Households elected a “King of the Saturnalia” (also known the Lord of Misrule in modern times) who was tasked with causing mischief and creating chaos, usually by yelling commands that other partygoers had to obey. Role reversal was a common theme for instance, slaves were typically served dinner before their masters, and may have even been served by the masters themselves. The courts of law closed, and social norms were flipped upside down. Traditionally, Saturnalia was a day when all work came to halt. Saturnalia-and the time of the Winter Solstice-is a celebration of both sides of Saturn: the discipline and grueling work that we have completed throughout the year (especially relevant for an agricultural society like Ancient Rome, yet still meaningful today), rewarded with a period of rest and merrymaking.īecause indeed, that is exactly what Saturnalia is about: merrymaking.
#SATURNALIA CHRISTMAS HOW TO#
He taught the people about agriculture and how to save their money, so they might never experience hunger or poverty again-the payout of discipline and restraint.
To the Ancient Romans, Saturn was also an agricultural god and the ruler of a great Golden Age, a time of abundance and perfect peace. But there is much more to Saturn than this narrative! Those of you who are interested in astrology may know Saturn (the planet) as the Greater Malefic, and indeed he is associated with harsh lessons such as limitations, karma, structure, discipline, and sometimes decay or destruction. Saturnalia was an ancient Roman festival held on December 17th in honor of the god Saturn. Yule may be the most well-known pagan celebration of the Winter Solstice, but it is certainly not the only one-nor is it the only one that lent several of its traditions to Christmas (because yes, many of our modern-day Christmas traditions have pagan roots).
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