Here's what else I've found out. This accident occurred during the ancient Roman festival of Hilaria, which goes from March 22, to March 25th
22 March. "The Tree Entered" (Arbor intrat). A pine tree is felled. The tree is set up at the Temple of Cybele, its trunk wrapped in wool, and its branches decked with wreathes of violets.[5]
23 March. A day of mourning.
24 March. "The Day of Blood" (Sanguis). Frenzied rites including scourging and whipping. Castration rituals would take place on this day. The tree is symbolically buried.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hilaria