Legal Definitions - luctus

LUCTUS

Luctus is a Latin term used in Roman law to refer to the period of mourning after the death of a loved one. It is also known as tempus lugendi.

During the luctus, the family of the deceased would wear black clothing and refrain from attending social events.

According to Roman law, the luctus period lasted for ten months for a father or mother, and for three months for other family members.

These examples illustrate how luctus was a formal period of mourning in Roman society, with specific customs and rules to be followed by the bereaved family.