In Roman mythology, the goddess Ceres is associated with the harvest and fertility. She is often depicted carrying sheaves of wheat and is celebrated during the Cerealia, a festival dedicated to agricultural abundance. Ceres plays a significant role in Roman culture, symbolizing the cycle of growth and nurturing, which reflects the importance of agriculture in society. Her mythological narratives often intertwine with themes of loss, such as the abduction of her daughter, Proserpina, representing the seasonal changes of growth and decay, vital to understanding the human experience and the connection to the earth.