Taking place in the middle of December, Saturnalia is the Roman festival that honors the
god of agriculture and time, Saturn. It is the most popular ancient Roman festival on the calendar. Saturnalia takes place close to the solstice, so it is closely related to modern-day Christmas celebrations.
Saturnalia is derived from old farming-related rituals during the solstice. These rituals involved farmers offering gifts and sacrifices to the gods during the sowing season, which falls in mid-December. Originally, the festival took place on a single day. Later, in 146 BC-31 BC, it evolved into a weeklong festival beginning December 17th on our calendars and December 25th on the Julian calendar, which was used at the time.
When Saturnalia began, everything was halted. Workplaces, government buildings and
schools were closed to allow everyone to partake in the festivities. Slaves got the day off, were allowed to participate and some even sat at the head of the table with their masters.
Festivities such as gambling, singing, dancing, gift giving and eating were done during
the days the festival lasted. The festivities got so crazy that a Roman author reportedly built a soundproof room to write in during the festival.
The last day included a celebration called Sigillaria. During this, Romans would give
their close friends small terra cotta figures called sigillaria. This could be because of human sacrifice being a part of the festival in early celebrations.
The Romans wore colorful clothes, called synthesis, during the festival, ditching their
everyday togas to show the significance of the day. Wreaths and other greenery were used as decoration throughout homes. Cerei, wax-tapered candles, were given as gifts to signify light.
During the Roman conquests into Britain, many Europeans adopted Saturnalia. This later
translated into Christmas. The most noticeable similarity between the two holidays is the day they are celebrated: December 25th. This represents the influence that many Pagan holidays have on modern celebrations.
