In Roman culture, the modius was more commonly recognized as a circular, flat cap worn by certain individuals in symbolic contexts. It was linked to the harvest and fertility rituals, as its shape and form were thought to represent a grain measure, the modius, which was used to denote a specific quantity of grain. This association with grain made the modius an important symbol in agrarian societies, representing abundance and prosperity. The headdress was worn during specific public or religious ceremonies, particularly those honoring deities like Ceres, the Roman goddess of agriculture, or Saturn, the god of sowing and harvest.

For the Romans, the modius was also worn by certain priests and officials as part of their ceremonial attire, underscoring their connection to agricultural rites and the welfare of the community. In some representations, the modius could also symbolize social status, particularly for those involved in agricultural administration or public works related to food distribution and management.

In ancient Greece, the modius headdress was less prevalent but still made appearances, especially in relation to religious rituals. The Greeks also had associations between grain and fertility, and deities such as Demeter, the goddess of agriculture, and Persephone, the goddess of spring and fertility, were closely linked to the harvest cycle. In the context of these agricultural deities, the modius, as a symbolic object representing the grain measure, could appear in rituals designed to ensure a bountiful harvest. However, in Greek tradition, the modius was less formalized as a headpiece and was more commonly used as a representation in sculptural art or reliefs than as part of everyday attire.