In Roman religion, a household god or spirit that was believed to protect a home and family; usually seen in plural form as 'lares.'
From Latin 'lar,' of uncertain origin but possibly related to Etruscan sources. The lares were important in Roman domestic religion, with each home having its own protecting spirit.
Ancient Romans left food offerings at small shrines in their homes for the lares—so in a way, the idea of a protective family spirit watching over your house dates back at least 2,000 years!
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