It is a celebration of light coming up to the winter solstice, according to one interpretation in Macrobius' book, with the abundance of lights signifying the desire for knowledge and truth. It was celebrated close to the winter solstice. The festivities lasted for around seven days, from December 17 to December 23. Saturnalia is one of the most famous and prevalent Roman holidays. The poet Catullus considered it to be the greatest of days. Sigillaria, or small sculptures fashioned of wax or clay, were popular presents. The nomination of a 'King of the Saturnalia,' who would deliver orders to the people and preside over the celebration, was a common practice. It was considered a period of liberation for all. The celebrations even included giving gifts, nonstop partying, and a carnival atmosphere that defied Roman social standards. The festivities of one of the most prevalent Roman holidays used to usually commence with offering gifts or sacrifice at Saturn's Temple. Celebrations And Observances Of Saturnalia Cato the Elder (234–149 BC) recalls a time when the Roman Saturnalia lacked the so-called 'Greek' components.
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They adopted Greek rituals after consulting the 'Sibylline Books,' which included sacrifices performed in the Greek style, a public meal, and the continuous cries of 'io Saturnalia' that became associated with the event. They had been celebrating the event according to Roman custom up to that point. Saturnalia festivals have not been described anywhere completely only bits and pieces of the festivities are found in the work of Macrobius, a Latin writer.Īfter the Battle of Lake Trasimene, when the Romans suffered one of their most terrible losses by Carthage during the Second Punic War, Saturnalia underwent a major reorganization in 217 BC. Saturnalia celebrations were designed to imitate the conditions of a bygone mythological era.
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#Saturnalia traditions free
Saturn was a Roman agricultural deity who was claimed to have ruled the globe during the Golden Age when mankind was free to enjoy the natural wealth of the ground without having to work.
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Continue reading to learn more about this Roman holiday. The festival's impact may still be felt across the western world. Saturnalia, dedicated to the Roman deity Saturn, is the most well-known of Roman celebrations. Saturn was a deity of agriculture, wealth, and renewal. In honor of the Roman god Saturn, the Saturnalia festival was celebrated in ancient Rome. Did you know that the Romans had a festival that lasted a week?