![]() ![]() (Lucian, Saturnalia II) This one paragraph is a wonderful source for us today because it highlights some of the most important traditions and activities of Saturnalia. But the great things, wealth and gold and such, Zeus distributes as he will. Drinking and being drunk, noise and games and dice, appointing of kings and feasting of slaves, singing naked, clapping of tremulous hands, an occasional ducking of corked faces in icy water,–such are the functions over which I preside. Secondly, during my week the serious is barred no business allowed. To begin with, it only lasts a week that over, I am a private person, just a man in the street. Saturn) and his priest, in which he declares that people should enjoy themselves during his festival: Mine is a limited monarchy, you see. 125-180 CE), in his dialogue, Saturnalia, relates a conversation between the god Cronus (ie. It honours Saturn who was the chthonic (of the earth) Roman god of seed sowing, who was often equated with the Greek god Cronus. ![]() This year, we’re going to be looking at the festival of Saturnalia from a different angle, that is, through the eyes of ancient writers! What did Saturnalia mean for people in ancient Rome? Was it like Christmas for us today? Did they look forward it? Did they dread the expense and preparation it required to entertain or put a smile upon the faces of their familiae? In this brief blog post, we’re going to hear from several ancient authors about what they thought of the various aspects of this ancient and sacred festival… The Gods Command You to Have a Good Time! The rule of Saturnus was thought to be a mythological ‘golden age’ for Rome, and this festival harkens back to that. To read all about the specific traditions of Saturnalia, check out the previous post entitled Io Saturnalia! – Celebrating ‘The best of days’ in Ancient Rome by CLICKING HERE. In fact many of the traditions of Saturnalia have informed our own traditions of Christmastime. It can only be described as a joyous, indulgent carnival atmosphere that involved, eating, drinking, candles, holly, gifts, music, gambling, dressing up (or down!) and more. ![]() From December the 17th to the 23rd, Romans and people across the Empire would celebrate Saturn, the Winter Solstice, and the Unconquerable Sun. The poet Catullus, who loved this festival, called it “the best of days.Io Saturnalia, Romanophiles! It’s that time of year again, the time which the Roman poet Catullus referred to as optimo dierum, the ‘best of days’. Masters often waited on their slaves, gambling was permitted, and a “King of Saturnalia” could be declared to preside over general merrymaking, rather like a “Lord of Misrule”. Saturnalia offered a carnival-like atmosphere in Rome as the traditional order to things was turned upside down. they often shared small gifts, such as wax or clay figurines, but others exchanged gag gifts for a chuckle. The festival of Saturn started with sacrifices to the god, but the highlight was the banqueting and drinking with family and friends. ![]() ** This event will take place via MS Teams**Ĭlick here for how to get the MSTeams event link!Ĭontact Barb Chatwin if you have any Ancient Roman festival for Saturn in December just before the Winter solstice. We look forward to seeing you there, all are welcome!
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