An Ancient Roman Festival

Introduction

Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival and holiday in honor of the god Saturn¹. Celebrated from December 17 to 23³, it was the most popular holiday on the ancient Roman calendar³. The festival was derived from older farming-related rituals of midwinter and the winter solstice³.

Celebrations

The holiday was celebrated with a public sacrifice at the Temple of Saturn, in the Roman Forum, followed by a public banquet¹. This was accompanied by private gift-giving, continual partying, and a carnival atmosphere that overturned Roman social norms¹.

During Saturnalia, work and business came to a halt. Schools and courts of law closed, and the normal social patterns were suspended². People decorated their homes with wreaths and other greenery, and shed their traditional togas in favor of colorful clothes known as synthesis².

Role Reversals

One of the most interesting aspects of Saturnalia was the role reversals that took place. Masters provided table service for their slaves, and it was seen as a time of liberty for both slaves and freedmen alike¹. Even enslaved people did not have to work during Saturnalia, but were allowed to participate in the festivities².

King of the Saturnalia

A common custom was the election of a “King of the Saturnalia”, who gave orders to people, which were followed and presided over the merrymaking¹.

Gift-Giving

The gifts exchanged during Saturnalia were usually gag gifts or small figurines made of wax or pottery known as sigillaria¹. Wax taper candles called cerei were common gifts during Saturnalia, to signify light returning after the solstice².

Influence on Modern Celebrations

Saturnalia may have influenced some of the customs associated with later celebrations in western Europe occurring in midwinter, particularly traditions associated with Christmas, the Feast of the Holy Innocents, and Epiphany¹. The historical western European Christmas custom of electing a “Lord of Misrule” may have its roots in Saturnalia celebrations¹.

Conclusion

Saturnalia was a time of feasting, role reversals, gift-giving, and gambling¹. It was a period of celebration and merrymaking, which overturned Roman social norms¹. The poet Catullus called it “the best of days”¹. Despite being an ancient festival, its influence can still be seen in some of our modern holiday traditions¹..

Source: Conversation with Bing, 12/17/2023
(1) Saturnalia – Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saturnalia.
(2) SATURNALIA – December 17-23, 2023 – National Today. https://nationaltoday.com/saturnalia/.
(3) Saturnalia: Meaning, Festival & Christmas | HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-rome/saturnalia.