![]() ![]() ![]() Constantine succeeded in drawing Christians into the pagan celebrations of Rome, which procured the religious unity needed for the success of the Holy Roman Empire. So, in the 4th century, the Roman Emperor Constantine designated December 25, the birthday of the Roman Sun-God Mithra, as the birthday of Jesus Christ, thereby placing the true Savior among the pantheon of Roman gods. Now, Catholic Church leaders needed a holiday to distract Christians from Saturnalia. ![]() Thanks to the Roman Empire’s conquests in Britain and the rest of Europe, by the 4th century A.D., Rome controlled the christian church. So, how did the Catholic Church change the name of this drunken orgy party called Saturnalia - to Christmas? The word "orgy" comes from the Greek word "orgia" meaning “secret worship.” Since most secret worship involved sexual rituals, among the early Christians the word "saturnalia" came to mean orgy (/saturnalia). Gluttonous feasting, gambling, drunkenness, public nudity, and orgies were the norm. Erotic dances were performed with a large erect penis being carried around in the dancing processionals. Dresses were exchanged with men dressing as women. However during this “Carnaval like” festival, everyday social norms were reversed. The traditions of Saturnalia-included giving gifts (toys to children), singing, lighting candles, feasting, drinking, gambling, merrymaking, and decorating “Merry” Asher Trees (borrowed from other ancient cultures). In ancient Rome, the celebration of the Winter Solstice was a weeklong party held in mid-December (Christmas to New Years) honoring their agricultural god - called Saturnalia. You can book a bespoke tour with Laura here.SATURNALIA ~ The Roman winter Solstice Orgy (Renamed Christmas) She describes herself as a true Northerner and is able to guide in North East England, Yorkshire the whole of Scotland. Laura Rhodes is a qualified Blue Badge Tourist Guide who has lived and worked in the North East of England for twenty five years having grown up in Scotland, Yorkshire and Lincolnshire. * “Io Saturnalia” was the salutation to mark the start of the festival after the public banquet on 17th December. However you celebrate, best wishes for a happy festive time! Saturnalia is being celebrated in villages along Hadrian’s wall. So, as you enjoy your own partying, gift giving and merrymaking, perhaps you can muse on the Roman parallels in some of our modern festivities? Candles were common gifts symbolising the return of light after the winter solstice. Greenery and wreaths were brought indoors to decorate homes and alongside the partying and drinking, small gifts were exchanged. Roman slaves also stopped work and were able to join the festivities in some cases they got to sit at the head of their masters’ table and were waited on.Įveryone was able to wear the freedman’s cap, a conical felt hat given to freed slaves, to celebrate the liberty and free spirit of the holiday. The Saturnalia holiday started with a religious ceremony in the Temple of Saturn, followed by a public banquet where everyone, rich or poor, was invited.ĭuring Saturnalia, businesses closed, work stopped, and people chose to wear colourful garments called synthesis instead of the traditional togas. The merrymaking originated from older agricultural rituals of midwinter, especially the offering of sacrifices or gifts to the gods to bless the future harvests. Originally celebrated on just one day, over the years the festivities grew to last a whole week and coincided with the winter solstice. Saturnalia, in honour of the agricultural god Saturn, is an ancient Roman festival traditionally held on 17 December. We adorn our tables with Christmas crackers and we don those customary party hats. Some of these traditions date from the Victorian era, but many have their roots in deeper history and the Roman festival of Saturnalia. As we approach Christmas, many of us are looking forward to the traditional Christmas celebrations which often include decorating a Christmas tree, gift-giving and sharing a delicious meal with family and friends. ![]()
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