The celebration of Christmas on December 25, just after Saturnalia, began in Rome after the conversion of Emperor Constantine in AD312. "It was a topsy-turvy holiday of feasting, drinking, singing in the street naked, clapping hands, gambling in public and making noise."Įach household would elect a King of Chaos or King of Misrule to preside over the festivities. Ohhhh, the old year dies, the new year’s born, the gods are smiling down. Drag your keg of beer, To the bonfire burning near, Lift your mug on high, and raise your voice in cheer. The 2nd century Greek poet Lucian told us that the serious is barred and no business allowed at Saturnalia but singing naked is encouraged. Lo, Saturnalia On Saturnalia go, Out into the snow, Take your master’s clothes, And wear them like your own. Wearing greenery and jewelry of a sacred nature was apparently common, based on descriptions, drawings, and the like from the era.During Saturnalia is was customary for slaves and masters to exchange roles, with the slaves relaxing as their masters did the cooking for them. People were just as likely to be ornamented as the trees. Trees were not brought indoors (the Germans started that tradition), but decorated where they grew. Many Christmas traditions come from pagan celebrations such as Saturnalia. Saturnalia also has a big influence on modern-day religions such as Christianity. Held on the 17th of December it has evolved from a one-day holiday to a week-long festival, ending on the 23rd. Ornaments in the trees included sun symbols, stars, and faces of the God Janus. Saturnalia is an ancient Roman pagan holiday in honor of the god Saturn. Many of the decorations involved greenery - swathes, garlands, wreaths, etc - being hung over doorways and windows, and ornamenting stairs. 100 ring-spun cotton Sport Grey is 90 ring-spun cotton, 10 polyester Dark Heather is 65 polyester, 35 cotton 4. In centuries past the holiday was celebrated with a sacrifice and a public banquet, followed by private gift-giving and continual partying that would take place in a carnival atmosphere and that overturned social norms. The standard greeting during this period was “Io Saturnalia!” Called the best of days by the poet Catullus, Saturnalia is an ancient festival and holiday in honor of the god Saturn. Starting as a one-day feast, it expanded to three days, then a whole week, from December 17 to 23. The first Saturnalia was in 497BC when the Temple of Saturn in Rome was dedicated. Saturnalia was the time to show how thankful you were for Saturn's bounty by stuffing your face with as much of it as you could. The traditional gifts were wax tapers and little dolls, although gifts of silver later became traditional. The statue of the god was hollow and filled with olive oil, as a symbol of his agricultural functions.Īfter the rituals, the Senators dismissed the crowd with the cry of "Io, Saturnalia!", a sign for the happy festivities of family parties and other private gatherings to begin. In ancient Rome Saturnalia festivities began with ritual and sacrifices in the Temple of Saturn. Talks will be advertised in the village and in the monthly newsletter.Saturnalia began as a farmers’ festival to honor Saturn, an agricultural diety. Why not join us for an enjoyable evening with a friendly group of people, a glass of wine and a talk presented by a subject matter expert. Membership forms are available on the History Society website. Membership is £15 per annum or £3 for a casual visit. Currently there are approximately 55 members and new members are always welcomed into a friendly atmosphere. Talks are held once a month, except for August and December, on a Thursday evening in the Village Hall. To enable the inclusion of speakers on other topics of interest and the organization of more diverse events the society will now be known as the EAST HADDON VILLAGE SOCIETY. Coven Tree Lyrics: Lo, Saturnalia, the gods will come tonight / Well sit at their table and share their infernal light / Oh, lord of misrule your song is. Home » What's On in East Haddon » East Haddon Village Society (Previously East Haddon History Society) East Haddon Village Society (Previously East Haddon History Society)
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