage Floor: Cardea




signature image

Judy Chicago (American, b. 1939). The Dinner Party (Heritage Floor; detail), 1974–79. Porcelain with rainbow and gold luster, 48 x 48 x 48 ft. (14.6 x 14.6 x 14.6 m). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of the Elizabeth A. Sackler Foundation, 2002.10. © Judy Chicago. Photograph by Jook Leung Photography

Cardea
Mythic, worshipped in ancient Rome, circa 753 B.C.–A.D. 476

Cardea, whose name means "door pivot," was the Roman goddess of door hinges and handles who prevented evil spirits from crossing thresholds. She was worshipped as the protector of children, particularly from vampires and witches. As a goddess of health, her emblem was the hawthorn tree, thought to have magical powers of protection. Cardea's association with doors also links her to craftworkers as their benefactor. Celebrated in the month of June, she was a goddess of the changing seasons.

Related Place Setting

Fertile Goddess

Related Heritage Floor Entries

Bona Dea
Brigid
Danu
Freya
Frija
Hera

Juno
Macha
Madderakka
Nerthus
Ninti
Tellus Mater

Last updated January 28, 2007.
About The Dinner Party Wiki

SEARCH