64 BCE – 12 CE), wrote about this public feast: Finally-the month was now December – victims were slain at the temple of Saturn in Rome and a lectisternium was ordered – this time senators administered the rite – and a public feast, and throughout the City for a day and a night “Saturnalia” was cried, and the people were bidden to keep that day as a holiday and observe it in perpetuity. The famous Roman historian, Titus Livius (c. This convivium publicum was held in the Roman forum and the image of the God Saturn, presided over it. The roman authorities also put on public feasts for the people of Rome, so everyone got a chance to enjoy and indulge a little. The main sacrifice to Saturn consisted of a suckling pig, and this is what most Romans ate, if they could afford it. In a way, everyone was bound by divine decree to enjoy themselves! Enjoy the Feast! Just as with our own sacred days, food and eating played a major part in the Saturnalian festivities. No business was transacted and no war was waged. From December 17th, to December 19th, everything closed in Rome. He acknowledges and praises the changes that led to a longer festival: Long awaited, the seven Saturnalia are now at hand… “Our ancestors instituted many fine customs, and this is the best: from the deepest chill they produced the seven-day Saturnalia.” (Macrobius, Saturnalia 10.3) In addition to a lengthy period of merrymaking, just as today, things shut down for a few days. 400 CE), usually referred to simply as Macrobius, wrote what is perhaps the most famous work on this ancient festival. The ancient author Macrobius Theodosius Ambrosius (c. As it grew in popularity, however, this expanded. and if the Gods command it, well, you HAVE to obey! But Saturnalia was not always seven days in duration. (Lucian, Saturnalia II) This one paragraph is a wonderful source for us today because it highlights some of the most important traditions and activities of Saturnalia. But the great things, wealth and gold and such, Zeus distributes as he will. Drinking and being drunk, noise and games and dice, appointing of kings and feasting of slaves, singing naked, clapping of tremulous hands, an occasional ducking of corked faces in icy water,–such are the functions over which I preside. Secondly, during my week the serious is barred no business allowed. To begin with, it only lasts a week that over, I am a private person, just a man in the street. Saturn) and his priest, in which he declares that people should enjoy themselves during his festival: Mine is a limited monarchy, you see. 125-180 CE), in his dialogue, Saturnalia, relates a conversation between the god Cronus (ie. It honours Saturn who was the chthonic (of the earth) Roman god of seed sowing, who was often equated with the Greek god Cronus. This year, we’re going to be looking at the festival of Saturnalia from a different angle, that is, through the eyes of ancient writers! What did Saturnalia mean for people in ancient Rome? Was it like Christmas for us today? Did they look forward it? Did they dread the expense and preparation it required to entertain or put a smile upon the faces of their familiae? In this brief blog post, we’re going to hear from several ancient authors about what they thought of the various aspects of this ancient and sacred festival… The Gods Command You to Have a Good Time! The rule of Saturnus was thought to be a mythological ‘golden age’ for Rome, and this festival harkens back to that. To read all about the specific traditions of Saturnalia, check out the previous post entitled Io Saturnalia! – Celebrating ‘The best of days’ in Ancient Rome by CLICKING HERE. In fact many of the traditions of Saturnalia have informed our own traditions of Christmastime. It can only be described as a joyous, indulgent carnival atmosphere that involved, eating, drinking, candles, holly, gifts, music, gambling, dressing up (or down!) and more. From December the 17th to the 23rd, Romans and people across the Empire would celebrate Saturn, the Winter Solstice, and the Unconquerable Sun. Io Saturnalia, Romanophiles! It’s that time of year again, the time which the Roman poet Catullus referred to as optimo dierum, the ‘best of days’.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |