In fact, one of the earliest names for Rome’s Capitoline Hill was Mons Saturnius, even before Saturn’s temple was built there in 497 BCE. We know Saturn began his days as an agricultural god of seed and sowing on the Italian peninsula. The origin stories of gods often predate our archeological record. Toward the end of the festival days, gifts of small statues, called Sigillaria, and candles flourished as the eve of the Winter Solstice-the darkest night of the year-approached The poet Martial lists typical Saturnalia gifts: dice, knucklebones, balls, a pig, a parrot, pets, foodstuffs, combs, toothpicks, perfumes, pipes, items of clothing, a hat, tables, various lamps, moneyboxes, a hunting knife, an ax, cups, spoons, writing tablets, books, and masks. Many celebrated with gift-giving, bestowing small tokens of affection, even gag gifts, sometimes accompanied by little poems much like today’s greeting cards.
Gambling for nuts and coins was also permitted the one time of the year such activities were allowed, even encouraged. Bands of naked carolers roamed the streets, serenading other revelers with their bawdy songs. Much like today’s Mardi Gras, the all-day/all-night party was marked with rampant overeating and drunkenness. Domestic rituals continued over the coming days, typically roasting a suckling pig, a traditional offering for an Earth god. During Saturnalia, it was freed from its fetters as a sign of liberation.įor the enormous public banquet following the ritual sacrifice, Saturn’s statue was brought down and laid on a dining couch to preside over the feasting in style. Customarily, the feet of the temple’s statue of Saturn were bound in woolen wrappings.
Priests officiated in the Greek style, heads uncovered.
#Lo saturnalia meaning full#
But, regardless of the official decree, people often celebrated the full seven days, revelry finally winding down on December 23rd.Įach year, Saturnalia festivities began with a grand public ritual at the Temple of Saturn, nestled in the Forum at the foot of Capitoline Hill. At different times in history, the Roman state declared a three-day, five-day, or seven-day holiday from all work, school, and government functions. Read on, and remember when Saturn was welcomed with cheers: Io, Saturnalia!Ĭommemorating the anniversary of the Temple of Saturn’s dedication, Saturnalia began December 17th. Though this seems a far cry from modern astrology’s gloomy and dire warnings about a visit by “Saturn the Taskmaster,” in the context of Saturn’s “origin story,” it makes perfect sense.
Saturnalia was the direct forerunner of the holiday we now call Christmas. Two thousand years ago, the Romans celebrated Saturn in style-with feasting, songs, humor, and gift-giving.