


The fact that Christmas was celebrated on the birthday of the unconquered sun ( dies solis invicti nati) gave the season a solar background, connected with the kalends of January (January 1, the Roman New Year) when houses were decorated with greenery and lights, and presents were given to children and the poor. The influence of the Saturnalia upon the celebrations of Christmas and the New Year has been direct. The world’s most remote place, far from human habitation, is Point Nemo in the Pacific Ocean-and that’s where large “space junk” is deliberately sent to crash when it reenters Earth’s atmosphere. The cult statue of Saturn himself, traditionally bound at the feet with woolen bands, was untied, presumably to come out and join the fun. The closing days of the Saturnalia were known as Sigillaria, because of the custom of making, toward the end of the festival, presents of candles, wax models of fruit, and waxen statuettes which were fashioned by the sigillarii or manufacturers of small figures in wax and other media. The streets were infected with a Mardi Gras madness a mock king was chosen ( Saturnalicius princeps) the seasonal greeting io Saturnalia was heard everywhere. Slaves were given temporary freedom to say and do what they liked, and certain moral restrictions were eased. Remarkably like the Greek Kronia, it was the liveliest festival of the year. The date has been connected with the winter sowing season, which in modern Italy varies from October to January. Originally celebrated on December 17, Saturnalia was extended first to three and eventually to seven days. Dedicated to the Roman god Saturn, the festival’s influence continues to be felt throughout the Western world. Saturnalia, the most popular of Roman festivals.

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