During the topsy-turviness of Saturnalia, slaves could insult their masters without fear of punishment, masters served their slaves food, and all ate together at the same table. Other rules were also loosened and roles were reversed. Whoever was selected would have the job of ruling (or misruling) by insulting dinner guests, chasing people around the house, and stirring up debauchery. Games like these were overseen by the King of Saturnalia, a figure chosen in each household by drawing lots. Usually banned by taboo, all Romans were allowed to play during this week, including slaves. What caused the shouts Pliny preferred to steer clear of? One of the activities permitted on Saturnalia was gambling. His preoccupation with reading was what saved him from the same fate as his uncle, Pliny the Elder - being swallowed by a pyroclastic flow from Mt. Side note: he sounds like a killjoy, but Pliny’s dourness wasn’t totally in vain. …I find it delightful to sit there, especially during the Saturnalia, when all the rest of the house rings with the merriment and shouts of the festival-makers for then I do not interfere with their amusements, and they do not distract me from my studies. This fact was something Pliny the Younger, nephew of Pliny the Elder, didn’t enjoy: It is true, though, that the private face of this festival would have been loud and raucous. The religious foundation of Saturnalia seems, more often than not, to be overlooked in favor of more exciting and frivolous things. By “releasing” Saturn, the world was seen to return to its primeval state of innocence and plenty.įollowing the Punic Wars, the holiday changed and slowly began to grow from one day to a whole week, stretching from December 17-23. Originally meant as a literal and symbolic liberation of Saturn, priests would enter his namesake temple in Rome to cut off the wool that bound his statue’s feet. On December 17, the Romans would kick off their largest festival of the year - Saturnalia. Even if my better judgment has prevented me from spicing up the modern holiday season with pagan revelry, it’s still fascinating to think about. Why don’t we think about going from door to door shouting, “ Io Saturnalia!” or playing knucklebones in public? That’d be something totally new, but most people would think you’ve gone around the bend. But if I’m being completely honest, it can grow awfully predictable. Don’t get me wrong, I like this time of year. The air of mirth is obvious!Īfter hearing the same set of Christmas songs over and over again and driving by miles of lights, I’m inclined to find the whole idea of “holiday cheer” stale. Here, a less gastronomical description of one of the merriest celebrations in classical Rome.Īntoine-François Callet’s vision of Saturnalia in 1783, Winter or Saturnalia ( L’Hiver ou les Saturnales), the Louvre. Though it’s Jupiter who Holst named the Bringer of Jollity, it was Saturn who brought the Romans into the streets and taverns.
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