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Get ready to celebrate the ancient Roman holiday of Saturnalia on December 17! This festival was dedicated to the god Saturn and was known for its lively and festive atmosphere. It was a time for feasting, gift-giving, and wild parties – a way to honor the end of the agricultural season and welcome the winter solstice. During this holiday, social norms were relaxed and people from all walks of life came together to enjoy each other's company. So let loose, indulge in some delicious food and drinks, and embrace the spirit of joy and merriment that Saturnalia brings!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>497 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Origin of Saturnalia</div><div class='timeline-text'>First records of Saturnalia when Romans honored Saturn, the god of agriculture.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>217 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Temple of Saturn built</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Roman Senate dedicated the Temple of Saturn in the Roman Forum.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>50 BCE</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Expansion of Celebrations</div><div class='timeline-text'>Julius Caesar extends Saturnalia to a week-long extravaganza.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>300</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Peak Popularity</div><div class='timeline-text'>Saturnalia reached its peak in popularity and influence across the Roman Empire.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>400</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Christian Influence</div><div class='timeline-text'>Christian leaders begin to absorb Saturnalian traditions into Christmas celebrations.</div></div></div>
<div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Throw a Saturnalia party</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Invite friends over for a festive Saturnalia party, complete with traditional Roman decorations, food, and activities. It's a great way to celebrate the holiday and learn about its history.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Exchange gifts with loved ones</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Just like the ancient Romans did during Saturnalia, exchange small gifts with your loved ones to show your appreciation and love for them.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Dress up in Roman attire</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Get into the spirit of Saturnalia by dressing up in traditional Roman clothing or togas. You can even have a costume contest at your party!</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Attend a Saturnalia festival or event</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Check your local events calendar for any Saturnalia festivals or events happening in your area. These are great opportunities to learn more about the holiday and celebrate with others.</p></div></div><div id='' class='facts-item'><div id='' class='facts-header'><h3 id='' class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div id='' class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 id='' class='facts-title'>Create a Saturnalia-inspired feast</h3><p id='' class='facts-text'>Gather friends and family for a traditional Saturnalia feast, complete with roasted pork, mulled wine, and other festive dishes. It's a great way to experience the flavors of ancient Rome and celebrate the holiday together.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Ancient roots and traditions</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Saturnalia originates from ancient Roman celebrations in honor of the god Saturn. For history buffs or those interested in ancient cultures, it's a great opportunity to learn more about this holiday and its customs.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>A time for relaxation and indulgence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>During Saturnalia, Romans were encouraged to let loose and indulge in food, drink, gambling, and other activities normally frowned upon. In today's fast-paced world, taking a break to unwind and have fun is essential - making Saturnalia an appealing holiday for many.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Embracing the spirit of giving</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Traditionally, Saturnalia was a time for gift-giving and showing generosity towards others. This resonates with the modern celebration of Christmas and encourages people to spread joy and kindness during the holiday season. Plus, who doesn't love receiving gifts!</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saturnalia was a Holiday of Role-Reversal</h3><p class='facts-content'>Subverting the norms of Roman society, during Saturnalia slaves were allowed to eat at the master's table, and masters would serve their slaves, signifying the free-wheeling spirit of the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The God Saturn Was "Unbound" for the Duration of the Celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>In Roman mythology, Saturn was typically depicted with his feet bound in chains. But during Saturnalia, his statue's bindings were loosened to symbolize his benevolence during this festive period.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saturnalia Was Marked with a Public Banquet</h3><p class='facts-content'>A public feast was held at the start of Saturnalia, setting the tone for a week of merrymaking and festivities.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The Traditional Hat of Saturnalia was the "Pileus"</h3><p class='facts-content'>A pileus, a brimless, felt cap, was traditionally worn during Saturnalia celebrations. This cap was also given to Roman slaves when they were granted freedom, reflecting the egalitarian spirit of the festival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Saturnalia Included a Practice of Randomly Choosing a "King of Chaos"</h3><p class='facts-content'>A Lord of Misrule, or "King of Chaos," was randomly chosen from a group at Saturnalia feasts. This position allowed the person to give any command that had to be obeyed, further promoting the holiday's themes of overturning societal norms and indulging in fun chaos.</p></div></div>
Saturnalia is celebrated on December 17th every year. In 2024 Saturnalia will occur on a Tuesday.
2023
Dec 17
Sunday
2024
Dec 17
Tuesday
2025
Dec 17
Wednesday
2026
Dec 17
Thursday
2027
Dec 17
Friday
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