SATURNALIA

SATURNALIA

Romans were the party people of the ancient world. For them, the end of December meant only one thing, Saturnalia, and the onset of two weeks of non-stop feasting. The festivities were held in honour of Saturn, the god of Agriculture, and no detail was overlooked. The buildings were brightly lit, fir trees were decorated, presents were exchanged and slaves got their annual chance to swap places with their masters.

The Saturnalia was originally held on the 17th of December to honor Saturn as a harvest god. The celebration started at the temple of Saturn and the Romans held a public feast in honor of the God. By the late Republic, the celebration lasted from three to seven days.