Lares

n. household gods, spirits which inhabit and guard a home (Roman Mythology)

This page is about the Roman household deities. For the Puerto Rican town, see Lares, Puerto Rico. Lares (pl.) (also called Genii loci or, more archaically, Lases) were ancient Roman deities protecting the house and the family - household gods. See also Genius, Larvae, Di Penates, Manes.Lares are presumed sons of Mercury and Lara, and deeply venerated by ancient Romans through small statues, usually put in higher places of the house, far from the floor, or even on the roof (but some statues were also on some crossings of roads). Of the Lares proper, there are only two, and they had inferior power. Over time, their power was extended over houses, country, sea, cities, etc., as the Lares became conflated with other Roman deities and protective spirits. The Genius loci was presumed taking part in all that happened inside the house, and a statue was also put on the table during the meals.
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n. lares, household gods, spirits which inhabit and guard a home (Roman Mythology)

n. home, hostel; fireside, hearth, ingle

(pl. )
of Lar
  

(n. pl.)
See 1st Lar.