Saturnalia Facts: Learn All About The Roman Week-Long Festival

Did you know that the Romans had a festival that lasted a week?

In honor of the Roman god Saturn, the Saturnalia festival was celebrated in ancient Rome. Saturn was a deity of agriculture, wealth, and renewal.

Saturnalia, dedicated to the Roman deity Saturn, is the most well-known of Roman celebrations. The festival's impact may still be felt across the western world. Continue reading to learn more about this Roman holiday.

History And Origin Of Saturnalia

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. Saturnalia celebrations were designed to imitate the conditions of a bygone mythological era.

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.

After 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.

They had been celebrating the event according to Roman custom up to that point. 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.

Cato the Elder (234–149 BC) recalls a time when the Roman Saturnalia lacked the so-called 'Greek' components.

Celebrations And Observances Of Saturnalia

The festivities of one of the most prevalent Roman holidays used to usually commence with offering gifts or sacrifice at Saturn's Temple. This was followed by a public feast. The celebrations even included giving gifts, nonstop partying, and a carnival atmosphere that defied Roman social standards. It was considered a period of liberation for all.

The nomination of a 'King of the Saturnalia,' who would deliver orders to the people and preside over the celebration, was a common practice. Sigillaria, or small sculptures fashioned of wax or clay, were popular presents. The poet Catullus considered it to be the greatest of days.

Duration And Symbolism Of Saturnalia

Saturnalia is one of the most famous and prevalent Roman holidays. The festivities lasted for around seven days, from December 17 to December 23. It was celebrated close to the winter solstice.

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.

Porphyry, a Neoplatonist philosopher, regarded Saturnalia's liberation as symbolizing the 'freeing of souls into immortality.'

Significance Of Saturnalia

Saturnalia, dedicated to the Roman god, was a public festival. Saturnalia was initially a farmer's commemoration to celebrate the dedication of the temple of Saturn, the Roman god of agriculture and harvest.

Inside the temple originally stood a cult statue of Saturn that became the star of the show throughout Saturnalia when his feet were symbolically liberated from the woolen ties that restrained him for the remainder of the year. Saturn was then believed to be connected with liberation as a result of this deed.

It is said that they had a sort of human offering during the celebration of this festival. Legend has it that Hercules advocated the use of lights by reinterpreting the meaning of 'phota.' The word 'phota' meant both 'lights' and 'man' in Greek.

The effect of the Saturnalia on Christmas and New Year's celebrations has been direct. Several traditions of this ancient festival of Saturnalia are now said to be incorporated into what is called Christmas.

The beginning of a new year was celebrated on December 25 by the Roman Empire as it was considered to be the birthday of the unconquered Sun.

FAQs

What is Saturnalia for kids?

Saturnalia, held during mid-December, is a very old Roman festival and holiday commemorating the Roman god Saturn.

How Saturnalia led to Christmas?

Christmas traditions and Saturnalia traditions are believed to have similarities. It appears to have originated in Rome and spread to the eastern Mediterranean. The first documented mention of it honoring Christ's birth on December 25 is in the Roman Philocalian calendar of AD 354.

Is Christmas a pagan holiday?

Christmas, a Christian holiday, is not a pagan holiday. Christmas is an annual festival that celebrates Jesus Christ's birth.

What is Saturnalia?

Saturnalia was a Roman celebration that took place in the past, dedicated to the agricultural god Saturn. It took place on December 17, according to the Julian calendar. It continued until December 23.

How to celebrate Saturnalia?

The holiday was marked by an offering at the Temple of Saturn and a public meal. After that, there is gift-giving and glorious celebration.

When did Saturnalia become Christmas?

Western Christian churches, by the fourth century AD, had fixed December 25 as the date for Christmas. It is thought that Saturnalia may have had an influence on Christmas and its traditions.

What happened during Saturnalia?

Work and commerce came to a standstill during Saturnalia. Saturnalia was spent by Romans by gambling, singing, performing music, dining, socializing, and exchanging presents.

Why did the Romans celebrate Saturnalia?

It had theological significance for certain Romans, who believed it as a return to the ancient Golden Age when Saturn dominated the Earth.

What was the purpose of this Roman festival?

The Romans celebrated Saturnalia to honor the Roman god Saturn. They believed that if they made sacrifices to the gods, then the gods would bless them and grant them favors.

In which ancient culture was the winter festival of Saturnalia celebrated?

Romans celebrated the saturnalia winter festival.

Why was it called Saturnalia?

Saturnalia was celebrated by the Romans in honor of the Roman god Saturn, hence, named so. Catullus, the Roman poet, referred to it as 'the best of days.' 

What is a Saturnalia miracle?

Saturnalia was a week-long festival in Ancient Rome honoring Saturn, the God of wealth, agriculture, and renewal. Everyone in Ancient Rome were given the day off to celebrate the festivities of Saturnalia.

When was the Saturnalia held?

Saturnalia celebrations were held from December 17 to December 23.

What food did the Romans eat on Saturnalia?

The pork was the most popular Roman meat, and as the poet Martial put it, 'a pig will make you a good Saturnalia'. During Saturnalia, live pigs and pork sausage were presented as presents, and pigs were the usual sacrifice offered to Saturn.

Who is the god of Saturn?

In ancient Roman religion, Saturn was a god of generation, dissolution, wealth, agriculture, periodic rebirth, and liberation, and hence, this festival was celebrated in his honor.