Saturnalia information.

1. A Roman Winter Holiday

2. Roman HolidaysRoman Holidays
 The Romans celebrated nearly 60
holidays that often took place over a
period of days.
 Major holidays
Closed schools and business
Gladiatorial games or chariot races
Special feasts and dinner parties
Image from Microsoft clipart.

3. SaturnaliaSaturnalia
 December 17
Originally one day, then three days. Finally,
extended to seven days.
 Celebrated the god Saturn
Agricultural festival celebrating fertility and
harvest
Saturn ruled during Golden Age when men
were equal. Therefore, slaves and masters
were equal for this holiday.
Image from Microsoft clipart.

4. *How does this image represent Saturn?*How does this image represent Saturn?
*Why would the Romans celebrate agriculture in*Why would the Romans celebrate agriculture in
Image by J. Kunka.

5. Day 1 = Ritual TraditionsDay 1 = Ritual Traditions
 Formal sacrifice at Temple of Saturn
 Priests untie woolen ropes that normally bind feet of the
statue of Saturn.
 Signals freedom and beginning of festival.
 Banquet
 Wear synthesis (light dressing gown) and pilei
(freedom caps)
 At end of meal, shout, “Io, Saturnalia!” (io = yo)
 Family chooses Saturnalicius Princeps, the master
of Saturnalia. He may give orders to the family.

6. During Saturnalia…During Saturnalia…
 No public business
 No school
 No war
 No legal trials
 No punishments for criminals

7. Saturnalia TraditionsSaturnalia Traditions
 Public gambling is allowed
 Slaves wear Pileus
 While wearing the Pileus, slaves are “free”
 Master serves meals to slaves during Saturnalia
 Saturnalia cake served at special banquet
 Decorate with greenery laurel, cypress, and holly
 Give gifts on last day
 Cerei – wax candles for adults
 Sagillaria – clay dolls given to children

8. What kinds of jobs did slaves do?What kinds of jobs did slaves do?
Image by J. Kunka.

9. Who this is? How do you know?Who this is? How do you know?
What is he wearing?What is he wearing?
Image by J. Kunka.

10. He is wearing a toga praetextaHe is wearing a toga praetexta
(purple border), so he is a senator.(purple border), so he is a senator.
Image by J. Kunka.

11. What is happening in this picture?What is happening in this picture?
Image by J. Kunka.

12. Modern HolidaysModern Holidays
that use Saturnalia Traditionsthat use Saturnalia Traditions
 Carnival/Mardi Gras
 Feasting
 King Cake
 Rex—king of celebration
 Christmas
 Holly
 Candles
 Gifts
 December

13. The EndThe End
Io Saturnalia!