In wealthier Roman households, the aturnalicius princeps or “leader of Saturnalia” were selected from among the slaves.
Numerous archaeological sites from the Roman coastal province of Constantine, now in Algeria, demonstrate that the statue of Saturn survived there until the early third century. Also, during the celebrations, the woolen bonds tied around the feet of the cult statue of Saturn were loosened to signify the god’s freedom. On the first day of the Saturnalia celebrations, a young pig would be sacrificed publicly. In the fourth century, the temple was constructed in place of an older temple. Thus, the Saturnalia celebrations are the source of many traditions associated with Christmas.ĭuring Saturnalia, celebrations were held not only at home but also in the temple of Saturn in Rome. Feasting, playing, gambling, singing, exchanging gifts and home decorations were some of the activities people enjoyed doing during this time. Slaves were allowed to take part in the celebration and even reversed roles with their masters. Businesses, courts, schools, and other social patterns were suspended while people spent time doing more fun activities. During the celebration period, all activities came to a halt. The festival began on December 17 of the Julian calendar, which the Romans used in those days, and initially ended on December 25, the time at which the winter solstice fell. The pagan celebration of the Roman god, Saturn, first began as a single day, but later extended to a whole week during the late Republic. “Io saturnalia” is the salutation during this season, so whenever you hear this greeting, know that there is excitement in the air and it is in honor of the god Saturn. Feasting, gifting, singing, dancing, games, gambling, decorations, and role-reversals were the usual activities, so on this day, businesses, schools, courts, and other forms of work would stop so that everyone could join in the fun it was the best of days. During this time, normal social patterns came to a halt. It was the liveliest festival of the year with sounds of merriment and preparation everywhere it would be very difficult not to take notice of the Saturnalia celebrations even if you were new to the environment, as the people took it very, very seriously. It was the most popular holiday on the ancient Roman calendar and was derived from older farming-related rituals of midwinter and the winter solstice. Saturnalia, celebrated from December 17 to 23, is an ancient Roman festival and holiday held to celebrate the agricultural god Saturn.
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